THE LEANING TOWER OF VENICE, a photo from Venice, Veneto

Photographer's Note

THE LEANING TOWER OF VENICE

The Crystal Serenity sailed out of Venice on August 25th, slipping by architectural masterpieces all bathed in the late afternoon sunlight. On board to give lectures, I took the photo from the Promenade Deck of the ship, as it crossed the intersection of St. Mark’s Basin with the Grand Canal. The view shows the dome and spires of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute. A tower in the background is seen leaning subtly in the manner of many others in Venice, including the Bell Tower of the Greek Church seen in an earlier post, VIVALDI, THE OSPEDALE, AND THE LEANING STEEPLE.

It is ironic that the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Salute, one of the prominent gems of Venetian religious architecture, owes its existence to a terrifying epidemic that struck during the Italian Baroque Period. The Bubonic Plague had been ravaging Venice, and by 1630, when it wiped out a third of Venice’s estimated population of 150,000, the political leaders of the city made a pledge to God: if He would stop the plague, they would show their gratitude by building a defining edifice to honor the Virgin Mary. And indeed, as the plague subsided, the authorities awarded architect Baldassare Longhena the commission to build a great basilica at the tip of Dosuro, on land gained by driving over 1.5 million pylons into the swamp. The construction continued for 58 years, its architect having passed away six years before the church’s completion in 1688. Venetian scenes like the one in the photograph, with its canal, bridges, domes and spires must have inspired two of its favorite sons — Vivaldi (1678-1741) and Canaletto (1697-1768) — in creating their masterpieces in music and paintings, respectively.

This image is dedicated to Paolo Luigi Germano, who frequently posts photos from his beloved Italy. We spent two sensational days walking around Venice and Treviso on August 24-25.

daddo, shevchenko, baddori, snunney, phwall, Guenther, paololg, BWJ, Glint, Bluejeans, jhm, pablominto, Royaldevon, JCG, Silvio1953, Graal, bukitgolfb301, Didi, gunbud, Angshu, danos, Kielia, photoray, Cretense, windosil, PaulVDV, meltemi, macjake, nobuikehonda has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

daddo (18517) 2010-09-27 21:19

Merhaba Bulent Bey. Well, interesting how things happen: practically at the same time you post an image of venice from 2010 and i from 1978 in B&W.I see that you continue to show us the world through your crystal serene POV. By the way, my Dalmatian mob blame the denuded nature of our native land on the Venetians who i was told chopped down our forests to raise their city from the swamps. Regards. Klaudio.

shevchenko (18243) 2010-09-27 22:28

Hi Bulent,
Informative note for study the related history and the purpose to built a church, good frame to the dome and towers in different design, nice roof top shot, good perspective, distinct photo, well done.
Ally

baddori (18988) 2010-09-27 22:48

Bulent
Una Venezia ...per un verso inedita .
Un gioco di prospettive e linee cadenti ......il bello della foto con elementi verticali .
Le lenti giocano con noi.
La dedica al caro amico Paolo ...un gentiluomo ...
Ciao
Gianfranco

emka (58194) 2010-09-27 22:56

Hi Bulent,
I would like to make some walks in Venice and Treviso sith you and Paolo!
From the deckof the Crystal serenity you had an unique POV. Fantastic view of the roofs and towers. Interesting photo, very original one.

Warm regards

Malgorata

danyy (0) 2010-09-27 23:31

Bonjour Bulent,
grande concentration de clochers au mètre carré ou au mètre cube. Un cadrage que je trouve bien équilibré. des couleurs et lumières naturelles.
Amicalement.
Daniel.

Urs (11850) 2010-09-28 1:00

Hi Bulent

Thanks for your critique. Lately I'm a bit in time pressure, so I visit TE only when I have a few free minutes. Leaning tower, yes that is correct and you framed a number of towers, I think about 8 of them, a very interesting POV over the roofs of Venice. Well seen and executed. Very good photo job.

Warm regards
Urs

phwall (6781) 2010-09-28 1:15

My dear Bulent,
What a lovely and unique view across the rooftops of Venice.
I had no idea Venice also had its leaning tower, and quite a lean it is too.
I throughly enjoyed your note, 1.5 million poles, what a monumental task that must have been.
Nicely composed, although I think the shot might have had more impact if you had cropped off both sides and concentrated on the towers only.
Lovely work as usual from your good self.
Regards
Peter

snunney (67394) 2010-09-28 1:49

Hello Bulent,
A very useful note to complement this attractive image. It is well framed allowing the viewer to concentrate on the towers with their distinct architectural features. Excellent detail.

subhendu_bagchi (16590) 2010-09-28 1:59

Namaste Professor,
a beautiful presentation with the domes here. Colour is so vibrant and looking very pleasant with the soft late evening light. Excellent composition . Tfs.
Best wishes.
Subhendu

Guenther (10893) 2010-09-28 2:15

Hi Bulent,

a great POV you have chosen here! The crowd of spires, each one of them at a different distance, creates a very appealing composition. The rich note is very interesting, too. Thanks for sharing.

Kind regards,
Günther

Morac (27419) 2010-09-28 2:23

Hello Bulent,

Superbe lumière pour ce superbe ensemble de tours.
Amicalement
Marc

mursaloglu (8047) 2010-09-28 4:16

sevgili bulent bey
mkemmel bir görüntü ve harika bir mimari fotoğraf. çok basarili bir juxtaposition olmus. tebrikler ellerinize saglik efendim....ihsan

paololg (31442) 2010-09-28 4:50

Ciao dear Bulent,
thanks for the dedication, this beautiful image of the roofs of Venice is a pleasant memory of your visit to Treviso and Venice, two days in your company as two true friends, and your nice wife, was honor and proud for me. Your company (now non-virtual) was really a pleasure, and I hope can soon be another opportunity to meet. The castles of the hills of Treviso and the Venetians Villas are waiting for you! :-)
Ciao dear friend, have a nice day!
Paolo

npecanhuk (53913) 2010-09-28 10:34

Hi Bulent!
Very attractive composition with all those towers and rooftops, with special regards to that leaning one!
Sharpness, exposure, colors, pp, contrasts, horizontal format, black & white borders are all very good here!
TFS - congrats,
Best regards,
Neyvan

mikolaj_kawa (0) 2010-09-28 10:54

Hello Bulent! Superb idea, excellent point of view, good capture, original work. Perfect sharpness. Ideal lightness and colours. Well done!

BWJ (3022) 2010-09-28 19:45

Hello Bulent,
Your POV from the Crystal Serenity was perfect to capture this fantastic scene of the spectacular architecture and grandeur of Venice. It is an amazing sight and a very impressive shot! As always, your well written note is filled with interesting information.
Kind regards,
Betty

Glint (5573) 2010-09-28 23:11

hello Bulent,
an excellent rooftop view to acompany your, as always, interesting note.Nice light and natural colours.The tower lenas towards the thirds line.
best regards,
Bev

TopGeo (37994) 2010-09-28 23:13

Hi Bulent! It's really a great picture very nice presence and note! I know that (The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George in Venice, known as San Giorgio dei Greci, is the oldest and historically the most important church of the Orthodox Diaspora. It has been for centuries one of the most splendid Orthodox temples in the world ) Thank you for sharing this photo!
regards
Georgios

Bluejeans (64239) 2010-09-29 3:15

Ola Bulente,
Beleza este ponto de visão com todas estas torres de igrejas , gostei de ver a torre de Veneza de fundo inclinada , bons detalhes de arquitectura, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

BennyV (12787) 2010-09-29 4:24

Hello Bulent,

A fine frame, but it's not just that one leaning tower: it seems like there isn't one really perfectly straight tower in it! Except maybe that white crane at the horizon? A good shot, great title find and a good upload. Thanks for sharing.

Benny

jhm (122474) 2010-09-29 4:38

Dear Bulent,

You shows us a very nice image of the different towers in Venice.
Almost all an other built style, is noteworthy.
Nice old towers, but excellent maintainance.
Sharpness and clarity are of excellent quality.
Very well composition, excellent captured. TFS.

Best regards,
John

Cricri (86501) 2010-09-29 10:22

Bonjour Bulent
Le cadrage excellent sur plusieurs éléments ainsi que la tour penché, une vue intéressante sous une belle lumière et d'agréable couleurs naturels
Amitiés
cricri

PixelTerror (0) 2010-09-29 23:25

Hi Bulent
He he seems the italian architects also in Venice love the grappa ;-) A well seen photo opportunity and image taken under a pleasant light
Have a nice day JY

pablominto (53744) 2010-09-29 23:39

Hello Bulent,

Well, I guess the ground is pretty unstable and making an unsafe foundation for large buildings..!
An interesting effect indeed, well observed and recorded...
A well framed scene with good details, a delicate colour palette!

Greetings,
Pablo -

Royaldevon (17791) 2010-09-30 1:06

Good Morning Bulent,

As always, a most interesting note to accompany this fine photograph. I could imagine you situated in a high building, but it was difficult to picture you on a promenade deck in what appears to be such a built up area!
The focus is pin sharp, to capture the details and I love how the light and shadows are helping to define the contours of the buildings. This really is a bird's-eye view.

Have a good day,
Bev :-)

rodgerg (55767) 2010-09-30 4:18

Hello Bulent,

Excellent framing for this presentation of the skyline of Venice. I like the divesity of the many clock-tower, very nice. This framing give too an image with a very plesant depht.
Best regards,
Roger

sabermonajati (7601) 2010-09-30 9:49

hi
excellent frame from tomb and towers you captured.
they have a splendid architecture.
that home building 200 years ago.
regard
saber

JCG (35129) 2010-09-30 10:20

Hello Bülent,

Without your note, always interesting, which supplements your photographs, I do not think that I will have noticed, among this profusion of bell-towers and of towers, one of them leant !!! A pretty luminous panorama on these architecture air of Venice, I like much the good exposure and the quality of the image. Well seen Bülent, thank you.

With all my friendships and with soon,

Jean-Charles

Leconte (5795) 2010-10-01 3:50

hello dear Bulent,

a fascinating view of the roofs above the fantastic city of Venice, excellent detail of the leaning tower that surprises the eye and I had not distinguished the first time, beautiful colors, beautiful composition,

best regards,
Valerie.

anokutan (15097) 2010-10-01 7:16

Merhaba Bülent Bey,
Mimari görünümüyle süper bir kare.Tebrikler ve saygılar.

Silvio1953 (98217) 2010-10-01 8:51

Ciao Bulent, unusual view of fantastic Venice, lovely dedication to our friend Paolo, great POV, beautiful natural colors and splendid clarity, very well done my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Graal (88950) 2010-10-01 23:17

Hi Bulent,
nice theme and presentation from Venice. Amazing constructions and styles of towers. Well photowork and interesting note.
Have a nice day.
Aleksander

bukitgolfb301 (30087) 2010-10-02 15:05

Hello my dear Bulent

Yes this is Venice, so historical and wonderful place.
Gorgeous and considered nice framework and well mature composition as usual. The contamination of various brwons and blue sky is very comfortable and marvelous.
So faithful presentation in the detail is marvelous indeed. Blessing on your great job and thanks for sharing, have a beatuful Sunday!
Best regards,
Takero

mesutilgim (68014) 2010-10-02 21:28

Günaydın sevgili Bülent,
Ne güzel bir kare; hele kulelerin çokluğu ve çeşitliliği ! Aralarında (sol arka planda) bir vinç kulesi antik-modern dengesini kurmuş.
Gene çok keyifli bilgilendirme motları ile zenginkeşmiş bir TE katkısı.
Tebrikler
Selam ve sevgiler
MESUT ILGIM

s_lush (15592) 2010-10-03 1:33

Hello Bulent,
As your above-roofs shot shows Venice can boast of not only its canals but also the beautiful architecture and even its own leaning tower. Excellent presentation of this interesting historic city!
As for your question "is it your daughter who was in Virginia, during the summer?", as I know my daughter was to Montreal this summer, not in Virginia.
Best regards,
Sergey

Didi (48934) 2010-10-03 2:00

Salam my friend
It's an inspiration from Pisa tower ?
Nice picture under good luminosity
In France we have some churches with leaning arrow on the bell towers.
Greeting from Orleans.

ciakgiak (30331) 2010-10-03 14:13

Ciao caro Bulent,
hai avuto un grandissimo colpo d'occhio quì, la disposizione dei campanili ha creato un magnifico effetto grafico, la composizione è eccellente così come la qualità e la luce. Complimenti per questa splendida realizzazione.
Un caro saluto
Giorgio

resat1972 (5960) 2010-10-04 5:14

Merhaba Bülent Bey,

mimari muthiş.. özellikle çan kuleleri ve arkadaki kulenin uyumu ve renklerin canlılığı çok güzel. mavi gökyüzü ve farklı mimari ile harika bir çalışma.
Tebrikler

Reşat.

gunbud (34052) 2010-10-04 20:58

Hi Bulent,
This lovely vivid blue sky makes an great canvas for these competing church towers to stand out against.
Love the richness of the old textures that are so wonderfully seen in this strong light.
Regards, Tom

Angshu (51174) 2010-10-05 8:12

Dear Professor 'A'
Good presentation over the roofs & domes of the Venetian landmarks, with the leaning of the tower quite clear given the verticals of the other bell towers. A fine note as always which taught me something new today.
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

saigon (6443) 2010-10-05 11:10

bonjour BULENT.
je voit que nous etions pas loin l'un de l'autre!
toi a Venezia moi a Firenze et Roma.
on aurai tpu se croisé.
belle composition dans la photo!
amitiées....aldo.

tober (8748) 2010-10-05 15:54

Merhaba Hocam, bu kez ünlü kanallarıyla değil, kuleleri ve çatılarıyla sıradışı bir Venedik kompozisyonu çıkarmışsınız. Bilgilendirici notunuzla birlikte her zamanki gibi bir belgesel koymuşsunuz ortaya. Ellerinize sağlık, saygılar. Tolga

danos (74056) 2010-10-06 0:26

Hi Bulent,
lovely the shot taken from the deck of the cruise Crystal Serenity,with the bell towers and the domes, to dominate in the Venetian sky.The lean tower on the background,creates a bit of surprise for someone that did not never visit Venice.Informative your note as well.

Regards,Danos

Kielia (20467) 2010-10-06 2:25

Hello Bulent,
a beautiful impression of this famous ensemble with a very interesting perspective. Excellent photo work and a very interesting note! The colors are really wonderful. I also enjoyed looking at the photos taken by Paolo!
Warm regards
Harriet

kdialyna (3148) 2010-10-06 2:59

Good morning Bulent.
A picture with Venice smell.
The unique architectonic, the light and of course the good eye from you to develop both, made this photo to be nowhere else except in Venice, the really magic place.
I think this time is the best time to visit and to make photos from Venice.
Best regards and have you good holiday time.
Kostas

photoray (4926) 2010-10-06 6:04

Hello Bulent,

I can imagine Vivaldi being inspired to write music just as your image is inspirational. And an unusual view of classical Venice across the rooftops displaying its architectural towers.

Well done,
Ray

patdeph (35738) 2010-10-06 13:37

hello Bulent
I like very much this view above the roofs with all the bell-towers which exceed and the natural colors are superb!
regards
Pascale

Cretense (68663) 2010-10-13 4:33

Hello, dear Bulent!

Excellent architecture photo, beautiful architectonic "details", some beautiful belltowers, and one tower that when it "grows old", has a dream to become the Piza tower! Great tight framing and composition, excellent light management, wonderful colours!

Warm regards,
Hercules

sacavem (18576) 2010-10-18 7:08

Olá Bulent,

TFS, Venice from above:), with its beautiful architecture and ancient roofs.Good details and pov.

Cumprimentos,
Filipe

hdl (6995) 2010-10-19 4:05

Hi Bulent. Interesting history. I know that Pisa has a leaning tower but I didn't know that about Venice. Nice rooftopshot!

PaulVDV (15017) 2010-10-30 12:48

Hello Bulent,
It's the first time I hear of the leaning tower of Venice but looking at this picture I see it does exist.
The view over the rooftops, the dome and the many towers is absolutely magnificent. Your POV is also a
special one.
Also beautiful is the distortion in the shadow of the first tower left on the dome.
Best regards, Paul

francio64 (38188) 2010-10-31 6:10

Ciao Bulent,
insolita ma bella immagine di Venezia che si concentra sui suoi tetti e campanili.
Ottima la gestione della luce e lo sharp.

Bravo! Un modo diverso di vedere Venezia.

TFS!
Francesco

Matthew-Watt (6035) 2010-12-04 19:46

Hi Bulent,

So good to visit your gallery again. There are some delightful pieces of world-class architecture to behold here. The domes and spires are both graceful and timeless. The crane in the background suggests that the famous city is still a work in progress, a dynamic and ever-changing place but with a core of well protected history. I like the classic way you have presented this photo in the white frame. Well done, and best wishes.

Matt

macjake (39235) 2010-12-18 17:20

Hi Bulent
i'm surprised i missed this one in your gallery.
this is the same composition i am currently looking to achieve for Vancouver.
as for this photo, the idea and creative way of composing all the 'tops' works so well, and is so pleasing to the eyes. the obvious tower thats leaning.....if you look closely, it doesn't appear to be the only tower thats leaning.
its a wonderful mixture of geometry, well done my friend
Cheers
craig

jmdias (45820) 2011-01-31 1:17

bulent

fabulous view, not so usual from venice, good view of these towers, including that one, I never had seen. Good light, framing, sharpness and details. very nice job. congratulations.I guess to build high towers in a swampy area isn't so easy.

hugs

jorge

ikeharel (37378) 2011-09-18 6:59

hello Bulent,
Yes, there are also a Torre-pendente in Venezia, and i saw the San-Marco cattedrale in an askew position as well.
Beautiful dome and roof-tops, and the tower like a "guard" from back.
Have a nice week ahead,
Ike

nobuikehonda (3846) 2011-09-21 8:16

Hello Professor Atalay,

This is now fifteen or more years ago that I think I saw the tower. A very informative note accompanying the photo is very helpful. As I visited Venice, My main focus was to see as many minor houses of Venice (Venezia Minore) as possible. The view that you present to us is very rare. I counted eight towers. This particular POV is very intriguing. So many churches and as many towers, as the ground of Venice is in process of sinking at ever increasing speed, the every tower built centuries ago is in serious situation. Many of the Cathedrals in France are facing equally threatened circumstances. And they are on the verge of collapse. I see the leaning towers of Venice as a symbol of such threat. I must say with a great regret that we may not be able to save many of them.

With my very best regards,
Have a very productive week, Professor
Nobu.