MEDIEVAL SKYSCRAPERS Photo

Photographer’s Note

MEDIEVAL SKYSCRAPERS

On August 18 we had rented a car in Livorno and were driving a closed circuit route through the Tuscan countryside — Livorno, Pisa, Vinci, Empoli, San Gimignano, Volterra, Livorno. At one point, just as we rounded a bend, we came upon a skyline of skyscrapers, silhouetted against a restless and troubled sky. What made this an overwhelming, indeed, an otherwordly experience, was that the “skyscrapers” perched on the distant hilltop were not part of a modern city, but in a medieval setting.

The storied town of San Gimignano had its roots in the 3rd century BC, having been settled originally as an Etruscan village. After it broke away from nearby Volterra, and grew to sufficient size to be assigned its own Bishop, it adopted a new name — its choice: “San Gimignano,” in honor of Giminianus, a heroic priest who had defended it against Attila's Huns. A memorable date in San Gimignano’s history is May 8, 1300, when the town hosted Dante Alighieri in his role of ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany.

The peculiar psyche that prevailed among the wealthy families in Tuscany in the Middle Ages inspired the building of towers in a contest of one-upsmanship, “who can build it higher” (things are not very different now in some parts of the world). Unlike, similar edifices in Bologna and Florence, 16 of San Gimignano’s towers (of the original 72 that existed in the 14th century) have survived. My good friend, Paolo Luigi Germana, who enlightened me on some of these numbers, also mentioned that San Gimignano is popularly known in Italy as the "City of 100 Towers." Thanks, Paolo.

Nikon D200, 28-200 mm DX Zoom Nikkor lens, UV-filter.

Wandering_Dan, PaulVDV, Tezic, feather, paololg, Docarmo, isabela_sor, belido, BWJ, macondo, ciakgiak, MLINES, Angshu, alvaraalto, Gerrit, Kielia, asajernigan, AiresSantos, Vasa, daddo, Jakab, pablominto, Buin, jafadabret, emjleclercq, Bluejeans, Uhu, kokoro-zukai, Charo, Didi, ghilain, clio has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Greg1949 (8507) 2009-09-06 6:26

Bulent, great lighting in this otherwise near perfect composition. Great stuff as usual, we all benefit from your shots.

Greg

ymrk (8781) 2009-09-06 7:31

Çatıların kontrastı ile bulutların ihtişamı göz alıcı burada.
Selamlarla hocam,

Yağmur

Wandering_Dan (3237) 2009-09-06 10:36

Merhaba, Bulent -

Fascinating contrast between the clear crisp roofs in the fg and the hazy mountainside. Funny thing about skyscrapers: Modern ones were first built because there wasn't enough room (mainly in Manhattan) to spread out, but here it seems, as you say, the product of vanity.

Best,
Dan

ManuMay (10874) 2009-09-06 11:23

Merhaba Bulent!!

Great mood on your capture, a kind of terrific view reminding dark ages on Medium age, an image full of history, good point of view and colour treatment!!

I will add you to my friends gallery!!
Best regards

Manuel

hardyuno (2299) 2009-09-06 11:48

Hi Bulent,
not easy in this light, but well managed.You choose a very good POV. Well done. TFS
HArtmut

PaulVDV (5208) 2009-09-06 12:05

Hello Bülent,
So far I had only seen pictures of the towers of San Gimignano taken from close (or closer) by.
Nice to see a picture of the complete town and a part of the countryside around it.
Now I see these towers are also very impressive from on a distance and they're dominating the beautiful Tuscany landscape.
Best regards, Paul

Tezic (16927) 2009-09-06 13:11

merhaba Bülent Bey,
çok zor ışık ortamına rağmen oldukca etkili bir kare..
geri plandaki binaların heybeti ve bulutlar oldukca güc katmış... tebrikler...
coskun

emka (21538) 2009-09-06 13:21

Hi Bulent, Splendid photo of Tuscany landscape and its "Manhattan" - San Gimignano. I was there many hears ago, when I was in Italy in spring I had not enough time. Wonderful light and composition.

The translation of your book is not ready yet but should be soon...

Warm regards

Malgorzata

feather (49862) 2009-09-06 13:21

I think it is the first time I have seen San Gimignano’s towers as part of a wider landscape, and a very impressive sight they are too. There is an eerie light which seems to be due to an impending storm on its way. You have handled that very well. I think you have made a mistake at the bottom with misaligned layers, but the main action is higher up so it's not important.
Kath

paololg (13761) 2009-09-06 13:46

Ciao dear friend,
beautiful representation of one of the most suggestive villages in Tuscany. San Gimignano is called the city of the 100 towers, even if, in origin, they were 72. Currently, there are only 16 of they. Your photo shows us an excellent example of medieval urbanism. Very interesting your notes, as always! Compliments!
Ciao, have a very nice week!
Paolo

Docarmo (8840) 2009-09-06 20:45

Hi Bulent,
This image has a strong effect of 3D. The vertical pattern of the trees is a good portal to the view of these interesting buildings - "medieval skyscrapers" is a perfect title. And the note is very informative. Thanks.
There is a kind of fog giving extra visual impact, making the image mystic.
Thanks for sharing,
Docarmo

Graal (58039) 2009-09-06 23:34

Hi Bulent,
an interesting reportage from Tuscany. Good POV and nice glance on the old city. Well presentation. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

npecanhuk (13983) 2009-09-07 9:22

Hello Bulent!
San Gemignano is one of the most special places in the Tuscan area and your picture is truly breath-taking!
The weather was strange and you really knew how to take advantage of it! The visual results are awesome!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

carper (64936) 2009-09-07 10:23

not an easy one my friend
the light is very difficult here and I know it's the light who gives the problem here, I think the composition is good, but you lost the colors in the shot and that's a shame in a good composition, your note is good Bulent as always, have a nice day.
regard jaap

isabela_sor (42175) 2009-09-07 10:26 [Comment]

Show Comment

leonorkuhn (13599) 2009-09-07 11:32

Hi Bülent,

You captured a wonderful medieval scenery! The hazy atmosphere invites you to a journey through time. Excellent composition very well done.

Have a nice week
Leonor

Beasolea (1646) 2009-09-07 14:38

Hello Bulent,
I also visited Tuscany in August.
Beautiful shot taking in not easy light. All elements capture perfectly.
Again I learned a lot from your note.
Best regards
Bea

belido (16555) 2009-09-07 16:02

Hi Bulent,

this is very graphical and I see the pp work in this sense. The dark tones make the scene more dramatic and apeling. I like a lot your note which is always informative and pleasant. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

BWJ (1773) 2009-09-07 19:09

Hello Bulent,
Capturing the different light and dealing with the vast expanses and open spaces bring their own unique aspects to this majestic landscape of the Medieval Skyscrapers. It has a wonderful three dimensional feeling and also a most mystical atmosphere. I like it very much.
Kind regards,
Betty

macondo (13123) 2009-09-07 22:08

Hello Bulent.
A difficult exposure, this one, I would guess, with the contrast between sky and landscape. The clouds look great, and you've done well to manage some highlights in the foreground, particularly with the sun glinting on the red roofs. The whole scene looks a little surreal, almost like something from Dante, with the dark clouds swirling above, and those 'skyscrapers' looming the way they do, plus the shadowy forms of the trees. It's been 15 years since I visited this town; thanks for the reminder.
Regards,
Andrew

jhm (82601) 2009-09-08 3:22

Hello Dear Bulent,

We see here almost an old painting, the same composition and colours as formerly, specially through the light hazy about the picture.
Fascinating contrast between the clear crisp roofs in the foreground and the hazy mountainside.
Very well presentation. TFS.

Warmest regards,
John.

ciakgiak (10730) 2009-09-08 10:02

Hello Bulent,
I visited S. Gimignano a few years ago and I must say that is really splendid.
Your photo has a particular light that gives a great atmosphere, thanks also to the magnificent light.
Congratulations and TFS.
Warm regards
Giorgio

anesugur (16920) 2009-09-08 14:18

Merhaba hocam,
Ön planın netliği ve canlı rengi arkasında biraz soluk kalan arka görünüm hoş bir üç boyutlu hissi sağlamış.
Elinize sağlık. Uğur

danyy (68859) 2009-09-08 23:49

Bonjour Bulent,
photo austère sous un ciel bien sombre, mais quelle ambiance bien retranscrite. J'aime beaucoup les lumières délicates de l'avant plan et ce ciel très détaillé.
Mes compliments.
Daniel.

Silvio1953 (41843) 2009-09-09 10:59

Ciao Bulent, splendid composition with wonderful towers, fantastic view of medieval San Gemignano, superb light, very well done, ciao Silvio

delpeoples (6102) 2009-09-10 3:50

Hi Bulent, welcome back, how was your amazing trip to Italy? I look forward to seeing more of your photos! What a unique composition, the old towers really do look like skyscrapers. This town of San Gimignano is amazing isn;t it? I hope you got to well and truly sample of its produce.

alibasarir (14387) 2009-09-10 7:37

merhaba bülent bey
müthiş güzel bir bakış açısı olmuş.özellikle arka planda bulutların ihtişamlı görüntüsü ve ön planda evlerin çatıları son derece güzel görünüyor.ayrıca detaylardaki keskinlikte mükemmel elinize sağlık.
selamlar saygılar
Ali

erdna (5348) 2009-09-10 8:55

You have captured a foggy atmosphere in this nicely composed photo. You lost a lot of dynamism in the haze of the fog and tonal contrast. I guess the light of the moment did not fully cooperate with you.

Andre'

lraew (42) 2009-09-10 13:50

Incredible contrast between the old and new - the tall reaching and the flats. The sky is stellar and compliments the entirety. I have taken many this week - only hope that one is worthy of Trekearth upon my return.
LIsa

MLINES (10884) 2009-09-10 23:28

Hi Bulent, I like the style here. The tall trees in the foreground and the tall towers in the background ridge give good vertical impact, if you get my thought. The classic ceramic roof tiles are Tuscany for sure. What a wonderful place to be. TFS. Murray.
PS just back from visiting graphite mines near Qingdao.

ahmetgedikli (21916) 2009-09-11 13:01

Hocam çok göz alıcı, büyüleyici bir görünüm... Işık, kontrast, ayrıntılar harika.
Selamlar, saygılar.
ahmet gedikli

kandaras (256) 2009-09-11 18:45

Bulent abi, gene klasina yakisir bir fotograf yapmissin, altin sarisi keremitler cok hos ayrıca uzak plandaki devasa yapilarda heyecan verici..
tebrikler

Glint (3042) 2009-09-12 5:25

hello Bulent,
interesting cityscape and story.The walled city of Lucca has a simimar history of towers, although are are only a few left there.Somehow the lights to the feeling of looking over a medieval scene as if we have stepped back in time.
Bev

stelli (2945) 2009-09-12 9:19

Beautiful colors and great atmosphere! Excellent combination of different architectural styles! Thank you for sharing! Regards Stella

Angshu (33697) 2009-09-12 12:17

Hello Professor 'A'
This is the first time that I am seeing the famous skyscrapers of San Gimignano. You took this shot against backlight as well. What I like apart from the towers in semi silhouette is the light on the tiled roofs of the houses in the FG. I think you might have pasted a layer in the lower part of the picture, but there are some remnants left of the said PP work, though I'm not sure why that would have been required in the first place. Your notes as always are beyond compare.
Have a good Sunday
With Warmest Regards
Angshuman

alvaraalto (5231) 2009-09-12 13:22

Hi Bulent,

Indeed, this looks like New York in Tuscany.
Not the skyline, but the cypresses and the special light are typical for this beautiful region.

Groet Rob

Gerrit (35763) 2009-09-12 14:29

Hi Bulent,
It's a curious and beautiful place and I like your view very much,
The dark cypresses and the roofs on the foreground provisde a good contrast with the hay background.
regards, Gerrit

TopGeo (21847) 2009-09-13 9:11

Hi Bulent! I have heard many for the region but him still I haven't seen They has been your picture a cause him to accelerate because they is the paradise of photographer! or I make error?
Thanks for sharing,
Ciao
Georgios

mpdre (1587) 2009-09-13 9:57

Very interesting observation here, Mr Atalay. At a first look, it's true, those silhouettes in the horizon really look like skyscrapers not medieval buildings. This is another example of our constant desire for reaching the sky…

Photographically, you got a very beautiful subdued light covering the landscape, only broken by the golden tone of the roofs in the forefront. Beautiful scenery...

Of course, I am always delighted with your very informative notes...

Have a wonderful day!

Andre

Kielia (8507) 2009-09-15 11:26

Hello Bulent,
this was really a very surprising view seen from your unique POV. Your excellent photo gives me a very good idea of this historical village under the troubled sky. You have captured a fascinating mood. And I also enjoyed reading your excellent note. My compliments!
Warm regards
Harriet

asajernigan (14146) 2009-09-16 4:12

Bulent,
The lighting is amazing here creating a mood of mystery. Your composition is great with the buildings in the foreground add depth to the scene. The photo is great and your note is very informative.
TFS,
Asa

AiresSantos (42194) 2009-09-16 5:30

Hi Bulent
Amazing colours and light in this fine picture of Medieval Skyscrapers
Very good depth and sharpness
TFS and have a nice day
Aires

rikko77 (6166) 2009-09-18 3:30

Bulent, I really like the title you chose for this pic, it's effective and -yes- I've never thought before of such buildings in our Tuscanian towns like medieval skyscrapers. Good use of tele lens, I like it alot!
HAve a nice weekend,
Rikk

Vasa (5608) 2009-09-19 1:44

Great motif, dear friend Bulent. Your sensible idea and skill choice of position. So nice panoramic picture, friend. Proud of your work and your friendship,

Branko

daddo (11317) 2009-09-19 17:21

Merhaba Bulent Bey. The mood hanging over this scene is poetic and almost metaphysical, in the sense that it captures, for me at least, the relationship that the Mediaeval man had with the creator; that although he was building tall edifices, the day of Judgment was always night-what with plagues and wars being a regular occurrence.The common man must have felt the weight and wrath from both the nobility and the Heavens. The filter has augmented well the special results. Selamlar. Klaudio.

Jakab (3470) 2009-09-20 14:50

Hello Bulent,
an extremly interesting picture for me who saw this view in very different light conditions. The silhouettes of the towers appear here like a part of Manhattan put into Tuscany while the dark clouds in the background produce a dramatic atmosphere, also far from the usual Tuscan mood.
Congratulations!
Laszlo

devimeuxbe (55865) 2009-09-20 15:03

Hi Bulent
i like the nice perspective you get here on the medieval city. The shadows are well composed. Nice dramatic sky also
Well done
Bertrand

pablominto (40754) 2009-09-20 23:38

Hello Bulent,

I like the atmosphere, the light is amazing!
Beautiful reflection off the roofs in front, to the nicely exposed clouds in back...
A well framed scene, strong feeling of depth with an almost 3D effect..!

Greetings,
Pablo -

Buin (37736) 2009-09-21 22:20

Hallo Bulent!
I again have had a walk in your collection and this one caught my eyes. Besides the realoly impressive ancient building here I like the a bit mystic atmosphere in the picture - caused by the light and the tiny bit haze. I also like how these towers are "imitated" by these cypresses in foreground. A great one!
Greetings from still summerly Germany!
Frank

jafadabret (39697) 2009-09-24 4:34

Bonjour Bulent.
Ta photo semble révéler une étrange atmosphère avec la lumière du soir sur ces gratte-ciel du Moyen-Age. On dirait une image tirée du film "Le nom de la Rose".
Bonne fin de journée !
Amical salut !
Jacques

emjleclercq (14310) 2009-09-25 14:33

A very interesting note to illustrated this original landscape. For the picture itself, there is an curius contrast between acolored foreground and the slightly faded line of the towers up the hill, which comes probably from the cloudy sky. In a way, combined with your note, we could say that the towers are emerging of the past...

All the best,

Emmanuel

Bluejeans (32391) 2009-09-26 5:44

Ola amigo ,
Beleza de ruínas no alto da colina ,eram os arranha -céus daqueles tempos antigos , gostei muito deste primeiro plano bonitos detalhes com estes telhados , parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Uhu (7380) 2009-09-27 3:01

Skyscrapers indeed!
There are small nation in Caucasus, named svans, living in a territory named "Svanetia", they also had this habit - every family had to built a tower - more or less prominent. One difference is that they were building their towers in a countryside, not in a towns.
Great photo - excellent play of a lighting on it.

kokoro-zukai (164) 2009-09-28 23:14

Hello Bulent,

Just a beautiful capture of San Gimignano from a distant countryside. A modern interpretation of 'who lives/rents in higher location/floor' here in Hong Kong also defines their stature.

I really never had the chance to see San Gimignano from afar only here at TE. I was seated on the other side of the tourist coach and only saw San Gimignano upon getting off by foot and arriving at one of the plaza.

Charo (31671) 2009-09-30 17:24

Hello Bulent,
When you approach the city and if the sight of its towers is backlit, you think of a modern city with skyscrapers, nothing is further from the truth.
Wonderful perspective and light, for I see you had a reasonable day for the visit cloudy.
Best wishes,
Charo

jemaflor (39433) 2009-10-01 11:37

Hi Bulent,
Impressive clouds over this beautiful village, well also these roofs in the fg, bravo for this funny title.

Didi (36158) 2009-10-05 11:55

Salam dear Bulent
Very dramatic ambiance with theese special lights
The roof houses seems to be covered by gold.
Your point of view is very good. I think it was a very hot day.
Well done.
Greetings from Orléans

ghilain (1714) 2009-10-05 12:51

Hello Bulent,

Thank you for this note very interesting and well written.
Yes, San Gimignano is a wonderful city that we step back in time! Your photo is very successful!

Have a nice day.

brigitte

Tue (25608) 2009-10-14 14:24

Hi Bulent,
The hazy view of the medieval skyscrapers creates a wonderful atmosphere, futher emphasised by the sunlit orange roofs in the foreground. A beautiful view, which is well composed, thanks for sharing!
Regards,
Lars

claudeD (11336) 2009-10-25 9:57

Hello Bulent,

very fine landscape shot with a good composition and fine contrasts.I like this scenery very much.Excellent photojob.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

Jean-Claude

mikolaj_kawa (30263) 2009-11-17 11:05

Hello Bulent! Amazing landscape, wonderful countryside, nice lightness, magical mist. Very interesting architecture and nature. Good exposure. Good luck!

clio (22779) 2009-11-20 13:41

Hi Bulent
Fantastic dialogue about verticality between towers and cypress!
I also like very much the contrasts of lights and colors between the first one and the background.
Great Tuscany's shot!
Diane

Clementi (44215) 2009-11-27 15:04

Ciao Bulent,
an incredibly beautiful landscape, perhaps only to the world. beautiful image.
In Roma there is a show of Leonardo that it perhaps interests yourself, if I succeed I go to make the photos. macchine di Leonardo
Giorgio