Rue Longue - Renovated
Some of you may remember the series on Rue Longue at the end of 2007, when it was under renovation. At the time it was almost impossible to walk down the street - take a look HERE to see how the road was excavated to a depth of several feet and residents had to squeeze past on narrow planks of wood.
Rue Longue, after two years of work, is almost finished. In the main photo we see the new surface on the road. The smaller photograph - left - shows how it used to be. Yes, perhaps the tiny pavements had to be removed, but I so wish they'd used paving that was more in keeping with the feel of these medieval houses. Of course, it's safe, it's non-slip and that's what councils think of these days. And yes, there is a sense of design in the light and darker tiles giving that long winding effect in the middle, but it's awfully modern. In 1908, Rue Longue was repaired with stone from La Spezia in Italy and it's this paving that has now been replaced. Progress?
Rue Longue was the original Roman Road - the only road leading into Italy. Called Via Aurelia, it became the Via Julia Augusta in the first century and it was around this road that Menton was built in 1250 AD.
The photo below shows this street how it was not long before the new paving was laid.
Tomorrow - we'll start to explore this beautiful old street and see what's new and what's old. Do come back.
je me rappelle en effet des photos pendant la rénovation, le résultat est magnifique, j'adore la couleur des murs
ReplyDeleteGreat post, the actual and the old one: I like "before/after" photos. In this case, and in my opinion, "now" seems better than "then".
ReplyDeleteBy the way, the Aurelia passes through Livorno but is not nearly fascinating as this colorful and winding street.
You're right, Jilly. I, who know how it was before, regret that so smoothed pavement. It removes its authenticity though the house keep their charm fortunately.
ReplyDeleteWhat you learnt me about the roman origin of that street is very interesting. I visisted a blog at Montpellier, a few days ago, that presented that same road with its original stones used for the pavement. I've also visited the same road near Bézier.
I share your sentiments, Jilly, but I guess they could have done worse. I would have liked cobblestones, though...
ReplyDeleteFascinating history and beautiful renovation. I look forward to seeing your upcoming photos.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an excellent photograph. You capture the ancient energy of this street. I love the clothes hanging out, the colors and shapes of the architecture, the sense of densely packed humanity...and yet so very civil.
ReplyDeleteYou're right; the new pavement is a bit too sleek and modern for the environment. But, better than the former ankle-breaking walk!
ReplyDeleteYou're right; the new pavement is a bit too sleek and modern for the environment. But, better than the former ankle-breaking walk!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be walking up this street today.
ReplyDeleteI'm fascinated with the lovely colors. They are different but all sit side by side so beautifully. I can't wait for the tour Jilly.
ReplyDeleteV
So lovely and colourful street! Great photos:)
ReplyDeleteWow. So glad we get to discover this street with you!
ReplyDeleteQuite a contrast between then and now. I like the way the new roadway contrasts with the colours of the older buildings.
ReplyDeletewow. I do remember the upheaval! :) I still thought it was beautiful then, though wouldn't want to be living in that area during that time at all. I can't imagine how dusty and awful it must have been. I wonder how much this all cost?
ReplyDeleteIt is quite modern, but I actually do like it. At least your photo makes it look quite lovely. Plus I hardly noticed the road, my eyes were glued to the colourful buildings! :-)
I bet those women who love their high heels love this new pavement, though Jilly! :)
A long wait, but now a beautiful street.
ReplyDeleteJe crois que je suis passé dans cette rue pleine de câbles qui pendaient l'année dernière
ReplyDeleteEven with the new brick it still looks romantic. It is a shame that they couldn't re-use the old brick. Look forward to some more photos.
ReplyDeleteWell maybe the new one isn't quite as authentic and in-keeping as the old one, but at least they didn't just use asphalt! These days with more and more pressure on digging and re-digging up roads and pavements to lay cables so us bloggers can continue at even faster speeds, the temptation to save on maintenance and money is there
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