Took this last week in a rain drenched Naples, Italy. Trying to find out what the story is behind the statuette and flowers, why and for what purpose someone has placed it there, I thought maybe someone here would know. It´s on the outer edge of a groyne, maybe hundred meters off shore, in the Bay of Naples. Any ideas?

[charliezap]

I don't know the answer Nick but I like the shot.--charliezap

[Nick Nero]

I don't know the answer Nick but I like the shot.--charliezap

Thank you, Charlie. Seems it´s gonna remain unanswered but happy you like the shot // Nick

[paulh]

Don't know the answer either, but I have to say you've captured the dreariness of the weather beautifully! (Here and in the POTW) --Hoping you get some sunshine soon

[SpecialK]

It looks like something religious. No idea why.

[ashurbanipal]

It reminds of the roadside crosses people put up around here at the scene of a fatal traffic accident. I like this picture quite a bit, though!

[eaglem]

Could it be there to bless the boats as they pass by? Kind of like blessing the fleet (fishing boats) as they do in Fremantle each year.

[Nick Nero]

Don't know the answer either, but I have to say you've captured the dreariness of the weather beautifully! (Here and in the POTW) --Hoping you get some sunshine soon

Thank you for the nice words, Paul. Did put the 55-300 not-at-all-WR in harms way shooting this in pouring rain. Just had to. You know how it is. // Nick

[Nick Nero]

It looks like something religious. No idea why.

It reminds of the roadside crosses people put up around here at the scene of a fatal traffic accident. I like this picture quite a bit, though!

Could it be there to bless the boats as they pass by? Kind of like blessing the fleet (fishing boats) as they do in Fremantle each year.

Well guys, I think we have too few Italians or maybe Catholics on the forum. I´ve also been thinking that either it could be like a madonna or saint watching over the fishermen or to commemorate those already lost at sea like you´re saying. Thanks for having a look. Appreciated // Nick

[bruce.mclaren]

Well guys, I think we have too few Italians or maybe Catholics on the forum. I´ve also been thinking that either it could be like a madonna or saint watching over the fishermen or to commemorate those already lost at sea like you´re saying. Thanks for having a look. Appreciated // Nick

I'm italian but i'm not from Naples. For sure this is a Madonna but i actually don't know why it was placed there. Usually in Italy these statuettes are placed along the roads (especially in southern Italy) in very small alcoves, namely "conicelle".

[Nick Nero]

I'm italian but i'm not from Naples. For sure this is a Madonna but i actually don't know why it was placed there. Usually in Italy these statuettes are placed along the roads (especially in southern Italy) in very small alcoves, namely "conicelle".

Thanks, Bruce. When you say it I do remember the same thing from driving around in Portugal many years ago. There they where usually placed at the spot of a fatal accident. Truly appreciate your input and for confirming that Madonna is the proper word. // Nick

[bruce.mclaren]

Thanks, Bruce. When you say it I do remember the same thing from driving around in Portugal many years ago. There they where usually placed at the spot of a fatal accident. Truly appreciate your input and for confirming that Madonna is the proper word. // Nick

You're welcome Nero! What you say is true, sometimes theese statuette are placed where fatal accidents occour. Bit generally there isn't a real reason for their location along a road. They are merely places of worship

[Nick Nero]

You're welcome Nero! What you say is true, sometimes theese statuette are placed where fatal accidents occour. Bit generally there isn't a real reason for their location along a road. They are merely places of worship

On our list of things to do is a road trip round the parts of Northern Italy. After last week in Naples I´m even more keen to do that and get more first hand expercience of the country. Again, thank you // Nick

[bruce.mclaren]

If you're going to come in Parma let me know!there are plenty of good restaurants!

[Nick Nero]

If you're going to come in Parma let me know!there are plenty of good restaurants!

I´ll keep that in mind, thank you