421 Comments for Manicomio di Collegno (Certosa)

To me, this completely barren ward actually reveals something about the place - some kind of truth of what this hospital really consisted of when it was built. I can't imagine much being different in this scene 100 years ago, in 1906, except for some furnishings and of course the residents and staff. This photo captures the "bones" of the building, so to speak. I also enjoy the composition, color, and repetition, and the photo can be cropped to various screen formats without suffering too much.

What are those two cement walls there, on either side of the steps? I love how the streaks run down. It almost looks like a waterfall. Would there be room in there for a small patio table and chairs?

I can't think of anything to add to what you all have said. Just beautiful. I'd love to have this fence around my yard. I'd have to repaint the house, though. and get green shutters.

Hey, I recognize that sink in the middle of the picture! This is another view of that room with the ivy growing through the skylight. Looks like Ivy invited a few friends in. I was kind of wishing for a look at what the rest of the room looked like. Neat-O. Forget beaded curtains; I want ivy curtains! If the ivy can add so much beauty to a room this bad, maybe I could cut back on my housecleaning. Ya think?

Once upon a time, somebody spent time carefully writing in those books, and the notations were important to somebody. Now, they're moldering on the floor, forgotten and unread. Strangely, that shoe looks to be in pretty good shape (I didn't see it at first, either). How did these things come to be forgotten and abandoned on this floor?

What an intriguing picture. Somebody must have tossed all that junk into this room; but why didn't they just put it in the trash? And to top it all off, the symmetry of another lovely arched alcove is thrown off by a narrow, off-center door. It mystifies me, although it makes a picture that I find touching, somehow.

Wallpaper please!!

I wonder where that door came from. It sure doesn't fit that little bitty doorway. Y'all go on ahead and explore that creepy, narrow, dark, cramped, dingy hallway. I'll wait here for ya and have a cigarette.

It looks like one of those arched alcoves where you'd put a statue. And then what? They poked a hole in it, and they couldn't even put it in the center?And then sealed it up? A MYSKERY! Maybe they walled Jimmy Hoffa up in there?

The trees on the outside threw the baby tree inside -- they're taking over! (Hm. Maybe I'd better check the label on that can of beans...)

Where I grew up there was a street that had trees that arched over the walkway like this. I didn't need an excuse to walk there.

I love the serenity of this shot, but I have a question: Where's the doorknob???

Thank you, Anais. Is that sign made of marble, with all that intricate carving?

I agree with wjbodin3 -- that is one sturdy-looking angel. And I lthink it's a male angel. Probably my guardian angel after I wore him out.

I agree with you-all. Doors: gorgeous. Statue: beautiful. I'm trying to imagine myself a mental patient being "checked in," however. Would I find them soothing and reassuring? How can they bear to let such a beautiful building stand empty? They should restore it and make it an art gallery.