PICTURE THIS

By Lilly Subbotin For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

ITALY 1900: A PORTRAIT IN COLOUR 

by Giovanni Fanelli (Taschen £60, 580pp) 

ITALY 1900: A PORTRAIT IN COLOUR by Giovanni Fanelli (Taschen £60, 580pp). Giovanni Fanelli's new book reveals a collection of postcard images from Italy

ITALY 1900: A PORTRAIT IN COLOUR by Giovanni Fanelli (Taschen £60, 580pp). Giovanni Fanelli's new book reveals a collection of postcard images from Italy

Did you know that, in Rome, nearly 700,000 euros worth of coins are tossed into the Trevi Fountain each year? Or that gondolas in Venice must be painted black by law? This quirky 16th-century ruling was devised to eliminate unfair competition between the city’s many gondolas. Just two fascinating nuggets from this delightful compilation of postcard images taken in the early days of mass tourism, revealing turn-of-the-century Italy with all its charming architecture and rich history.

PICTURE THIS  

Comments 0

Share what you think

No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.