In need of restoration, a photo from Presovsky, East

Photographer's Note

This is taken in a small town somewhere between Poprad and Presov, and west of Spisky Hrad. I think it's Levoca, but maybe someone with more detailed local knowledge can put me right.

I posted it since it's so typical of small towns from the immediate post communist era. Relatively few cars then, and still Skodas and eastern bloc vehicles prevailing. The most stiking thing though was that it seems that old the restoration work had been concenrated on banks and churches, and much of the domestic housing was suffering from years of neglect. It may have been a false impression but this didn't seem to apply to the Czech Republic to anything like the same extent. Amazing to reflect how much things have changed here in a little over 10 years.

ChrisJ, aloyho, nwoehnl, MLINES has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ChrisJ (158224) 2006-02-05 4:57

Hi Richard

I like the strong contrast between urban & rural, & the use of the 2 fg buildings to frame the distant hilltop castle. Good work!

aloyho (6798) 2006-02-05 5:11

Hi Richard,
The well positioned background and the beautiful colours of the buildings is what makes this shot attractive. The green trees give that refreshing atmosphere and resulting the scene to come alive. Well done!! Best regards.

PixelTerror (0) 2006-02-05 5:33

Hi Richard,
Yes you're right it's Levoca, and the only Slovakia photo in my gallery shows another building of this city, I also have a view like this one but less appealing, I like that you unlike me included a portion of the street to increase depth and show a road icon of former CSSR, the Skoda. Also the walls lead well the eye to the church on its hill.
Have a nice sunday,
Jean-Yves

bantonbuju (51815) 2006-02-05 7:10

hi richard,
nice composition, typical slovakian view presented in a very nice way, plus those two lovely weehicles: skodovka and lada;
interesting colours, too;
best, j.

BlaiseCendrars (0) 2006-02-05 8:14

Hello Richard,
I am very glad you have posted a few Slovak views. The country is one of the prettiest, most interesting and genuine countries in Europe in my opinion. I must admit I revel in these run-down old town quarters such as the one you present so excellently here. Unfortunately they cannot be left as they are or they will crumble down and disappear, but on the other hand, the clinical restoration that has been carried out in so many old towns of Western Europe is often a joy-killer. So my solution would be a little paint here and there, fill the cracks with cement and hope it stands!
Thankyou for this superbly composed view and testimonal. You really got it right with the view in the background, the Samara and the paint peeling off the walls.
Great work Richard, thanks for sharing!
Chris

nwoehnl (122) 2006-02-05 11:36

A nice find from the mid-1990s, Richard, where the old buildings on either side of the road are well used as a framing device towards the hilltop church. I also like the inclusion of some cars typical for this period in the area. Good colors and contrast.

Graal (103040) 2006-02-05 15:28

Hi Richard,
interesting view and note from the Slovakia. Good composition and nice landscape in background. I like the colours, too. Good work.
Rgs, Aleksander