I was fortunate to be stationed in Naples, Italy, November 1989 to January 1993, attached to NATO Southern Forces during my Navy career. This assignment was not only the high point of my Navy career, it was one of the high points of my entire life. For those three-plus years I had the opportunity to work side-by-side with the Italian, British, and Turkish militaries, and travel around southern and central-western Europe. I also traveled extensively throughout Italy and Sicily. I always traveled with my Nikon 8008 35mm camera.
Around 1998 I had 100 of my negatives scanned into digital images. This was an early application of the emerging digital imaging technology. At that time it was an expensive process, so 100 images were my financial limit. I attempted to pick the 100 photos out of several albums of negatives that I thought represented my best work. I’ve posted almost all here in this gallery. At some point in the (hopefully) not-distant future I’ll have more of these images digitally scanned.
35mm Scanned Images
Ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum
A view of the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum. Buried in 79AD along with Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted. Only part of this site has been excavated as a large part is under the present-day town of Ercolono.
A miniature model of the town of Alberobello
One of my favorite towns in Italy. The town of Alberobello is composed of unique mushroom-looking trulli houses, known for their conical, dry-stone roofs
An ancient Greek temple at Paestum
The Second Temple of Hera, also mistakenly known in the past as the Temple of Poseidon, located in the archeological site of Paestum. Once a Greek city called Poseidonia, this is one of three surviving Greek temples.
A Roman Aqueduct
The remains of the Roman Aqueduct of Minturnae, located in Minturno. Built between the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Empire, the aqueduct carried water from a spring at the foot of the Aurunci Mountains to the ancient city of Minturnae, which was strategically located along the Via Appia.
St. Peter's Basilica
Looking at St. Peter's Basilica across St. Peter's Square, the main public plaza of the independent city-state of the Vatican.
The First Temple of Hera in Paestum
A view of the The First Temple of Hera in Paestum. This is classed as an archaic Doric temple, built around 550 BCE in the ancient Greek colony of Poseidonia, now called Paestum. Located south of Naples along the coast.
Shopkeepers of Naples
A young woman standing in the doorway of a Panificio (bakery) next to a man standing in the doorway of a Macelleria (butcher shop). Photo created in Naples
Virgil's Tomb in Parco Vergiliano, Naples
A Roman-era monument said to be the burial place of the celebrated Roman poet Virgil (70–19 BCE). Located near near the entrance to the Crypta Neapolitana, an ancient Roman tunnel.
A Cameo Artisan of Naples
Cameo jewelry from Naples, primarily produced in the nearby town of Torre del Greco, is a historic art form featuring hand-carved shells or coral set in gold or silver.
The Government Building of the Republic of San Marino
Palazzo Pubblico in the City of San Marino, which serves as the official government building and town hall for the Republic of San Marino. San Marino is an independent "city-state" republic within Italy.
The Balcony of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
Juliet's balcony in Verona, famously linked to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The balcony is part of the building known as La Casa di Giulietta, or the House of Juliet. The house,was built in the 12th century, purchased by the City of Verona in 1905, and the balcony added later in the 20th century.
Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) taking place on the Grand Canal in Venice
Beautiful dragon boats taking part in the Regata Storica (Historical Regatta) on the Grand Canal of Venice. This event, known as "Voga alla Veneta," has a tradition in the Venetian lagoon for hundreds of years.
Medi Castel Nuovo in Naples
Street life at the base of outside the Castel Nuovo, also known as the Maschio Angioino, in Naples. This is a historic medi and Renaissance castle located in front of the Piazza Municipio, at the waterfront district.
Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice
The exterior of Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice, located in the heart of Piazza San Marco.
A Street Vendor in Naples
A street vendor in the central old-town area of Naples, selling his flowers and fruits.
The Provision market of Pompeii
The ruins of the Macellum (provision market) located in the Forum of ancient Pompeii. The Macellum was once a central focal point for political, economic, and religious life of this city.
The Main Thoroughfare of Pompeii
A view of what was once the main road leading into Pompeii.
Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius visible in the Background
A view of the Forum of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Once the heart of the city's civic and commercial life.
Plaster casts of Pompeii
When Pompeii was buried by volcanic ash from the 79AD Mount Vesuvius eruption, many townspeople were buried alike. The bodies eventually decayed, but left hollows in the now-hardened ash. During archeological excavations, scientists are able to identify these hollows, and fill them with plaster, showing the final moments of those victims.
The frigidarium of Herculaneum
The frigidarium, or cold plunge pool, in the men's thermal baths at the archaeological site of Herculaneum.
Archaeological ruins of the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum
At the time of the eruption of Vesuvius that buried Pompeii, Herculaneum was a wealthy Roman seaside retreat. Unlike Pompeii, this town was buried under a thick layer of volcanic mud and rock, which preserved organic materials like food and wood.
Ruins of the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum
A view of a courtyard in the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum. This town was buried in the same eruption of Vesuvius as Pompeii. Now located near the present-day town of Ercolano.
Roman Mosaic of Neptune and Amphitrite in Herculaneum
A Roman mosaic of of Neptune and Amphitrite, in House of Neptune and Amphitrite in Herculaneum. This town was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius that also buried Pompeii.
A street in the ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum
A street in the ancient Roman ruins of Herculaneum. This town was destroyed by the same eruption of Vesuvius that buried Pompeii. However, Herculaneum was buried with hot ash that created an air-tight seal over the ruins, preserving even organic material such as food and wood, until it was excavated starting in the 18th century.
A street market in the central area of Naples
A street market in the central area of Naples.
Cimitero delle Porte Sante (Cemetery of the Holy Doors) in Florence
A panoramic view of the Cimitero delle Porte Sante (Cemetery of the Holy Doors) in Florence. This cemetery is the final resting place for many notable Italians, including Carlo Collodi, the creator of Pinocchio.
The City of Florence Italy
A panoramic view of Florence, Italy, from the scenic Piazzale Michelangelo, located on the south bank of the Arno River
17th-century Carriage On Display at the Certosa e Museo di San Martino in Naples
A 17th-century horse-drawn carriage On Display at the Certosa e Museo di San Martino in Naples. Referred to as a "City of Naples Carriage," this was a typical Neapolitan design of the 17th Century.
Ornate carriage displayed at the Museo e Certosa di San Martino in Naples
Ron and his good friend Johnny, a Sicilian Ron worked with in NATO. They are standing in front of an ornate carriage displayed at the Museo e Certosa di San Martino in Naples
Palazzo d'Avalos on The Naples Bay Procida Island
The 16th century Palazzo d'Avalos, a former Renaissance palace and prison located on the Terra Murata cliffs of Procida Island. This is one of three islands in Naples Bay, and contains a medi library and catacombs with visible skeletal remains at it's lowest level.
Water Buffalos Making Cheese
A pen of water buffalos grazing in a muddy field on the outskirts of Montevergine, a small town north of Naples. The Italians milk the water buffalos to make mozzarella cheese (mozzarella di bufala).
A Fish Market in Sicily
A typical open-air roadside fish market in a small town in Sicily.
Spelonga Through the Grill
A view of the lovely seaside town of Spelonga, as seen through the grillwork of a building high above the coast. This was one of my favorite towns in Southern Italy.
The Via Appia Outside of Rome
A section of the Via Appia, once the main road of ancient Rome. This road is over 200 years old. Although it is not regularly used for motor vehicles, it can still be drive on. In some sections the ruts from horse-drawn carriages are still visible.
Viale delle Cento Fontane (Avenue of the Hundred Fountains) at the Villa d'Este in Tivoli
Part of the gardens of the 16th-century in Villa d'Este in Tivoli, a small town outside of Rome. The Viale delle Cento Fontane (Avenue of the Hundred Fountains). These fountains feature small jets of water emerging from animal-head carvings in the stone, and considered a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.
Piazza del Duomo in the hilltop town of Orvieto, Umbria
The Piazza del Duomo in the hilltop town of Orvieto, Umbria. The Orvieto Cathedral (Duomo) is at the right, and the tower with the clock and bell is the Torre di Maurizio.
Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, located in the town of Assisi. Composed of two connected churches, the Lower and Upper Basilicas, the tome of St Francis is in the lower Basilica.
The Hilltop Town of Mussomeli
The medi hilltop town of Mussomeli. Located in the mountainous interior of central Sicily, this town is fairly typical of the many ancient towns in central Sicily.
Ron with Isola Bella behind him, a small island in Sicily, Italy
While exploring the beautiful seaside town of Taormina, our intrepid was photographed standing on a seaside cliff with Isola Bella behind him
The Greek Theatre of Taormina, Sicily
The ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina, Sicily, with Mount Etna in the background. Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, it is the second largest ancient theatre in Sicily after the one in Syracuse. This theatre is still used today.
Ron in Alcantara Gorge, Sicily
Ron wading in a waist-deep water, in the Alcantara Gorge, Sicily. The gorge is a spectacular natural canyon with walls of black lava rock reaching up to 50 meters high. The Alcantara River flows down from Mt Etna, and is icy cold water.
A Necropolis in Agrigento, Sicily
The excavations of an ancient early Christian Necropolis located within the Archaeological Park of Agrigento, Sicily. These tombs line what is known as the Via Sacra, or Sacred Way, within the Valley of the Temples archaeological area.
A Set of Columns in Agrigento, Sicily
The ruins of the Temple of Castor and Pollux (Tempio dei Dioscuri) in the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento, Sicily
Grazing Sheep
A flock of sheep peacefully grazing on a northern Italian hillside. On the hills around Sienna
A Villa Over Sienna
A Villa on the hills around the City of Sienna.
A Roadside Shrine In Positano
While taking a drive in my 1974 Mercedes 200D along the Amalfi coastline, I encountered this lovely roadside shrine of Grotta di Fornillo, in Positano, Italy.
Ancient Greek Temple
Ancient Greek Temple in Italy. Paestum was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Magna Graecia. After its foundation by Greek colonists under the name of Poseidonia it was eventually conquered by the Lucanians and later the Romans.
The Roofs of Alberobello
The Roofs of Alberobello, Italy. Alberobello is a small town and comune in the province of Bari, in Puglia, Italy. It is famous for its unique trulli house constructions.
Ancient Roman Marketplace
Pozzuoli, a town just north of Naples, Italy. This plaza is dry or submerged depending upon the ground upheavals caused by Vesuvius
A Staircase in Naples
A Staircase in Naples, Italy. A classic design feature of 18th century town houses
Vegetable Shop in Downtown Naples
Vegetable Shop in Downtown Naples, Italy.
Roman Acqueduct outside of Lago di Patria
Roman Acqueduct outside of Lago di Patria, Italy.
The back gate of the town of Assissi
The back gate of the town of Assissi, Italy.
The seaside village of Positano
On the lovely Sorrento peninsula, Italy.
A Fountain in Tivoli Gardens
Villa d'Este, a masterpiece of the Italian Garden, is included in the UNESCO world heritage list. Outside of Rome, Italy.
Tile Shop in Sorrento
Many towns on the Sorrento Peninsula, Italy, are renowned for their beautiful hand-made pottery.
Roman-Built Tunnel in Naples
Roman-Built Tunnel in Naples, Italy. There are an unknown number of tunnels under Naples, dating back to before the Romans. These tunnels were used as part of the aqueduct system or for traveling.
Michaelangelo's "David," Florence
Michaelangelo's "David," Florence, Italy.
Canal Traffic in Venice
Canal Traffic in Venice, Italy.
A Canal in Venice
A Canal in Venice, Italy.
A Canale bridge in Venice
A Canale bridge in Venice, Italy.
The Roman Ampitheater Decorated for Celebrating 1993
The ancient Roman amphitheater of Verona, Italy, shown here with the traditional Christmas Star celebrating the beginning of the European Union
The Grand Canal of Venice
The Grand Canal of Venice, Italy.
The Main Street of Ancient Pompeii
The Main Street of Ancient Pompeii, Italy.
The Ampitheater of Pompeii
The Ampitheater of Pompeii, Italy.
Ampitheater of Pompeii
Ampitheater of Pompeii, Italy.
Emperor Nero's Villa at Oplontis
Emperor Nero's Villa at Oplontis, Italy. Lesser know than Pompeii, this villa was also buried by the same eruption that buried Pompeii and Ercolono. This was one of Emperor Nero's summer villas at the time it was buried.
A Main Courtyard at Ercolono
A Main Courtyard at Ercolono, Italy. The other major town buried by Vesuvius, along with Pompeii. This town was buried by hot mud (pyroclastic flows ) that sealed out air, leaving wood and even food perfectly preserved.
A Small House in Florence
A Small House in Florence, Italy. Tucked away in a small courtyard in the center of the city, close to the Duomo.
Sunset Over Assissi
Sunset Over Assissi, Italy
Main Piazza of Florence
Main Piazza of Florence, Italy
The "Gold Bridge" of Florence
The "Gold Bridge" of Florence, Italy
An Italian Billboard
This drew a great deal of attention from the American's, not so much from the Italians. Naples, Italy
A Fruitseller's Truck
A Fruitseller's Truck on the Island of Procida, Naples Bay, Italy
Looking Down over Procida Island
Looking Down over Procida Island, Naples Bay, Italy
Olive Trees Outside of Montevergine
Olive Trees Outside of Montevergine, A small town north of Naples, Italy
A Staircase in Sperlonga
A Staircase in Sperlonga, Italy
Costal Sentinel
Outside of Sperlonga, Italy. One of the costal watch towers used in the Middle Ages to help defend the village against Saracen raiders
A Courtyard in Sperlonga
A Courtyard in Sperlonga, Italy
A View of the Agean Sea
A View of the Agean Sea from Sperlonga, Italy
The Coloseum, Rome
The Coloseum, Rome, Italy
The Gateway of Via Appia
The Gateway of Via Appia, Once the main entrance into the ancient city of Rome, Italy
The Old Road of Via Appia
The Old Road of Via Appia, leading into Rome
View From the Top of the Vatican
View From the Top of the Vatican, Italy
Inside Vatican City
Inside Vatican City, Italy
The Main Cathedral of Orvieto
The Main Cathedral of Orvieto, Italy. Orvieto is a small town about halfway between Naples and Rome
A Staircase in Deruta
A Staircase in Deruta, Italy. Deruta is a hill town and comune in the Province of Perugia in the Umbria region of central Italy. It is renowned for it's maiolica-style pottery
The Cathedral and Monastery of Assissi
The Cathedral and Monastery of Assissi, Italy. The village where St Francis of Assissi lived and preached.
A Winter's Day on Mt Vergine
A Winter's Day on Mt Vergine, Italy. A mountain outside of Naples.
The Cathedral of Mt Vergine
The Cathedral of Mt Vergine, A mountaintop monastery outside of Naples, Italy.
A Rural House outside of Alberobello
A Rural House outside of Alberobello, Alberobello is a small town and comune in the province of Bari, in Puglia, Italy. It is famous for its unique trulli house constructions.
The Mountaintop Village of Centuripe
The Mountaintop Village of Centuripe, A mountaintop village in central Sicily.
Greek Theater of Taormina
Greek Theater of Taormina. Taormina is a seacoast village on the southern coast of the island of Sicily.
The Main Plaza of Siena
The Main Plaza of Siena, A city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena.
On The Road Outside of Sorrento
On the coastal road around the Sorrento peninsula, Naples, Italy
Stairway to Deruta
The staircase leading up to the mountaintop village of Deruta, Italy
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Note: All photos taken with a Nikon 8008 35mm camera using color negative film. Images later transferred to digital media.
Related Pages
A Study of Stonehenge : Ron’s photo study of the ancient construction of Stonehenge, on the Salisbury Plains of England.
Springtime in Paris : A photo essay of the city of Paris, France.
This and That, German Holiday Edition : A travelogue of a vacation trip to Germany and Italy.
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