This looks like a polarizing filter was used in the northern sky. I like it. It's very dramatic like the image.
When we were in Italy in the Spring of 2006, I could not go to the ruins because it was just 4 months after my hip surgery, as I fractured my hip in January and also need a total knee replacement. Perhaps, after I'm totally healed and strong, I can make this trip.
How much weight were you carrying in camera equipment? Did you use a tripod, or a monopod, and if so, which brand and model?