SEPTEMBER 2015 : ITALY : Como, Lake Como

                                 

The last day of our wonderful holiday! We left Menaggio on the bus at 9 am for the hour's journey to the lakes's hub, Como.

         

Sunrise. Although much cooler than a few day's ago, it promised to be a fine day.

        

From the bus we could see the extent of yesterday's snowfall in the northern section of Lake Como.

         

A sunny morning in the bustling town of Como. 12o.

Many large public buildings, villas, a university and thriving commercial centre.

       

Como in the past with the funicular railway in the background. It was built in 1894 and links Como with the small hilltop town of Brunate.

                                           

The railway terminal was only a short walk from our hotel. 15 minutes up to Brunate and views of the lake and Como town.

          

Views to the Alps in the west.

         

More by luck than good management we missed the tourist hype in Brunate and found a quiet trattoria, from another era, with only local (male) customers. An elderly woman was our attentive waitress and we had a large antipasto plate and a regional dish of fried perch on butter risotto with sage.

                                         

Unusual ceramic light fittings.

        

Descending the funicular we could see the cathedral with its large dome. The church was begun in 1396 and completed in 1740.

      

We were surprised to find the cathedral in a large square with eateries, fashionable stores and lots of life around it.

        

The facade on the building was completed in 1455.

                                    

We were particularly impressed with the decorations on the ceiling.

                                            

The dome was designed by Fillippo Juvara around 1730.

        

Details in the dome.

                                     

The town hall or Broletto, which is attached to the cathedral, built in 1215.

                                         

Porte Torre, a medieval tower built in 1192 as part of the Baradello Castle.

                                        

Laneways near the centre.

          

School students in their white smocks.

                                   

       

Lots of families out for traditional passagio.

        

New autumn collections.

                                     

Dodo jewellery.

        

Our last meal. We've had a fabulous time!

                                    

Our budget hotel, ln Riva al Lago. Convenient, quiet and perfect for our needs.

         

Our hotel is near the bus and train stations...and across from the wharf.

M&M