SEPTEMBER 2015 : ITALY : Menaggio and Lenno, Lake Como

                                   

A cloudy morning with lower visibility of the northern part of the lake. We planned to go to Lenno today, a town south of Menaggio, to visit the exceptional Villa Balbianello.

                                           

Menaggio from the wharf.

        

We took the 10am ferry to Lenno, which has a Tuesday market. It was not a very interesting display. Mainly mass-produced clothes, bags etc and only a few produce stalls. I did notice that overnight, with the onset of cooler weather, sleeveless tops and sandals have been replaced with jeans, jackets and boots. I'm still holding on to the fleeting moments of warm weather ...

          

One of the few local produce stalls at the weekly market.

         

           Villa Balbianello (taken on Sunday when the skies were blue)

        

We walked along the shore to join the entrance path to the Villa Balbianello.

Descending the estate from the path, the immaculate garden takes the shape of the natural terrain.

         

The loggia, which houses a map room and an extensive library.

         

Greek and Roman sculptures are interspersed with Plane trees.

        

The villa's wharf - the garden reaching right to the shore.

       

The villa was originally built on a medieval Franciscan monastery in 1787. More recently, it was owned by Guido Monzino, a department store magnate, collector and explorer. His motto translates 'Gradually step by step to the top'. 

        

As well as exquisite collections of Aztec, Chinese, African artefacts and impressive taste in French and English period furniture, he created his own personal museum. This documents his exploits and investment in exploration to Kilimanjaro, the North Pole (1971) and Mt Everest (1973). The sled, replete with polar bear skin rug, was the one he used in his expedition to the North Pole.

          

He also had an extensive collection of paintings of various aspects of Lake Como.

         

Perfect setting for a wedding.

         

View towards Lenno.

         

Pasta and octopus lunch at Trattoria S. Stefano in Lenno.

        

Sunset over the square in Menaggio.

                                      

Dinner at la Valetta. Hilarious. Busy night with the waiter, in a Basil-Fawlty style, deciding whom he would accept for dinner...many turned away and others accepted readily. Despite all this, a really delicious meal at a very reasonable price.

 (We just got in before the rush - just in time to experience the excruciating ordeal of others!)

        

Walking home...

M&M

SEPTEMBER 2015 : ITALY : Menaggio and Varenna, Lake Como

                                       

Glorious day so we took up my brother, Philip's, suggestion and planned a day at Varenna.

                                         

Varenna is a 10 minute ferry ride from Menaggio.

                                            

An early morning walk on the way to the ferry pier.

       

Sunny walk along the promenade.

        

10am ferry.

        

Arriving at Varenna.

                                    

 Arts and jewellery.

       

Lovely views at every turn.

      

Main square, Piazza Sl Giorgio.

                                     

First stop. Villa Monsterio. Originally a Cistercian monastery but now managed by the Italian government.

                                      

Mediterrranean and tropical plants in a traditional setting.

                                       

Fronds unfurling.

        

Climbing up to the castle from Varenna, Castello Di Vezio.

                                        

The castle. History from the 4th century but more recently it has been owned by wealthy families, the local diocese and now a family, who has leased it to the local council.

          

Local art showcased. These figures created with plaster of Paris.

                                     

An athletic wooden piece.

                                  

There were about 8 birds of prey, either caged or tethered, now trained in the castle precinct.

       

An untethered butterfly.

                                       

View to Varenna from the castle.                                    

                                        

The rocky steep path down to the lake.

                                       

Reaching the town after the climb down.

         

Light lunch at a cafe at the wharf.

        

Enjoying the sunshine and views.

      

Artefacts from a ceramic workshop.

        

George not far from anyone's minds.

       

Arriving back to Menaggio and our hotel.

       

Sunset.

                                      

Figs, pecorino and drinks on our terrace.

        

Dinner at a popular restaurant, Osteria il Pozzo - roast pork and lots of vegetables.

M&M

SEPTEMBER 2015 : ITALY : Menaggio, Lake Como

                                

Our final week and we have booked a hotel in Menaggio on Lake Como, an hour north of Milan, by the very efficient train.

      

View of the Alps as we travel north from Milan on the train.

                                      

Arriving in the main town of Como we quickly bought tickets for the large ferry, which left immediately for its 3 hour journey up the lake. 

                                        

A clear day which really showcased all the towns and villages on both sides of the lake.

Impressive villas open to the public.

Menaggio. 203m.  3,000 inhabitants. Church of Saint Carlo towering over the town.

                                    

Our hotel is in the main square. Hotel Garni Corona.

                                        

View from our room.

         

        

More expanded view across the lake to Bellano.

             

       

Promenade by the lake.

                                     

Small but promising shopping precinct.

     

Street plan of Menaggio. We are looking forward to exploring the town and some of the neighbouring villages across the lake in the next few days.

Dinner at restaurant outside our hotel in the square.

Lights on the lake.

M&M