Lake Como in Lombardy

George Clooney’s villa which guides happilypoint out

some of the Roman ruins in Santa GiulaMuseum

Scaliger Castle

Discovering Brescia

By Natasha Blair | Category: Travel destinations

Discovering the different regions ofItaly is always a voyage of discoverywith no two areas the same. The jewelin the crown of the Lombardy Regionhas to be Lake Como , which issurrounded by the pre-Alps, andconsidered the most romantic of theItalian lakes.

At its southern tip, the prosperous cityof Como dates back to the Romanperiod with walls surrounding the oldtown except for where it faces onto the lake. The green dome of its cathedralis the first thing you see from the lake. Elegant villas surround the lake withgardens stretching down to the water where, we are told the owners moortheir boats. Before taking a trip, it’s worth asking the tourist board for a bookthey produce on the history of the individual villas. There is one too for thenumerous scenes from films that have been shot here including James Bond’sCasino Royale . We took one of the many hire boats that offer guided tours.The left bank a short distance from the Swiss border, because of the sun’sposition, is considered the best location. This is where the Villa d’Este, theultra-luxurious five star hotel favoured by the rich and famous, is sited as isthe villa owned by George Clooney. A palatial building owned by RichardBranson, we are told, is available to rent although no price is mentioned!Around the lake, which stretches over sixty kilometres, are small villages.Fishing is allowed and perch risotto, and laverello, a freshwater white fish aredishes to look out for. The lake has three branches and those who enjoy watersports are advised to head to the windy north. Lovers of Italian silk will bedelighted to learn that ninety percent of the fabric is produced locally with anoutlet at Mantero. For wonderful views, providing the weather is clear, a ridein the vehicular will take you to the top of the mountain.

Roman villas may be common place inItaly but what is so special in Bresciais that Santa Giulia, the city’s museum,which is on the UNESCO WorldHeritage List, is built on ruins fromseveral different periods. The complexincludes Roman town houses, themedieval church of San Salvatore andits crypt, the Romanesque Santa Mariain Solario, the Nuns’ choir, thesixteenth century church of SantaGiulia and the monastery cloisters. As

Brescia is built on a hill, discoveries over the centuries include the remains ofbuildings that have been built on top of each other, some with mosaic floorsthat have retained their colours. What I found the most fascinating was thatarchaeologists have been able to reconstruct some of the houses so that wewere able to see, in a film, how they would probably have originally looked.

During the Roman period the Piazza del Foro was the centre of political,religious and commercial life. Around the piazza stood the Capitoline Temple,the ancient courthouse with two colonnades lined with shops. Although muchof the temple has been destroyed, in 1939 it was renovated and can be seenby walking along the same road as the museum. The temple was originallycovered in marble, from nearby Botticino, which had been removed over time.

On top of the Cidneo hill, the Castle ofBrescia is one of the largest and mostwell preserved fortresses in NorthernItaly. Its monumental gateway istopped by the Lion of St. Mark, asymbol of the Venetian Republic thatdominated the city for four centuries.

Wine lovers might also like toinvestigate the Lombard Hills wineroute that starts in Brescia. The routetakes in the Brescian pre-Alps and theplains to the South East of the city.

Within the province of Brescia Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake is known in thesouth for its natural thermal springs at Sirmione. Built on a narrow peninsula,visitors enter the tiny village through a gate that is part of the twelfth centuryScaliger Castle. Little winding, cobbled streets take you uphill past the villaonce lived in during the nineteen-fifties by the world famous opera singer,Maria Callas. At the far end of the peninsula at the entrance to the ‘Grotto ofCatullus’, which isn’t a grotto but the remains of a Roman villa from around150AD is a small museum. Our hotel, the Sirmione e Promessi Sposi has spafacilities, and although it was freezing outside, we were there in the winter, wewere able to swim in the open-air swimming pool filled with water from themineral rich hot-water springs. Sirmione is worth visiting if just for its glorioussunsets with the added bonus that the thermal springs help respiratory andrheumatic problems.

This area, because of its mildmicroclimate, is ideal for olive treesand vineyards. Lugana wines areproduced here mainly from theTrebbiano grape, with the mainproduction being white. Grappa, thetraditional Italian after dinner grape-based brandy is also produced here.We enjoyed a wine tasting at thenearby Provenza winery, whichproduces CàMaiol wines and extravirgin olive oil. Visitors are welcome

at their showroom for a tasting if booked in advance.

Pasta is always on an Italian menu, usually served as a small second course.In this region you are likely to be served polenta, a golden-yellow cornmealmade from dried corn, with the main course.

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and while it makes a good starting point, it isworth bearing in mind that millions of people are expected to attend Expo2015 between May 1 and October 31, 2015. If you are planning a visit it isdefinitely worth considering getting away from the crowds and exploringother parts of the region.

The Gatwick Express is a fast direct service from Victoria to Gatwick Airport.Southern Railways takes longer as it makes several stops on the way, but isconsiderably cheaper.

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Lake Como in Lombardy

George Clooney’s villa which guides happilypoint out

some of the Roman ruins in Santa GiulaMuseum

Scaliger Castle

Discovering Brescia

By Natasha Blair | Category: Travel destinations

Discovering the different regions ofItaly is always a voyage of discoverywith no two areas the same. The jewelin the crown of the Lombardy Regionhas to be Lake Como , which issurrounded by the pre-Alps, andconsidered the most romantic of theItalian lakes.

At its southern tip, the prosperous cityof Como dates back to the Romanperiod with walls surrounding the oldtown except for where it faces onto the lake. The green dome of its cathedralis the first thing you see from the lake. Elegant villas surround the lake withgardens stretching down to the water where, we are told the owners moortheir boats. Before taking a trip, it’s worth asking the tourist board for a bookthey produce on the history of the individual villas. There is one too for thenumerous scenes from films that have been shot here including James Bond’sCasino Royale . We took one of the many hire boats that offer guided tours.The left bank a short distance from the Swiss border, because of the sun’sposition, is considered the best location. This is where the Villa d’Este, theultra-luxurious five star hotel favoured by the rich and famous, is sited as isthe villa owned by George Clooney. A palatial building owned by RichardBranson, we are told, is available to rent although no price is mentioned!Around the lake, which stretches over sixty kilometres, are small villages.Fishing is allowed and perch risotto, and laverello, a freshwater white fish aredishes to look out for. The lake has three branches and those who enjoy watersports are advised to head to the windy north. Lovers of Italian silk will bedelighted to learn that ninety percent of the fabric is produced locally with anoutlet at Mantero. For wonderful views, providing the weather is clear, a ridein the vehicular will take you to the top of the mountain.

Roman villas may be common place inItaly but what is so special in Bresciais that Santa Giulia, the city’s museum,which is on the UNESCO WorldHeritage List, is built on ruins fromseveral different periods. The complexincludes Roman town houses, themedieval church of San Salvatore andits crypt, the Romanesque Santa Mariain Solario, the Nuns’ choir, thesixteenth century church of SantaGiulia and the monastery cloisters. As

Brescia is built on a hill, discoveries over the centuries include the remains ofbuildings that have been built on top of each other, some with mosaic floorsthat have retained their colours. What I found the most fascinating was thatarchaeologists have been able to reconstruct some of the houses so that wewere able to see, in a film, how they would probably have originally looked.

During the Roman period the Piazza del Foro was the centre of political,religious and commercial life. Around the piazza stood the Capitoline Temple,the ancient courthouse with two colonnades lined with shops. Although muchof the temple has been destroyed, in 1939 it was renovated and can be seenby walking along the same road as the museum. The temple was originallycovered in marble, from nearby Botticino, which had been removed over time.

On top of the Cidneo hill, the Castle ofBrescia is one of the largest and mostwell preserved fortresses in NorthernItaly. Its monumental gateway istopped by the Lion of St. Mark, asymbol of the Venetian Republic thatdominated the city for four centuries.

Wine lovers might also like toinvestigate the Lombard Hills wineroute that starts in Brescia. The routetakes in the Brescian pre-Alps and theplains to the South East of the city.

Within the province of Brescia Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake is known in thesouth for its natural thermal springs at Sirmione. Built on a narrow peninsula,visitors enter the tiny village through a gate that is part of the twelfth centuryScaliger Castle. Little winding, cobbled streets take you uphill past the villaonce lived in during the nineteen-fifties by the world famous opera singer,Maria Callas. At the far end of the peninsula at the entrance to the ‘Grotto ofCatullus’, which isn’t a grotto but the remains of a Roman villa from around150AD is a small museum. Our hotel, the Sirmione e Promessi Sposi has spafacilities, and although it was freezing outside, we were there in the winter, wewere able to swim in the open-air swimming pool filled with water from themineral rich hot-water springs. Sirmione is worth visiting if just for its glorioussunsets with the added bonus that the thermal springs help respiratory andrheumatic problems.

This area, because of its mildmicroclimate, is ideal for olive treesand vineyards. Lugana wines areproduced here mainly from theTrebbiano grape, with the mainproduction being white. Grappa, thetraditional Italian after dinner grape-based brandy is also produced here.We enjoyed a wine tasting at thenearby Provenza winery, whichproduces CàMaiol wines and extravirgin olive oil. Visitors are welcome

at their showroom for a tasting if booked in advance.

Pasta is always on an Italian menu, usually served as a small second course.In this region you are likely to be served polenta, a golden-yellow cornmealmade from dried corn, with the main course.

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and while it makes a good starting point, it isworth bearing in mind that millions of people are expected to attend Expo2015 between May 1 and October 31, 2015. If you are planning a visit it isdefinitely worth considering getting away from the crowds and exploringother parts of the region.

The Gatwick Express is a fast direct service from Victoria to Gatwick Airport.Southern Railways takes longer as it makes several stops on the way, but isconsiderably cheaper.

Related Articles

Share this:

Tags: Brescia, Expo 2015, Lake Como, Lombardy

SOCIAL

EVENTS DISCLAIMER

The events listed withinthis site, were correct atthe time they wereadded. Sometimesevents get canceled orpostponed. Please checkusing the link that in isthe listing that the eventis still on before you setoff. Just in case!

ALL EVENTS

For a complete list of allupcoming events, pleaseclick here

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Faroe Islands part 1 – Vágarto Sandoy

Saturday snippets: 24thOctober 2015

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La dolce vita The Borromean

Isles: magical

gardens on Italy’s

Lake Maggiore

Ischia

wonderland

Green Knowe Bulgaria ancient

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Historic Natchez

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Lake Como in Lombardy

George Clooney’s villa which guides happilypoint out

some of the Roman ruins in Santa GiulaMuseum

Scaliger Castle

Discovering Brescia

By Natasha Blair | Category: Travel destinations

Discovering the different regions ofItaly is always a voyage of discoverywith no two areas the same. The jewelin the crown of the Lombardy Regionhas to be Lake Como , which issurrounded by the pre-Alps, andconsidered the most romantic of theItalian lakes.

At its southern tip, the prosperous cityof Como dates back to the Romanperiod with walls surrounding the oldtown except for where it faces onto the lake. The green dome of its cathedralis the first thing you see from the lake. Elegant villas surround the lake withgardens stretching down to the water where, we are told the owners moortheir boats. Before taking a trip, it’s worth asking the tourist board for a bookthey produce on the history of the individual villas. There is one too for thenumerous scenes from films that have been shot here including James Bond’sCasino Royale . We took one of the many hire boats that offer guided tours.The left bank a short distance from the Swiss border, because of the sun’sposition, is considered the best location. This is where the Villa d’Este, theultra-luxurious five star hotel favoured by the rich and famous, is sited as isthe villa owned by George Clooney. A palatial building owned by RichardBranson, we are told, is available to rent although no price is mentioned!Around the lake, which stretches over sixty kilometres, are small villages.Fishing is allowed and perch risotto, and laverello, a freshwater white fish aredishes to look out for. The lake has three branches and those who enjoy watersports are advised to head to the windy north. Lovers of Italian silk will bedelighted to learn that ninety percent of the fabric is produced locally with anoutlet at Mantero. For wonderful views, providing the weather is clear, a ridein the vehicular will take you to the top of the mountain.

Roman villas may be common place inItaly but what is so special in Bresciais that Santa Giulia, the city’s museum,which is on the UNESCO WorldHeritage List, is built on ruins fromseveral different periods. The complexincludes Roman town houses, themedieval church of San Salvatore andits crypt, the Romanesque Santa Mariain Solario, the Nuns’ choir, thesixteenth century church of SantaGiulia and the monastery cloisters. As

Brescia is built on a hill, discoveries over the centuries include the remains ofbuildings that have been built on top of each other, some with mosaic floorsthat have retained their colours. What I found the most fascinating was thatarchaeologists have been able to reconstruct some of the houses so that wewere able to see, in a film, how they would probably have originally looked.

During the Roman period the Piazza del Foro was the centre of political,religious and commercial life. Around the piazza stood the Capitoline Temple,the ancient courthouse with two colonnades lined with shops. Although muchof the temple has been destroyed, in 1939 it was renovated and can be seenby walking along the same road as the museum. The temple was originallycovered in marble, from nearby Botticino, which had been removed over time.

On top of the Cidneo hill, the Castle ofBrescia is one of the largest and mostwell preserved fortresses in NorthernItaly. Its monumental gateway istopped by the Lion of St. Mark, asymbol of the Venetian Republic thatdominated the city for four centuries.

Wine lovers might also like toinvestigate the Lombard Hills wineroute that starts in Brescia. The routetakes in the Brescian pre-Alps and theplains to the South East of the city.

Within the province of Brescia Lake Garda, Italy’s biggest lake is known in thesouth for its natural thermal springs at Sirmione. Built on a narrow peninsula,visitors enter the tiny village through a gate that is part of the twelfth centuryScaliger Castle. Little winding, cobbled streets take you uphill past the villaonce lived in during the nineteen-fifties by the world famous opera singer,Maria Callas. At the far end of the peninsula at the entrance to the ‘Grotto ofCatullus’, which isn’t a grotto but the remains of a Roman villa from around150AD is a small museum. Our hotel, the Sirmione e Promessi Sposi has spafacilities, and although it was freezing outside, we were there in the winter, wewere able to swim in the open-air swimming pool filled with water from themineral rich hot-water springs. Sirmione is worth visiting if just for its glorioussunsets with the added bonus that the thermal springs help respiratory andrheumatic problems.

This area, because of its mildmicroclimate, is ideal for olive treesand vineyards. Lugana wines areproduced here mainly from theTrebbiano grape, with the mainproduction being white. Grappa, thetraditional Italian after dinner grape-based brandy is also produced here.We enjoyed a wine tasting at thenearby Provenza winery, whichproduces CàMaiol wines and extravirgin olive oil. Visitors are welcome

at their showroom for a tasting if booked in advance.

Pasta is always on an Italian menu, usually served as a small second course.In this region you are likely to be served polenta, a golden-yellow cornmealmade from dried corn, with the main course.

Milan is the capital of Lombardy and while it makes a good starting point, it isworth bearing in mind that millions of people are expected to attend Expo2015 between May 1 and October 31, 2015. If you are planning a visit it isdefinitely worth considering getting away from the crowds and exploringother parts of the region.

The Gatwick Express is a fast direct service from Victoria to Gatwick Airport.Southern Railways takes longer as it makes several stops on the way, but isconsiderably cheaper.

Related Articles

Share this:

Tags: Brescia, Expo 2015, Lake Como, Lombardy

SOCIAL

EVENTS DISCLAIMER

The events listed withinthis site, were correct atthe time they wereadded. Sometimesevents get canceled orpostponed. Please checkusing the link that in isthe listing that the eventis still on before you setoff. Just in case!

ALL EVENTS

For a complete list of allupcoming events, pleaseclick here

MEMBERSHIPS

View our membershipsand affiliations

TAGS

America APD Asia AustraliaBeijing Brazil Britain BritishAirways California Canada

Caribbean China Cornwall

Croatia Dubai easyjet EgyptEngland Europe Florida

France Germany Greece

Heathrow India Ireland ItalyLondon Mexico NewYork New Zealand OlympicsParis Ryanair Scotland

spain Thailand Travel Tunisia

Turkey UK USA Venice

Vietnam Wales

CATEGORIES

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ARCHIVES

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SUBSCRIBE

Entries (RSS2.0)

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(RSS 0.92) (Atom)

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The warmest welcome

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Faroe Islands part 1 – Vágarto Sandoy

Saturday snippets: 24thOctober 2015

Archives

Select Month

Categories

Select Category

Footer Widgets

This is another widgetizedarea. You can use any kindof Widget to improve yourWebsite. No matter if youuse Textwidgets, any otherdefault WordPress widget orthe fantastic customWidgets that are included inSpiegelMagazine.

Just About Travel

About

Cookies

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Syndicated Content

Sponsored Content

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© 2015 Just About Travel | Powered by WordPress Log in

About Travel Rumblings Travel Destinations Travel News Travel Tips & Opinions

Events Contact

La dolce vita The Borromean

Isles: magical

gardens on Italy’s

Lake Maggiore

Ischia

wonderland

Green Knowe Bulgaria ancient

treasures, current

events and great

value

Historic Natchez

1

2

Related

La dolce vita Lake-town/ Lake Pukaki The Borromean Isles: magicalgardens on Italy’s LakeMaggiore

Search

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 3 / 3