Although we had a perfect day on Lake Como with our visit to Villa del Balbianello, I was feeling under the weather all day. By that night, I knew it was going to get worse before it got better. I had all the telltale signs of food poisoning. The next morning I was only worse; the full fury of the traitorous food had set in. And we had a 6 hour drive from Bellagio to our new apartment in Cortona ahead of us. All the makings of a memorable road trip. We had an awesome day of beautiful scenery punctuated by pulling into many rest stops along the Autostrada. Unfortunately we had to pass Modena by (balsamico di Modena is one of my favorite things in the whole world!) and I spent the next couple of days in bed. At least my jeans will be looser now (at least until all this delicious pasta sets in!).
Goodbye Bellagio!Looking down along Lake ComoSo many picturesque spotsLarry had to stop and take a picture of this church - beautiful!Me mostly dead after arriving at the new apartment in Cortona. It was a long day.
Because our first visit to Bellagio a couple of years ago was so short on time we didn’t have much time to tour the area. Since we had a little bit more time this round, we decided to spend a gorgeous afternoon taking the ferry across the lake to visit the famed Villa del Balbianello.
Looking back at Bellagio from the ferryOne of the many beautiful towns along Lake ComoBeautiful buildingsAnother beautiful lakeside townAnother beautiful church in the afternoon sunshineWow
Villa del Balbianello is just one of many beautiful, historic, gigantic mansions on Lake Como, although a slightly more famous one than some of the others. Having been used as a movie set for Star Wars Episode II (where Padme comforted Anakin after his nightmare, and where they got married), Oceans Twelve, and Casino Royale (where Bond was recuperating from his torture), many movie fans will recognize its features. Truly though – it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is otherworldly.
Originally built for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini at the end of the 18th century, it passed through several hands before being purchased by famed Italian explorer Guido Monzino. Mr. Monzino then left it to a national historic trust when he passed. I have to say that despite the fact that I wasn’t feeling well (oncoming food poisoning), this was one of my favorite days of the trip. Because we’re past tourist season, there weren’t a lot of other people at the Villa; we practically had the place to ourselves. We were able to take a tour of the house itself – left as Mr. Monzino left it, including his impressive Chinese, African, and Pre-Columbian art collection as well as all of his expedition artifacts (he was the first Italian to climb Everest). The weather was absolutely gorgeous. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day. We reluctantly hopped back on the ferry to Bellagio when the Villa closed for the day. This is definitely also on my “must return” list.
Approaching Villa del BalbianelloAs you can see, it sits all by itself on the tip of a peninsulaThe ferry docks at the stairs. Until recently, boat was the only way to reach Villa del Balbianello.Walking up to the oldest part of the structureThe terrace where Padme and Anakin got marriedThe lawn where Bond engaged in a little r&r after his tortureI'll bet he has some storiesLooking out from the gardensWhat a viewOn the terrace of the main entranceThe ivy is purposely shaped like serpents. Serpents were part of the crest of the aristocratic family who owned it in the 19th century.Self portrait!Because the villa was originally built for a Cardinal, it of course contained a monastery. The monastery was later de-consecrated and houses kitchen, dining room, and smoking room.Watching over the groundsThe gardens were just stunning, everywhere you turnedBeautiful statues everywhereThe terraceSo green!
A couple of years ago, Larry and I had the chance to make a quick stop in Bellagio, on Lake Como. We were only there for a short night but fell in love and absolutely couldn’t wait to return. We got our chance this trip. We had a few extra days before our apartment in Tuscany was ready, and since it was going to be snowing in Vienna, we opted to return to Bellagio instead. It’s as beautiful as I remember, and we were treated to excellent weather. I can’t wait to go back again.
Looking over to the main part of BellagioLooking up one of Bellagio's pedestrian streetsAt the top of the streetOne of the many tiny side alleysLooking out toward Lake ComoSome pizza and pasta in the sunshineBeautiful church
