Lake Como is all it is supposed to be and more. Brilliant puffs of crimson and tangerine geraniums frame each window. Mysterious, moss-laden stairways made from hand-hewn stone lie around every corner. Tall, tall cypress, spruce, fir and cedar trees stand silent guard over all the terraces and gardens. Shrouds and shrouds of blooming wysteria hang off arbors and pergolas everywhere while bright, white ferries criss cross the diamond blue water of the lake with an endless repetition and an unfailing effort.

Pliny the Elder had two homes here--base camps for his definitive research and works on horticulture and botany.

The textile center of Italy is in the town of Como itself, making exquisite and gorgeous silken blouses, scarves and shawls plentiful and cheap.

The shrine to the patron saint of bicyclists is here, at the church of Madonna del Ghisallo, a mecca for touring cyclists from every country in the world.

The local parish church, Chiesa Parrocciale San Giorgio, has a full color, slick, 3-page duplexed oversized brochure, detailing its art treasures and architectural features.

Spiritualism and industry coexist and coincide here with seemingly no effort and the result is stunning--words cannot describe. Douceur de vie, douceur de vie.



JBelle
On Location
Varenna, Italy