TAKING A PEW

A shot of the swans at Lake Como

While in Portofino and on the few days we did go about sightseeing, we did stop to take a pew if you will, in three different houses of worship. I know, I'm still amazed these very old places still stand after I have step foot in them. While no means am I religious, and not even sure that I buy all the written bible crap, I do enjoy a good church and it's architecture. After being now in Vienna, Budapest, Nuremberg, Costa Rica and Buenos Aires, it amazes me just how old some of these churches are compared to our own here state side. The first was Basilica of Saint Abbondio in Lake Como.

The Basilica di Sant' Abbondio is a great example of Como Romanesque. It is located outside the town walls, at the Monte Croce, along via Regina. In the 9th century, the church was dedicated to San't Abbondio, former bishop of Como, buried here since the 5th century. In 1010 bishop Alberico sent here a community of Benedictine monks who started reconstructing the church. The church has two notable bell towers rising at the one end. The sober building has seven stained glass windows, and a portal. I thought the Romanesque bas reliefs and the main apse were of note.

The San Giorgio Chruch was a favorite of mine. 

A smaller, weatherbeaten, but soulful church is muted yellow, much different, much simpler in the area then the other two, looking out to the sea on two sides and one with a view of Portofino. San Giorgio according to a plaque inside, the church was erected in 1154, although further excavations- made in the reconstruction after Second World War, have allowed the discovery of ancient square chapels dating back to perhaps the time of the Lombards in Liguria. Some renovation was carried out in 1760. During the Second World War the church was destroyed entirely by a bomb dropped from a aircraft. The current structure is a result of the reconstruction that took place in 1950 when new alters and fixtures were built. But the relics of Saint George, patron saint of Portofino are still kept in inside.

The final was the Church of San Martino.

Another oldie. The Church od San Martino is in the Romanesque style and dedicated to Saunt Martin of Tours. It's believed the church was also probably built in the 12 century, although some documents made mention of 1130. The church's bell tower can see seen from all over town. San Martino is a richly appointed church...with great stonework, marble decoration in and out, many golden textures, stained glass windows and impressive cravings and artworks. The interior is bright, decorated with frescoes, huge chandeliers and massive columns, a huge organ, and many very valuable paintings and sculptures which are believed to date to the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the life of these churches, I felt like a blink of the eye in time.

LAKE COMO

 
While on vacation we took a day to explore Lake Como, or as I called it, the Newport RI of Italy. Lake Como it seems, draws every A-lister at some point to its summer villas. So, what could possibly be so great about the particular lake? I've always been a lake person and love the ocean. But I wasn't expecting this much beauty...I thought we'd seen it all being in Portofino, but it only got better. Imagine the landscape of the Swizz Alps, the villas and architecture of the Amalfi Coast, plus the food and hospitality that's so iconic to Italy. Rugged mountains meet a clear glacier lake that's more than a thousand feet deep with colorful villages peppering its coastline. Lake Como is just difficult enough to get to also. Though it's maintained it's quiet and charm.

We visited the Castello di Venzio, again, at the top of a huge hill, but rewards you with great views of the glacial lake. The castle stood for more than one thousand years and once defended the Lombardy region from invaders. The castle is beautiful, but its ghost is a major attraction. 

The ghost are cast plaster and are left to the elements throughout the winter until a new season begins and the ghost are cast anew. The ghost are linked to the legend about why the castle was built. In it, it is mentioned the castle was built thanks to the wishes of Theodelinda, who was queen of the Lombards, who ruled this part of Italy for several hundred years. It's said she spent the last years of her life in the area and her heart and soul are buried in the walls and her spirit can be seen on moonlit nights. Of course, the villas are a huge part of Lake Como. As is the Church of San Giorgio and the picturesque village of Bellagio, a postcard worthy town that epitomizes the Italian lake district and should be a mandatory stop on the Riveria. 

We wondered along the waterfront then up through cobblestone streets and alleys of the village, and emphasis on up...like many villages on the lake is built on the hill, so be ready to climb some stairs.

This villa might look familiar...the Villa del Balbianello, the most famous villa on Lake Como and for good reason.

It is known for it's lush gardens and the best panoramic views, meticulously maintained gardens, terraced gardens overlooking the lake, opulent interior and historical artifacts and frescoes. It is also known for its appearance in Casino Royale and in Star Wars Attack of the Clones. Originally a Franciscan monastery built in the 13 th century, it was later converted into a villa that was passed down the ranks of the wealthy Visconti family.

The Villa Carlotta is a 17 th century masterpiece, and now a museum, is also well known and worth a visit for just a walk though it's botanical gardens.

And the Villa Monastero was probably my favorite. A magnificent villa that showcases a blend of nature and architecture. Originally a convent, the villa boasts beautiful, terraced gardens, colorful flowers, ancient trees, and some wonderful views.

Can you imagine having these views every morning?!?!