Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Beauty of Bellagio, Italy

Bellagio, Italy, is one of our favorite places. The old Church of San Giacomo ws built in 1075 - 1125, although its altar is another 500 years older.
This is a view from our hotel past some of the other lakefront hotels north across Lake Como to the Alps. We brought a group of 13 friends to spend a week in Bellagio last May, which is a delightful time of year to visit. The sun and flowers of Spring are made more joyful by the remnants of winter snow in the mountains.
The town of Bellagio is a charming colection of pedestrian-only walkways, pastel colored buildings with red tile roofs, and views of Lake Como and the mountains down every street. This is the Salita Serbelloni. Our hotel was on the lakefront at the base of this street.
Fresh pasta, local wine, a sidewalk table. What could be better? I hope no one orders the "hamburger."
The architectural details add charm to every nook and cranny of the town.
This is the roofline of the hotel where we stayed, the Hotel Metropole. We stayed there abouot 5 or 6 years ago, and liked it so much we returned with a group of friends this past May. Everyone loved it. Another advantage of coming in May is that the prices jump higher in June, and May is when the azealas and rhododendrons for which the Lake Como area is famous are in full bloom.
Italians know how to dress up what would otherwise be plain windows to add a splash of color.

8 comments:

brattcat said...

You make the rest of us wish we were there.

Traveling Hawk said...

Wonderful landscapes! I only know the northern part of Lake Garda. Thank you for sharing.

glenda said...

Ahh, what beautiful memories.

Joop Zand said...

Beautiful pictures, with lovely colors.

Greetings, Joop

Linda said...

Your photos are beautiful! I love every little detail throughout....Those purple flowers against the yellow paint are quite lovely and the historical church is just amazing! Thanks for sharing...Cheers, Linda

Jack said...

Thanks for posting these photos. I stayed in Bellagion for two days in 2008, as part of a hiking trip in the Italian lakes. It might have been my favorite vacation ever. These photos brought back wonderful memories.

Joanne said...

Italy, Italy....I love Italy, the food the people the architecture the whole lot:)))

Unknown said...

The photo of the street with the lake in the background is fabulous! Definitely my favourite.

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