Italy: Parma

So long Lombardia! We rode the train(s) 150 kms south to Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This region produces Parmesan cheese;that is, Parmigiano Reggiano, our favorite. The composer Giuseppe Verdi was born here as well.

Arriving in the early afternoon gave us time to explore Parma's historic center. The next day we excurted to Modena, 60 kms to the south, with intent of buying Parmigiano Reggiano from the central market and exploring the historic city center [coming in our next post].

On the train to Parma.


An articulated "ebus 5" cruising down the street in Parma.


Piazza del Duomo, with the 12th-Century Duomo, Belfry and Baptistery, is the heart of city center.


Baptistery Tympanum


The nearby Art Nouveau Poste Telecomunicazioni Building caught our attention.






While waiting for the Duomo to open at 4pm, we walked through the Ducal Park and ...




... checked out the busy interior of the Basilica di Santa Maria della Steccata.




Stepping inside the Duomo, Sun-Ling and I were both mesmerized by the illusionistic cupola fresco of the Assumption by Antonio da Correggio, not to mention the rest of the interior.






Palazzo del Governatore at night.


The next day before taking the train to Modena, we visited the Church of St John the Baptist (1st below), and its sacastry (2nd below), and super interesting monastery library (the rest).

Italy: Day Trip to San Pellegrino Terme

On our second full day in Bergamo we rode the bus to the Village of San Pellegrino Terme, home of the well known beverage company, and enjoyed checking out the Art Nouveau buildings including the Grand Hotel, and Casinò Municipale which is now the upscale QC Terme/Spa.

We catch a glimpse of the San Pellegrino bottling plant from the bus.


The Funicolari up to La Vetta, a village above San Pellegrino Terme.


However the funicolari was not running so we walked up. I was a bit under-the-weather and happy to grab some water at the top.




The Art Nouveau Grand Hotel of San Pellegrino.


Some photos in and around the Casino which is now an upscale spa.












And a few more shots of the "under renovation" Grand Hotel

Italy: Bergamo

After a tiring day of bus and trains, we arrived in Bergamo (still in Lombardy) in time to head up to the Upper City (Citta Alta) for some sight seeing and sunset views from its massive Venetian walls.

Monza Railway Station - Travel Day: Menaggio to Como to Bergamo, Lombardy, Italy


Venetian Walls of Citta Alta




Colleoni Chapel




Church of Sant 'Agata Del Carmine


From the Upper City we rode the funicolare up to San Vigilio Castel


View from Funicolare S.Vigilio Station


Sunset - Parco Del Castello Di San Vigilio


Sunset photos from San Vigilio (1st) and Citta Alta (2nd below).

Italy: Memorable Menaggio

From Pavia we headed north by metro, train, and bus to the village of Menaggio on the shores of Lake Como. Finally. We had wanted that view for a long time. The bus ride had been nauseating, the weather rainy and cold. But roses by the lake were blooming and the moonrise over Lake Como = stunning.

The next morning was sunny and brisk. Overnight, the distant mountains had received a light dusting of snow. We walked north to Acquaseria on the Antica Strada Regina (Old Roman Road) and returned by bus. Then jumped on the bus up to Croce where we walked past some cool WWI fortifications out to the Crocetta, a cross with a view.

Our second full day in Menaggio, we rode the bus to Breglia, and walked up to the Rifugio Menaggio from which there were views back along Lake Como to Bellagio and west over Lago Lugano to Lugano, Switzerland.

Lake Como View on Bus C10 from Como to Menaggio




John in Total Rain Gear mode"










Walking north on the Roman Road (Antica Via Regina). There is a dusting of snow on the far mountains. And a view down to Hotel Villa La Gaeta, a location for a recent James Bond film.












WWI Fortifications: Postazioni Frontiera Nord (Linea Cadorna)




Ourselves (1st below) and Lake Como at the Crocetta Viewpoint via the trail from Croce . View down to Menaggio (2nd below). View to Bellagio (3rd).






Walking from Breglia to the Rifugio Menaggio










View from Pizzo Coppa towards Lugano, Switzerland.


View of John standing at the top of Pizzo Coppa with Lake Como, and Bellagio (upper right-ish) behind.


Sunset on Lake Como.