Tag Archives: Angera

Old castle with amazing views in Angera

12 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in Lake Maggiore, Rocca Borromeo of Angera

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The walk up the hill to the castle, Rocca Borromeo of Angera, is quite long and takes about 25 minutes but well worth the effort, so take it slowly.  Bring a hat and water as there is not much shade and it gets very warm.  I do believe that you can take a taxi up to the castle from the township if you would rather not walk.

The Rocca Borromeo of Angera is a fortified building located in the town of Angera (Varese), on the southern shores of Lake Maggiore in Lombardy. This is one of the best preserved castles of Lombardy. The ancient castle tower dates back to the 13th century; the view of the lake and the hinterland from here is absolutely charming.

The castle is well-kept, an interesting building with impressive walls and beautiful gardens and magnificent views.  If you go on a clear day you can see the Alps across the lake.

La Rocca includes botanical, medievil, vegetable, herb and fruit tree gardens and vineyards which are a pleasure to stroll through.

The castle is perfectly maintained, and therefore unique. Inside the fortress,  you can see examples of press medieval plows and troughs.  Further inside, the castle houses a doll museum, unique in Italy and among the most prestigious in Europe and well-known by collectors Europe wide. There are not just dolls but also games for boys, table lamps, music boxes, and much more. For  the average visitor it is just a nice little add-on to the visit as seeing the exhibition leads you through the whole castle. The old dolls and toys are fascinating – and some were downright weird. You really have to see it to believe it.  No matter what your interests are, you will be amazed by this castle and its wonderful museum.

Be sure to go right to the top of the fortress for the best views, climbing up the various ladders from the Hall of Justice where the excellent frescoes are.

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After we had spent a couple of hours in the castle and the doll museum we visited the gardens.  Take some time to wander round the gardens and then enjoy the stroll downhill back to the town. There is a cafe and small shop at the fortress, but there are lots of cafes back at lake level.

All in all an excellent way to spend a few hours.

Angera- another lovely find on Lago Maggiore

29 Sunday Mar 2015

Posted by in Angera, Lake Maggiore

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Just a short 30 minute boat trip from Stresa is the beautiful Angera.  We actually took the hydrofoil which was a little quicker than the ferry. This resort centre is situated at the south end of Lago Maggiore and sits right on the lakefront.  There is the ancient castle of the Borromea with a domineering position offering a great view over the whole lake and landscape.

We had planned to spend an hour or so here, stop for a coffee and then continue on the next ferry or hydrofoil to explore other parts of beautiful Lago Maggiore.  Well that plan was out the window very quickly as once we stepped foot here we knew that it would be hours before we left.

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We headed off on foot to explore.  Walking was very easy with so much to see from the Rocco Borremo to Italy’s first  museum.

We strolled along the shady waterfront which is speckled with villas and old fishing families’ houses and there are good views across the water to Arona.

Not far from the ferry terminal was a set of shops, cafes and restaurants where we eventually stopped for a lunch of classical local dishes.

Before lunch we did in fact climb the hill to the fort but that is worthy of its own story another time. This is quite a long steep climb and probably not recommended for anyone with walking limitations.

Angera, a delightful township  on the foreshores of Lake Maggiore and a lovely place to spend time.

My reasons for travelling to Italy – Series – Viste (sights)

06 Friday Feb 2015

Posted by in My reasons for travelling to Italy, Viste

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After many years of travelling to and around Italy, I have put together a snapshot of some of the beautiful places where I have spent time.  These are not always the places that first come to mind when one thinks of Italy. In fact they are places that were special to me and have left wonderful memories in my mind and heart.  Some of the photos you will recognize and some you may never have heard of.

So here are 25 reasons to visit Italy. Maybe  these photos will make you want to jump on a plane right now and fly to Italy.

Amalfi Coast –  this is where dreams are made.  Is a stretch of coastline on the southern coast of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Southern Italy.  The Amalfi coast consists of many beautiful little townships and villages. I rented an apartment here for 2 weeks and really experienced the area, especially the beaches.

Vieste – Is a glorious marine resort on the southeast Adriatic coast of Italy. It appeared to be a very popular holiday destination for Italians as we felt as though we were the only English-speaking visitors.  We took a jet boat ride out to the caves which were very beautiful although we were concerned about the lack of safety precautions by the jet boat company.

Vieste

Venice – one of my favourite major cities in Italy. I have visited this fabulous city many times and each time I discover more and I like it more.

Trulli – Alberobello.  These are traditional Apulian dry stone huts with a conical roof from the 19th century.

Puglia

Pievebovigliana in Marche is a commune within the Monti Sibillini National park. I rented a house here for a month.

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Camerino – An impressive small hill town on the border between Marche and Umbria. It is home to the University of Camerino founded in the Middle Ages.  I visited this great little town many times as I was staying in Pievebovliana which was only about 20 mins drive away.

Camerino

Monti Sibillini – part of the central Apennines situated between Umbria and Marche

Norcia – Umbria is located in the plain of Monti Sibillini

Norcia

Assisi –  In Umbria was the birthplace of St Francis

Florence – the capital of Tuscany (Toscano) is considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance

Pisa – a definite tourist destination but it is a must at least once when visiting Italy

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San Gimignano – I love hilltop towns and this is by far one of my favourites.  Great restaurants, great views and great shops.

Siena – in Tuscany is famous for its Palio, a horse race held twice a year.

Siena

Milan – one of the most famous fashion cities in the world.

Lago Maggiore is a large lake located on the south side of the Alps in northern Italy on the border of Switzerland.

Lago Maggiore

Isola Bella is one of the beautiful islands on Lake Maggiore where I saw white peacocks for the first time

Stresa – on the shores of Lake Maggiore. After spending 8 days in this beautiful part of the world I ended up with hundreds of gorgeous photos of its spectacular views.

Stresa

Santa Caterina del Sasso Ballaro –  a monastery perched on a rocky ridge on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore

Sant Caterina

Fortress of Angera – Castle on Lago Maggiore

Bagni di Lucca – I rented an apartment and stayed here for a month.  Every day was a day of new discoveries, meeting new people, visiting many of the towns and villages in the area and “living” the local life.  This was definitely living the dream.

Barga – This medieval hilltop town is just a short drive from Bagni di Lucca. Another place that took my breath away.

panorama

Cinque Terre – The 5 lands.  This is a definite must when visiting Italy. I have stayed here several times and enjoy every minute of it every time. It is very easy to access by train from almost anywhere in Italy.

Rome – view from Castel San Angelo

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Trevi Fountain  –  in Rome is one of the most famous fountains in the world.  It is a popular tourist attraction and I might add, almost impossible to take a photograph free of people.

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Lake Albano – Looking down from Castel Gandolfo where the pope has his summer residence – 24 kilometres from Rome

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Sunset over Rome

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If I have missed one of your favourites, please let me know and I will add it next time.