War Memorial

A small grassy courtyard lies outside Chiesa di San Pietro, a church built in the 1100’s in the Lombardia region of Northern Italy. The courtyard is lined with these monuments, each stating the name of a soldier killed in either WWI or WWII, along with his country of origin. The point is to show how war crosses all geographic and philosophical boundaries and how pointless war really is.

Stairway to Heaven

One of the many stone passageways beckoning me into its secrets. This one is along Lago Como, very close to George Clooney’s fabulous home perched on the edge of the lake.

Mafalda di Savoia

This stone monument at the edge of Lago Como honors the memory of Mafalda di Savoia, princess and daughter of the King of Italy during WWII. Accused of anti-Hitler sentiments, she was arrested and sent to Buchenwald where she eventually died. This monument is also dedicated to all women who died in Nazi concentration camps.

One of the Stations of the Cross

Snaking up the steep mountain overlooking Locarno, Switzerland, this pilgrim’s path carries you past the Stations of the Cross, leading you directly to…

Il Santuario della Madonna del Sasso

The Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Stone. Huff and puff up the punishing path, past the Stations of the Cross encouraging you onward and upward until you finally arrive at this deliciously painted church. The view down onto the Swiss city of Locarno and the northern edge of Lago Maggiore is your earthly reward.

Ports of Call – Lago Maggiore Excursion

This and the three following photos are some of the towns along the shores of Lago Maggiore. An all day trip, the bartelo (ferry) sped us from the southern to the northern tip of this peaceful Italian lake.

Maritime Pride

Our ferry flying the colors of the Italian mariner’s flag. The civil maritime flag of Italy features a shield in the center depicting the four symbols of its Sea Republics: Venice (St. Mark’s winged lion holding a book), Genoa (red-on-white cross), Amalfi (Maltese white cross on dark blue), and Pisa (fancy white cross on red).

Stony Urn in Sesto Calende

My quest for a local archaeological museum brought us to Sesto Calende, a small town just a few miles from Angera at Lago Maggiore. Alas, my plan was foiled; the museum was closed in preparation for White Night when all the museums and sights are open all night. Our consolation prize was happening upon this urn, unceremoniously sitting on the edge of a small parking lot. Gino, down below, wishes he was a duck.

Parking Lot Brilliance

Would that all parking lots displayed such lighting! Sesto Calende does it right.

A Golden Welcome

One of the small towns we briefly docked at during our ferry trip up the length of Lago Maggiore.