Italy - Lombardia d'Autore - Italian Lake District

32 Pages·2005·0.943 MB·English

lakes
Enchanting reflections
It is only in lakes that land and fered by land. Lakes are casts of
water find a balancing point. Water ground, perfect synthesis between
is a fluid element that gushes from solidity and liquidity.
springs, roars while falling, flows This is perhaps why lakes aggre-
vigorously along rivers, and pours gate people, who gather around
endlessly into sea. Subject to its in- them. The banks of a river separate:
cessant action, land experiences frequently the inhabitants of the
continuous destruction and recon- opposing banks are rivals. On the
struction, in the form of an unceas- contrary, lakes do not create juxta-
ing and exhausting process of trans- positions. Neither a “on this side”
forming, eroding, crumbling. In nor a “on the other side” are given,
this unstable relationship, lakes rep- determined by any geographical
resent the exception. Some type of barrier. The shores of a lake draw a
primordial alliance, of original con- closed perimeter, an uninterrupted
tract between the two elements, has circle, comprising the surrounding
allowed the serene nature of water settlements as if in a ideal, wider,
to occupy pacifically the spaces of- community.
4
Lombardia
The Lombard territory includes – in addition to the three largest lakes in Italy,
Maggiore, Garda, and Como – a multitude of small bodies of water, which are
real high-altitude oases: the alpine ponds.
Equally distributed throughout the three districts of Sondrio, Bergamo, and
Brescia, they are an ideal destination for those, whether experienced hikers or
simple tourists, who want to take advantage of walking trails or cycle routes,
while discovering places far away from the crowded city and enjoying the sheer
unadulterated beauty and the serenity conveyed by this pristine area.
5
How many are Lombard lakes? every nuance of green and blue.
They are countless: nobody would Thanks to a magical connection with
be able to list all the expanses of wa- the sky, their waters imitate so pure-
ter, from the largest to the small ly and perfectly its transparency that
ponds, dotting the region. Just think you would say that they do not be-
of the tiny lakes nestled in Alps, long to this world. As though being
which in Spring flash with blue re- chips of glass embedded in opaque
flections, as ice starts melting, while rock, lakes bewitch by means of the
waiting for the Summer to offer always surprising and unexpected
6
Lombardia
contiguity between their solidity and view sweeping to the infinite hori-
liquid and transparent essence. The zon, as if watching from a privileged
proverbial hardness of granite, frozen balcony protruding from a noble
in sharp forms, sustains and en- palace. The small lakes Piodella,
velopes this delicate “crystalware” of Truzzo, Emet and Angeloga offer en-
nature, like a cupped hand carefully thralling sights of Chiavenna, while
holding a few drops of liquid. Gran- Masino Valley hosts the gracious
ite gorges extend towards the bottom lakes Lagazzuolo and Entova, sweet-
of valleys and provide lakes with a en by green fir woods.
7
In more comfortable zones, be-
tween plain and hill, other little
lakes spared from fame and mass
tourism rest in pristine natural set-
tings; for example Lake Endine,
bordered by thick reeds, whose un-
contaminated habitat remains en-
tirely preserved, or lakes Ganna
Wooded slopes and relaxing landscapes welcome those interested in exploring the lakes
around Varese area; the largest is Lake Varese, that takes its name from the city. Near
the west shore, Isolino Virginia, a small island reachable by boat from Biandronno, is
well worth visiting; the site, a peaceful and quiet oasis, is provided with facilities for
8
Lombardia
and Brinzio, enclosed by luxuriant
marsh vegetation. These are just
some of the unnumbered enclaves
in which a green panorama, im-
mersed in silence, unfolds before
the eyes of respectful visitors, lucky
enough to appreciate the gift of get-
ting into direct touch with nature.
sailing, sports and professional fishing, and canoeing. The small Lake Monate is an inte-
gral part of Lake Maggiore. Further along the coast road, is Lake Comabbio, once form-
ing a single body with Lake Varese. Ghirla and Ganna lakes, instead, are situated
immediately below the mountain zone.
9
The name and the fascination of settled there for long periods or
the Lombard lakes, though, are even for good, describing them
mostly related to the major basins, with a passionate admiration.
the lakes Maggiore, Como, Garda, As if following a gigantic cata-
Iseo, and Idro. When discovering clysm, erased from collective mem-
about them, intellectuals and artists ory, fragments of Mediterranean got
from all parts of Europe got en- entrapped amid formidable moun-
chanted and enthralled. They start- tain walls, resembling so much of
ed descending from North regions northern territories, likewise Lom-
to accomplish the rite of “Grand bard lakes offered travellers the un-
Tour” of Italy, the country of classi- predicted, amazing, and early illu-
cal art and Renaissance. Many of sion of southern regions. Such a vi-
them fell in love for the incompara- sion seems to evoke the myth of
ble landscape of the Lombard lakes sweet and warm Shangri-la in the
through which they proceeded, and inhospitable Himalayan coldness.
Ever since they were discovered, the main Italian lakes, Maggiore, Garda, and
Como, are a favourite destination for tourists and travellers, attracted by their enchant-
ing blue waters and natural sceneries. Today, the daily lake cruises organized by
Navigazione Laghi allow the visitor to fully enjoy the ethereal atmospheres of these
sheets of water, that are unique in the world. This is the case, for example, of Lago
Maggiore Express proposal, consisting of a memorable one-day excursion along Lake
10
Lombardia
Maggiore’s shores; first, by boat to Locarno, then, by train, through the wonderful
Swiss Centovalli and Italian Val Vigezzo valleys. The ferry car service operating on
Lake Garda gives the opportunity to explore a region rich in historical, natural, and
cultural significance. On Lake Como, in addition to the boat trip, you may consider
visiting one of the local villas, today like yesterday important meeting points for artists
and intellectuals.
11
In mountains that in Winter are to northern winds; the narrow,
whitened by snow, it is nearly a mir- wavy, and intricate aspect of pre-
acle for lemon orchards of Gardato alpine lakes can recall fjords (which
emit a scent so sunny, warm, and vi- also had been once valleys, later in-
tal. Astonishing is the tepid air in vaded and dipped by waters). This
which olive trees cast their bright is true, but similarities with the
shadows onto slopes, by stretching North stop here. The unbelievably
up and out their knotty trunks and mild climate, the richness of flora,
twisted branches; unusual the radi- the warm light of glowing tints:
ant sun which enriches vines with everything helps to create small
heavy and sweet bunches of grapes. worlds independent from the larg-
Sometimes Winter opens the door er region that encompasses them.
Inside a park extending at the foot of Gargnacco hill, nearby Gardone di Sopra, sits the
monumental Vittoriale degli Italiani villa, the dwelling of the poet and vates Gabriele
D’Annunzio. This is a surprising structure, enclosing different “worlds”, recalling the
artistic and literary climate of the first half of the 20thcentury.
12