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Rukmani Vishwanath

Amidst its splendind structures and monuments, the most lasting impressions of Italy are the enthusiasm of its people and the sunny radiance of its verdant landscape.

The Lombardian landscape

If Dan Brown's much talked about bestseller The Da Vinci Code has you yearning for a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, so much that you want to make Italy your next vacation destination, just do it! It will be well worth it.

It's another matter altogether that the masterpiece staring down at you from the walls of Santa Maria Della Grazie in Milan will be just one of the many things that will make your trip a memorable one.

We recently set off on a Lombardian adventure, for a little taste of history, culture and nature. After acquainting ourselves with the beautiful people of Milan, we proceeded to drink in the sights and sounds of the place. One of the brightest jewels in Milan's crown is the colossal Gothic styled church the Duomo Cathedral, which towers majestically above what is now known as the Duomo Square. The square is identified as the heart of Milan and houses some of the biggest names in the fashion industry likeGucci, Prada, and Valentino.

At the centre of the square, you'll find tourists doubling up as bird-stands, assuming statue like positions for pigeon to perch on their heads, shoulders and outstretched arms. This apparently is a very popular photo opportunity. To get the pigeons to co-operate however is a bit of a challenge. Usually the lure is in the form of bird feed available from local vendors at a modest price. As you watchthis scene played over and over again, a rather philosophical statement comes to mind: "Remember that in life some days you are the pigeon and others you are the statue."

Another scene that is sure to stay etched in your mindis the music permeating every aspect of the ambience of Milan. Not only does Duomo Square hold concerts at night, by day you may find yourself drawn to the strains of distant violins, or captivated by the melodious saxophones of street corner musicians.

Milan is the primary city in Lombardia, a region surrounded by mountains, lakes and ancient villages that harbour many secrets.

The mountains of Lombardia, with its cobble-stoned village streets , its balconies overflowing with spring's choicest blossoms, where the roads are flanked on either side by rows of Cyprus trees and dense foliage in various shades of green, all give you the feeling that you are somehow inside a painting, maybe a Monet. On the other hand, the abundant and never ending fields of gold speckled with bright red poppy flowers are distinctly reminiscent of Vincent Van Gogh's Fields With Poppies.

While during the day, the spectacular museums and galleries housing some of the world's most renowned art treasures come alive here, at dusk, the ornate lampposts adorning every street corner add to the ethereal beauty of the gothic structures bathing them in soft radiance.

Whether you are a passionate art enthusiast or just want to soak up the sweet scents of the country side, first time travellers would be advised to plan their itinerary a little ahead of time, as they will invariably find themselves overwhelmed by the choice of things to do.

A visit to Lake Como is a must, for its picturesque Mediterranean landscape and Gothic architecture. Don't be surprised if you are gripped by a sense of déjà vu at Lake Como. You probably would have seen the place before, featured in some movie, as the spot is a favourite destination of filmmakers.

The tranquil blue waters of the vast expanse of the Lake reflecting the alpine peaks that surround it are stirred only by the ripples caused by the passing sailboats, which add to the place's picture postcard feel.

Locals recommend that one of the most breathtaking views of this phantasmagoria can be enjoyed from the Piazza Cavour, on the banks of the lake. Many of the buildings in Como are at least four centuries old and the town has ancient basilicas and towers, which also offer panoramic views. Como also has the distinction of being the best silk manufacturer in Italy.

For those wanting to escape from the stress of everyday life into a peaceful and introspective but beautiful retreat, a stay at the Corte Uccellenda, nestled in the serene little village of Castellaro Lagusello, in the Mozambano area, is probably just what the doctor ordered. Once a medieval castle, it has been converted into a sort of theme-based housing complex where each housing unit is dedicated to the memory of a famous historical personality in the fields of politics, literature, art and music. Each such unit reflects in its walls, library and décor the life of that personality such as Marco Polo, Vivaldi or Michavilli.

For example, the room on Marco Polo has a library stacked with books about the great explorers and their adventurous exploits, while the room dedicated to art has its walls adorned with the paintings of some of the famous masters. The rooms of the Corte Uccellenda have been designed to "culturally provoke" and stimulate the inhabitants, says the architect who designed the place. The apartments are comfortable, luxuriously appointed and available for short or long stays, though advance booking is necessary.. Travellers can also explore the quaint countryside on mountain bikes available at the resort.

Another major tourist attraction in the region of Lombardia is Lake Garda, possibly the largest lake in the whole of Italy. Aside from a breathtaking view of the lake, Garda is blessed with not only the charm of the Mediterranean countryside but also vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards. The area also boasts a sprawling 27-hole golf course designed by renowned English architects Cotton, Pennick Steel & Partners, which is close to Lake Garda and also the Castle of Soiano and the Valtenesi hills.

The Garda Golf country club has hosted the Italian Open Golf tournament twice, in 1997 and 2003. The wooden panelling and décor, oak tables, plush furnishings and light fixtures, lend a rustic but elegant ambience to the Club House. Sipping a steaming hot frothy cappuccino at one of the restaurants in the club overlooking the sprawling Golf greens, when the cool winds are blowing, is the stuff dreams are made of.

En route to the Alpine valley of Valtellina, many travellers stop at Tirano, to pay their respects to the church of the Madonna of Miracles, also known as Madonna di Tirano. Valtellina, surrounded by the awe-inspiring splendour of the Alpine range, is known as much for its cultivation of grapes, vineyards and wines as for its winter sport tournaments.

Sondrio is a quaint little city in the heart of Valtellina, where the ancient pedestrian streets lead you to the Piazza Campello, the seat of the town hall. Sondrio, a veritable garden of the most fragrant and colourful blossoms bursting forth from the mountainsides, also has a great market place, and the line of shops along the byways display clothes, shoes and other curios, blending both ancient and modern wares.

With all the grandeur of its history and all the living splendour of its massive sculptures, monuments and art treasures, usually the most lasting impressions travellers leave with from Italy, is the gregarious enthusiasm and earthy romanticism of the Italian people.

Perhaps, it is this that led British poet Robert Browning to once comment, " Open my heart and you will see, graven inside of it, Italy".

Picture by the author

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