So far we have been very fortunate in that almost every year we spend close to a month in Italy or France. If you have read any of the travel pages on this site, you will ready know there is just something about those countries that inspire us always to return.
On one of our trips we enjoyed time in the Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Ligure Regions. I think travel in these areas of Italy is really what a trip to Italy is all above: easy driving from town to town, enjoying the lush scenery of the Regions and of course, eating a fine array of food and enjoying vwery good wine.
The cafes of Cremona in the Piazza del Comune |
Northern Italy: Cremona to Santa Margherita Ligure So far we have been very fortunate in that almost every year we spend close to a month in Italy or France. If you have read any of the travel pages on this site, you will ready how there is just something about those countries that inspire us always to return. On one of our trips we enjoyed time in the Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna and Ligure Regions. I think travel in these areas of Italy is really what a trip to Italy is all above: easy driving from town to town, enjoying the lush scenery of the Regions and of course, eating and fine array of food and enjoying good wine. |
Cremona
This town was a very pleasant surprise. Although we had never planned to visit or stay in this town, it was just one of those things. We were there, tired, travelling further not an option and there it was. A beautiful city.
Cremona is known for its cathedral, nougat and violins. It is here that Stradivarius and Guarneri made their best violins. Although we arrived by car, there is frequent train service from Milan. The trip is about two hours. The rail station is worth a visit and it is located north of the centre of the city at the end of Via Palestro.
The Piazza del Comune is the centre of the town. We found the architecture to be stunning, especialy in the early morning, as depicted in the cafe scene we captured early in the morning.. There are great contrasts in colour and texture in the buildings with the use of red brick giving off comfortable tones, and white marble used on many of the larger buildings. The Torrazzo is the tallest campanile in Italy with a height of around 364 feet. Don't miss the dumo, the Battistero di San Giovanni (dating back to 1167) and the Loggia dei Militi (dating back to 1292). The Palazzo del Comune is open during specirfic times. It is now the town hall for Cremona.
Certosa di Pavia
Of course when in the area make sure you make time to visit the Certosa di Pavia.
Certosa di Pavia |
We remember our drive down the long straight road that is lined with populars. At the end there is the main gate. It was locked when we arrived, but we waited for the opening time and then proceeded through the gate into the vestibule with its frecoes and once on the courtyard the front is right there. The front of this monastery/church is stunning. It is covered with Candoglia and Carrara marble. All carved with enough detail to keep your eyes busy for hours! Some travel books note the Certosa as the greatest decorative masterpiece in all of Italy. We've seen a lot, and this is right up there at the top. |
The main cloister has long arcades and around that are a number of house-like cells for the monks. Each cell/house contains its own chapel, a study/dining room a bedroom and a private garden.
The monastery dates back to 1390s and it took over two hundred years to complete. At one point in his history, Napoleon disbanded the monastry, but then in 1968 a group of Cistercians again occupied the Certosa. Plan your time accordingly as the Certosa closes from 11:30 to 2:30 pm. You could travel from Milan but it is a 1 1/2 km from the neast bus stop.
Santa Margherita Liqure
The drive towards along the SS45 towards Santa Margherita Ligure is exceptionally scenic. This takes you through the Trebbia Valley.
Despite all our planning we end up right in the middle of Genova... one of the worst driving headaches in northern Italy. But in no time we clear the congestion and are on our way along 30 km of great coast driving to Santa Margherita.
The scenic cove of Santa Margherita Ligure |
Written up in just about every tour book is the popular hotel, Hotel Fasce. Well it is just too popular, is full and we are unable to get in. We have stayed there before and can attest that the Fasce is a very well run hotel. Located on a quite side street and a short walk to the water. We end up at the Hotel Jolanda, just a few block further away from the water. This was a great The air-conditioned room was a blessing! We have returned to this hotel on other trips and highly recommend the Jolanda as a place to stay. Despite the development in the area, the town has a charm about it. Well worth a visit. |
The harbor of Portofino |
One of the nice things to do in Santa Margherita Ligure is to relax, enjoy the coast and take boats to visit the nearby areas. Its your opportunity to have a day trip to Portofino. We have been there a number of times, and believe me, arriving by boat is far better than driving into town and parking in the lot just above the village area. On some of our visits we have splurged and eaten in one of the pricey by okay cafes along the water. But on others, we have had great picnics along the water. Just buy a bottle of wine and some food in any of the small stores and then just enjoy the view. But be warned. Portofino lives for the day visits of tourist. Even a take-out lunch will cost. |
Carrara
We head off towards Tuscany
and on the way we stop in Carrara - the marble mining area of Italy. Very
interesting. The quarries date back thousands of years. You can drive up
the hills into the quarry areas. Walk around, see how they seem to cut huge
slabs of marble like cheese. Being from British Columbia we are used to logging
trucks barreling down the mountain side taking aim are cars! Watch how you
drive on these roads. The trucks are large and travel and a very fast pace.
- Italy 2001 | A tour from Sirmione, Venice, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast, Rome, Cinque Terre, Alassio
- Italy 2002 | San Remo, Bussana Vecchio, Alassio, Villanova Albenga, Montecantini Terme, Certosa di Firenza, Arezzo, Agricola Casentinese, Poppi, Prato Vechia, San Gimignano, Alassio
- Italy 2003 | Rome, Sicily, Amalfi Coast
Karen and Glenn Marcus travel extensively throughout France and Italy. We would enjoy hearing from you.
