This magnificent fellow stands a lonely watch outside the sculpture museum on Torcello, the quiet little island where the first Venetians built a homestead to hide from the raiding Lombards and their ilk. To think of all that’s come and gone for the Venetian republic since an anonymous sculptor liberated him from a marble blank centuries ago…
This is a great read from a great actor who had the experience so many a tourist has had at first with Venice, only to come to love it for what it is once he had the chance to circumnavigate the tourist traps and experience the real Venice deeply and fully.
Hat tip Dream of Venice.
The beauty that is gardening in Venice.
You will be thinking of finding your way amongst the crowds when you come to Venice in August. Looking somewhere for refreshing shade and quiet. But even in the center of town, along those beaten paths, there are secret oases of verde rigoglioso – lush green private gardens. Not just the semi-private corti – courtyards of houses you can cross or look into. I mean the little gardens, off-limits, hiding behind the walls. Almost one-third of Venice consists of these little secluded, private gardens.Venetian buildings, in what is called l’edilizia della Venezia minore, are rather structured, consisting of several levels on and above the ground. There are, for example, a first-floor terrace, in-between loggias and top-floor altanas. All are natural extensions of the inner courtyards, often used as gardens. Paved and terraced. Or covered with mossy lawns. Hiding behind red brick stone walls and facades painted in Venetian Red – the rosso…
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One of the great parts of the Lugana wine district is the lovely way these fantastic buildings and vineyards are integrated into a busy region close to big cities like Brescia and Verona. Lots of boats, a lovely lake, tourists from other parts of the EU, and some of the best white wines in the world. We took this at Ca’ Lojera as we wrapped a lovely day tasting and exploring.
The only problem with going to Burano is that you eventually have to leave. Sad every time! But perhaps not forever: someday Sassi Italy Tours World HQ is going to be here, I suspect!
The view from il Castello di Soave. Fabulous! From here you pay a nominal fee and get to walk around a medieval castle overlooking some of the best wine country in Italy. An amazing place that’s day trip-able from Venice if you’re not staying Soave.
As seen from from Azienda Mossio Fratelli in Rodello. What a view! Bet its amazing in winter as the snow hits the Alps off in the distance.
One of our favorites (if not *the* favorite) from the recent Piemonte exploration has finally made its way to Sovereignty Wines‘ shelves thanks to our persistent pestering of their distributor. Well worth the wait!
This beauty pairs nicely with anything savory, spicy meats, cheeses, and hearty soups. Pester your local wine shop for it too, as it’ll be time well spent. A perfect exploration of Piemonte in a glass, and an approachable one–only $14 or so, and way less fussy than its aging-required pricey Barolo cousin. Barolo is the wine the Piemontese sell to make a living, but nebbiolo and dolcetto are what they drink themselves. You’ll see why!
Great food in the Veneto and Lombardy isn’t just found in the big cities like Venice and Milan–this little out of the way trattoria offered up an incredible lunchtime delight. When it practically swims from the lake to your plate, the best of Garda is hard to not enjoy. Fresh and perfectly prepared.
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