We had a nice stroll in the area to admire another piece of local architecture . The castle... read more
We had a nice stroll in the area to admire another piece of local architecture . The castle... read more
If you are in the area north west of Milan travelling toward Bern, Lucerne, or Geneva consider a 10... read more
We had a few minutes between meetings and stopped for a quick stroll. The grounds are very open, the building is impressive to look at (and has a moat) and interesting to walk around. We had a local person with us and that helped a lot because there are not many signs. You can't go inside the building so you won't spend hours at this spot...15-30 minutes top.
Or should I say fortress. I love the size and style. One of my favorite places to visit when I'm in Milan.
The Castle is open for public one day a year & you have to order the visit in advance, the structure is pretty but the humidity of the area destroy the facades. Lets say that it worth a visit of 10 minutes if you get near by case.
We had a nice stroll in the area to admire another piece of local architecture . The castle Borromeo lols like a typical piece of northern Italian architecture
If you are in the area north west of Milan travelling toward Bern, Lucerne, or Geneva consider a 10 mile side trip over to the Rocca Borromeo overlooking the town of Angera on Lake Maggiore. The castle sits on a rock outcrop controlling the waterway along the lake which stretches up into Switzerland.
The castle has a number of well outfitted great halls and fresco’d rooms. Not generally noted though is a fine collection of medieval wine making equipment. Large presses which must be five hundred years or more old. There is even an active vineyard within the castles environs.
As you wind your way upward keep your eyes open. For those who don’t peek around corners you might think you’ve reached the top of the keep but access to the top of the tower is found by taking a stairway built into the wall of a room. From the door of the room it looks like just another window set into a thick wall. Step up to the window and look left. The view from the tower is magnificent looking well north up the mountain lake or south down into the open lands of the Piedmont.
The best photographic location to view the castle is across the lake in Arona. If you are there about sunset the fading light provides a spectacular tableau.
Stop and have dinner on the patio of the Ristorante Barcaiolo. Look across the plaza and onto the lake with the castle silhouetted above the far shore. Excellent food at a good price.