Giancarlo Parazzoli is official photographer for the Distretto Turistico dei Laghi. Many of their promotional materials feature his gorgeous works. Here I share with you some photos he has just taken around the lake... as you can see, spring has truly and colorfully arrived.



Will Miss Italy Return To Stresa? "It would be a dream to have Miss Italy returned to Stresa," said Stresa's mayor, Canio di Milia, after hearing the news that Salsomaggiore, the host of the pageant for the past 30 years, has decided to give up the event for economic reasons. The Miss Italy pageant had its start in Stresa, and it would have a very welcome return. Costs and logistics still need to be worked out, but what an exciting prospect this is! Read more about Miss Italy's start in Stresa here.

The Arte al Sole Day Camp Program "The Unicorn In The Garden," is almost sold out! Shannon Venable, founder and director of the program, tells me that they are thrilled with this first year's response to the art program for English-speaking children, and that all of the younger camper spots have been filled, while a few remain for older campers. The program runs from June 20 to June 24; for more information read here.

San Satiro tucked away on Via Torino near the Duomo.

I must share with you today's article in Italian Notebook. All of you who are planning your day trips to Milan, add this to your list! This is about The Chiesa Santa Maria Presso di San Satiro, commonly known just as San Satiro, which is just south of the Duomo in Milan. Dating back to the 800s, the church was renovated in the second half of the 1400s by Bramante, and it is about one unusual feature of Bramante's design that we read:

No dice. Even for an architect such as Bramante, sometimes bureaucracy just gets in your way.

You’ve been commissioned by Milan’s Duke Sforza to rebuild the church of San Satiro. (Saint Satyrus was the brother and confessor of Saints Marcellina and Ambrose, the latter the patron Saint of Milan.) You’ve gotten the go-ahead from the religious authorities. It’s all systems go, funds in place….

… and then the town council construction board decides to ix-nay permission for the apse. The apse! Of all things, how absurd! How can you have a church without an apse!?



As will be happening all over the country of Italy today, also Stresa will be celebrating the official anniversary of the Unification of Italy. Stresa is ready to participate in the festivities; the town invites all citizens and guests to attend and join in all of the numerous events that are planned, and to display the Italian flag from their balconies or windows in honor of the day.

We are accustomed to seeing the gardens on Isola Bella in all their spring and summer splendor; like when we recently looked at the Giardino d'Amore section of it, with brilliant white peacocks strutting on lush green lawns and an explosion of flowers and colors. But look here... on a gray, damp, foggy day in February the gardens of the Palazzo Borromeo have a different kind of beauty... almost ethereal... Without the distraction of blossoms and blooms, other features catch our eye, other secrets wait to be discovered.  Following, thanks to Giampiero Zanzi, owner of Wunderkammer and the founder of Lo Spirito del Lago art show, is a rare look at these gardens at a time when almost no one gets to see them.

 

Here's a very handy bit of information for those of you arriving or departing Stresa via the train station. We have discovered that temporary luggage storage is available at the station. Although at first glance the station does not appear to have a storage facility, the cafe on the premises will keep your luggage in a secure storage room for you for some hours during the day. They will not store your bags overnight; you must return during their operating hours of course; and they can assume no liability for the bags. But I have heard from travelers who have used their service that they have been very helpful and that all has gone perfectly. They will charge you a very reasonable 3 euro per bag.