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Sabrina Friedman, Staff Writer
Just because it's Italy's second largest lake doesn't mean
it's second best. In fact, after even a brief visit to Maggiore, you'll
see what all you'd miss if you never gave second place a chance.
Flowing gracefully between Lombardy and Piedmont, Lake Maggiore provides a
peaceful vacation for the harried, views for the scenically challenged,
water sports for the active, and lots and lots of coast for the ultimate in
relaxation. With three main islands within the area, you'll find that
watertaxis are the most efficient (and most
beautiful) mode of travel. If you want to just stay put on that beach towel,
though, no one will argue.
But if you're feeling a bit quirky, a bit adventurous... if you're looking
for those vacation photos to be just this side of abnormal, check out the
following locales: Popular tourist attractions year-round, yet never
overcrowded. In fact, the following three locales are proven to occupy even
the pickiest of children.
The Umbrella and Parasol Museum/Gignese
Ever WISHED for a rainy day? Even if you haven't, you no longer have to let
a rainy day ruin your vacation. In fact, rain or shine, the Umbrella and
Parasol Museum houses a large and incredibly unique collection of umbrellas
and parasols. No matter the age, no matter the period,
no matter the style, you'll find it here. In addition, for those who wonder
exactly what it takes to create an umbrella, you'll find the tools used by
umbrella and parasol constructors to create these fascinating portable rain
and sun shelters.
The Colossus of St. Carlo Borromeo
Okay, so it's a statue. No big deal, right? Actually... it is. This is no
ordinary statue. It's a big, honking statue of pure copper, erected in the
late 1600s. Doesn't sound appealing? How many statues have you seen where
you and all six of your family members can fit inside the
head? With Cerano as the inspiration, the statue was erected on a medium
hill, which stretches over the town of Arona and welcomes visitors young and
not-so-young with magnificent views and some spectacular photo opps. (And if
it's views you're after, go up into the head and look out
through the eyes. Ever heard the saying "The eyes are the window to the
soul?" The view from the head of this statue will show you the soul of
Italy.
The Museum of Landscapes
Okay, okay - ANOTHER museum? For those with a thirst for something
different, this is the place. This three-hundred-year-old palace and the
gloriously ornate halls within contain areas lined with paintings by artists
spanning the mid-to-late 1800s through the early-to-mid-1900s. Artists
obscure and even more obscure, but as equally talented as the masters of
Italian art: in this particular collection, you'll find works by Carlo
Fornara, Eugenio Gignous, Guido Boggiani, Achille Tominetti, Daniele
Ranzoni, Mario Tozzi - even Luigi Litta. (Okay, I don't know who
Luigi Litta is either, but he's talented. VERY talented.) If paintings
aren't your thing, check out the sculptures... here, you'll find a variety
of works, including some in chalk (the kids will love it, even if it IS
educational) by Paolo Troubetzkoy. (If you're interested
in boning up on Paolo beforehand, check out the Impressionist era.)
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