Milano and Como

 

Duomo and adjoining Vittorio Emanuele ll Galleria and statue. A day trip to Como by train and a view of Switzerland and distant Alps. Navigli district in Milano with canals designed by Da Vinci. A Grand Hotel and Sforzeco Castello.

 

Milano

 A cycle path runs from Pavia into Milano alongside a canal. This canal was once important transporting goods from Milan to Venice of all places. The canal met the River Ticitus in Pavia which in turn connects to the River Po which meets the Adriatic Sea just south of Venice. No longer a viable transportation system in the modern world.

Pavia on River Ticino

 

 

The vast plains of the Po create endless fields of crops all irrigated with plentiful water supply. Whole fields submerged in it and by design.  

Going is easy on flat land and a return to an Ostello in Pavia visited 13 years ago on my Via Francigena pilgrimage. Three cyclists join me to stay here. A father and son and the son's friend. Italians at end of their Day 1 from Torino to Roma. A memorable occassion and host Sister from the Convent Maria de Betlem signs us in. These are very special moments in anybody s journey whether beginning or ending.

The Ponte del Ticino is the image I sign off with after trailing Hannibal from Barcelona. Near here he defeated the Roman General Scipio who had scrambled here fast to block Hannibal's advance towards Roma. Hannibal was triumphant and went on to score further major victories against the Romans. But without actually completely defeating them. What a journey he and his army and elephants took on!

Casale Monferata in Piemonte

Casale Monferato is off the main track. My destination here on the River Po was surprisingly difficult on country roads over the Montserat hills. Still mid thirties plus on the open roads. Will it ever get cooler!

The Po very tranquil and the Alps retreating quietly. Cuckoos heard today. 

I've been told of the Barbera grape grown in Piedmont and it's on the wine menu. By the bottle so another day.

A WWI war memorial gives dates relating to Italy's input (on the side of the Allies) 1915 to 1918. I could fill my phone camera memory with serious wartime memorials. Still not nearly to the extent found in Russia.

Torino

San Didero with its cobblestone streets. San Michele on high and a local pilgrimage destination and Vito de Stefano the man showing me the local sights. His enthusiasm for his small town and contribution to the Via Francigena truly a delight.

The historical centre of Torino is quite manageable by foot. The Mole (Mole Antonelliana) is the classic image rising over Turin but this photo doesnt represent it's importance. The elevator was being upgraded so that bit of easy climbing was removed. No stairs thank heavens!

Collonaded buildings line the main streets as they do in all the Italian cities. Torino feels less troubled by masses of tourists. Flies are in abundance this side of the Alps.

When Hannibal arrived here with his much depleted army he captured Taurasia from the Taurini tribe in the area we now know as Torino. Trail following continues .....