Italy - Day 4

I had a little sleep in this morning cause I skipped out on the 'Traditions of the Lunagiana' lecture. I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand, which is why I take so many photos.  

So at 10 AM, we took a coach to a town about an hour away, by the name of Pontremoli. A river flows through the lovely old town. 

The streets are narrow and the buildings are very old with some wonderful doors and windows.

We visited Palazzo Dosi, built during the mid 1750's. The large salon is painted with mythological frescoes.

A fresco is a painting done on fresh wet plaster with pigments dissolved in water. When the plaster dries, the painting is bonded to the wall.

The enormous fresco on the ceiling reminded me of the Sistine Chapel. The art was so realistic.

It was hard to believe what looked like curves was just painted to give that illusion. 

Lunch was a many course variety in the upstairs part of an old house. The food was traditional Liguirian and it was wonderful - crepes, pesto, cheeses, cold cuts, fritters, and a delicious pastry dessert served with ice cream. 

We headed back on board and drove back south, then up and up and up a winding road. It was so narrow the bus driver honked her horn before every corner to warn oncoming traffic. There were many hairpin turns and it seemed our driver was leaning on the horn 30 - 40 % of the time. Even with that we had a near miss, and she let loose with some very excitable yelling, which the other driver couldn't hear of course!

Our destination was the medieval town of Fosdinovo, and a visit to the feudal castle of the Malaspina family.

Built in the 12th century, it still belongs to the same family, and parts of it can be rented out.

The huge courtyards and rooms were fascinating.

The family crest was incorporated into many places throughout the castle, and I found a tiny little dish with their symbol on it.

The views from the top of the castle were magnificent, despite the clouds rolling in from one direction.

Our tour was over all too soon and we headed back down the mountain in time for our appointment at the Colle di Luna winery.

We had a brief tour of their wine museum then were ushered into a dining room type of hall for some wine tasting.

We were supposed to be served a 'light supper' with the wine, but instead, got course after course yet again - breads, cheeses, salamis, quiches, and fruit.

We got to taste 2 white wines, a red, and an orange liquor. 

It was full day with a great deal of walking and climbing. I expect to sleep well tonight!