If you’re joining this “string” late, let me bring you quickly up to speed.
I’m undergoing two weeks of water therapy at the Terme di Comano to treat a skin disorder that’s been nagging me for quite some time. In between my two-a-day thermal baths, I’ll be out and about with my camera gear documenting where to go, what to see, and, no doubt, what to eat and drink. I’m calling this series, Under Doctor’s Orders. Here’s the second dispatch.
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No matter the language you speak, Molveno — the camera-ready, picture-postcard perfect, lakeside village at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites in the vast Adamello Brenta Nature Park of Italy’s Trentino Alto Adige region — will welcome you, and countless other visitors from around the globe, with open arms.
And, why not? Molveno’s a jewel of a locale — actually a pearl, according to the late Antonio Fogazzaro, a 19th century Italian novelist — with the snow-capped peaks above reflecting off the glassy surface of the town’s namesake lake — Lago di Molveno — below.
It was here in tiny Molveno that tourism was first introduced into the Trentino, and has attracted many a VIP from international high society, including King Albert I of Belgium who was a frequent guest and enjoyed blending in anonymously with the locals.
Lago di Molveno, formed about three millennia ago, is the second largest natural lake in the Trentino side of Italy’s northernmost region, and one of the bluest bodies of water I’ve ever seen.
During summertime, the lake is used for swimming, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. And its lush green park, with loads of picnic tables and benches, is the ideal place just to relax, bask in the sun, and lay out a checkered tablecloth with all the fixins.
A skilift, located in the center of town, glides visitors directly to the top of the Mount Pradel Plateau (1,400m), where numerous hiking trails and fixed-rope sentieri (footpaths) begin.
Unfortunately, the lift is currently out of commission, but it’ll be back in operation for the start of the winter season. So, it looks like I’ll be going up the old-fashioned way, on foot, to get a panaromaic view of the breathtaking Brenta Dolomites. Be on the lookout for that post, or news about my unfortunate demise.
Meanwhile, back down at lake level, Molveno proudly waves the Bandiera Arancione (orange flag) of the Italian Touring Club, symbolic of the town’s high-quality, environmentally sound tourism. It goes without saying that Molveno’s squeaky-clean appearance is the major draw for this community of just over 1,100 year-round residents.
This being the middle of October, Molveno is now tucked under the covers of its off-season hibernation, and that probably explains why my lenses and I pretty much had the lake and the village all to ourselves. Just click on an individual frame for its full-screen version.
Yoldel-ay-e-oh!
©The Palladian Traveler | ©Tom Palladio Images
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Well haven’t yYOU been busy?!?! Hope the recuperative powers of the lake are as good as its scenery!
Tina — The lake is quite picturesque. Don’t know about its therapeutic powers; too cold to even drop a toe down into the blue water. Thanks for stopping by and chatting.
Oh, do join thosssse thermal baths, and hope that bring balance. That’s a part of Italy that I’ve not explored, so thanks for the introduction. Mostly, soak up the quiet and therapy.
I’m soaking AND drinking the therapeutic waters. The quiet though takes a bit getting used to; so, I’ll get out whenever I can and discover something new with my camera/iPhone to share with you. Sound like a plan?
Beautiful pictures and their very sight is healing !! Wish you good health.
Thanks for the well[ness] wishes! 🙂
What a beautiful place! I am putting it on my list of places to visit in Italy. I hope the therapeutic value of it works for you. I would think a place like this could cure many things. 🙂
Jill — Well, if the series of thermal baths don’t work, at least I’ll return home filled with great food and wine and picturesque places that I will have visited during my stay at the Terme. Thanks for stopping by.
What a gorgeous place to go for therapy.
TS Cat — It certainly is! 🙂
dang, I have the wrong skin doctor . Mine just burns spot off and sends me home… Well, I know you are “suffering” so I won’t leave a long note…Poor baby
Paula — life is good despite my skin!
If beauty heals, you’ll be on your way home as I write this. 🙂 Seriously, I pray all goes well and look forward to lots of pictures. Bill’s talking about getting me an iPhone, so hopefully I’ll be taking some great shots in the not-too-distant future with that panorama feature!!
janet
Janet — Can’t leave yet; have another 10-days to go with the therapy. Looks like I’ll be documenting more beauty before it’s all over. Good luck getting an iPhone 5; it’s worth it just for the panoramic camera feature.
You know this is my dream destination. You are so lucky!!
I did not know that. Try Lac Annecy. It’s nice, too, and closer to Saint-E.
Hope the mountain air, the wine and the peaceful environment are helping you heal up. It’s like your body is now giving you great photo assignments. I love your i-Phone pan shots. Reminds me of going in two directions at the same time. Good stuff, Tom.
Umberto — Terme di Comano is quite the idyllic place. It’s “Obamacare” at it’s best! Hopefully, the special waters will work their magic against my skin disorder.
Glad you’re enjoying my “Under Doctor’s Orders” dispatches. The iPhone 5’s panoramic camera function is sweet.
Ciao for now.
Tom