Culture by Rosa Maria Lamberti

Romantic Spring Feelings on Magical Lake Como

Cari amici, dear Lake Como friends! Spring on Lake Como is the most beautifull time of the year for me. I am sure: amo la primavera! Also this year, which is so difficult for all of us, the camellias and magnolias are blooming on Lake Como and enchanting everyone who has the opportunity to experience it.

A Novelist on Lake Como

This is what also happened to the well-known novelist Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880).

He arrived together with his parents and his sister in spring 1845 at Lake Como. The small group was overwhelmed by the lavish blooms of magnolias, azaleas and rhododendrons. 

Like so many before and after him  Flaubert was raved about the breathtaking scenery of Lake Como.

 

After his visit to Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio the following comment was passed on: „A snow-framed horizon, fascinating, powerful elements in the foreground, a landscape, like a play by Shakespeare“.

Romantic Quotations

In his Voyages Flaubert wrote about the Lucia: „In the charming port of Como are small boats, with wooden bows carrying a tent, as seen on the souvenirs“.

The Lucias seems to him more romantic than the gondolas in Venice. He describes the scenery of Lake Como as „… ideal for lovers, charming, typically Italian, reframed by a snowy horizon and surrounded by lovely homes.“

A Sensual Kiss

Almost enraptured was Flaubert by Canovas Statue „Cupid and Psyche“, when he admired the replica at Villa Carlotta.

Quote: „I have seen nothing else in the gallery. Several times I returned and at the end I kissed the armpit of the woman, who is sinking down and stretching her long marble arms to the messenger of love. Please forgive me! It was my first sensual kiss after a long time. „

I know, how this kiss took place: Aria di primavera sul Lago di Como. If you don’t believe me and Gustave Flaubert, have fun trying it out.

Tanti saluti e a presto
Rosa Maria Lamberti