May 20, 2018 • 16

WPC: The Path of Water in Italy

Water, like religion and ideology, has the power to move millions of people. Since the very birth of human civilization, people have moved to settle close to it. People move when there is too little of it. People move when there is too much of it. People journey down it. People write, sing and dance about it. People fight over it. And all people, everywhere and every day, need it.~Mikhail Gorbachev

The story of civilization is the story of water.  Major cities are built near it, transportation depends on it, and people need it to survive.  In our travels this year in Italy, we have followed the path of water.

Lake Como

Meditation and water are wedded for ever.~Herman Melville

The resort towns and estates built near Lake Como are reminders of the allure of water in the summer.  The lake is huge–over 56 square miles.

Lake Como, Oil Painting. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

Lucca

For hundreds of years, the European upper classes could afford to bring water into their own backyards.  At the Palazzo Pfanner in Lucca, this lovely bit of paradise was originally created for the Moriconi family.

Mother Nature is the greatest artist and water is one of her favorite brushes.― Rico Besserdich

Gardens in Lucca. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

Florence

Throughout recorded history, great cities have developed next to waterways.  These urban areas rely on water for their growth and stability.  Florence is no exception.  The Arno River looks peaceful here, but in 1966, its floodwaters ravaged the city causing millions of dollars in damage.

It is the city of mirrors, the city of mirages, at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone.~Erica Jong

The River Arno, downstream. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

Milan, the Navigli District

One of the oldest sections of Milan reminds us of Venice.  The Navigli District  dates back to 1179, when its waterways were constructed to connect Milan to nearby lakes.  On a recent Sunday visit, we joined the crowds viewing artists’ work and stopped to have lunch in a trattoria alongside the canal.

Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.~Margaret Atwood

Navigli District, Milano. Shot with a Fuji X-T2.

The waterways in Europe are as enticing as the ones back in America.  They inspire and relax us.  Do you head for an ocean or lake when you want to relax or do you head to the mountains?  Where’s your favorite spot?

Have an inspiring week–no matter where you are!

Categories: Photography

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16 replies »

  1. Pingback: Liquid – Rain | What's (in) the Picture?

  7. I couldn’t agree more with the quote at the beginning of this post, Patti! These pictures and destinations in Italy are mesmerizing and astonishing. Lake Como is my dream destination. When’s the best time of the year to go there?

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    • Hi, Lydia. It’s so nice to meet you here! Lake Como is crowded in the summer. Probably the best time is the spring or fall–if you want to avoid the crowds. It’s a gorgeous place. Well worth a visit! Thanks again for stopping by and commenting!

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  8. I loved reading this. I’m strongly drawn to water, ocean, lake or river, and have just finished two books with water as a central theme. As always, this is a beautiful synthesis of images and thoughts. 🙂

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