Park Sempione and the Peace Arch Arco della Pace behind the Sforza Castle in Milan, Italy. May 16, 2017

Across the street from the Teatro alla Scala is this park-like area in the centre of the Piazza della Scala is the monument of Leonardo da Vinci by sculptor Pietro Magni from 1872. May 16, 2017

In the town of Como, Italy, is this medieval gateway to this ancient city built by the Romans as an important location for trade between European countries and the Mediterranean. This medieval gateway is called the Porta Torre. May 17, 2017

The gothic-renaissance Como Cathedral in Como, Italy, which began construction in the late 1300’s, is dedicated to the Blessed Lady of the Assumption. May 17, 2017

A close-up of the exterior statues of Como Cathedral in Como, Italy. May 17, 2017

The side entrance of the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy. May 17, 2017

I think this view, of my boat ride on Lake Como, is more of what people have in mind. The picturesque villages dotted along the shores of Lake Como with views of villas, ritzy hotels and the elegant idolized Lake Como lifestyles of the rich and famous. And, I’ll get back to this. May 17, 2017

The interior of the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy. May 17, 2017

The high altar of the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy. May 17, 2017

I don’t know the age of the floors in the Como Cathedral, in Como, Italy, which began construction in the late 1300’s, but I loved the black and white color, the design and how worn these floors are from the years of people coming in to worship. May 17, 2017

The gorgeous ceiling of the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy. May 17, 2017

There are a number of side altars in the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy, including this one called the Altar of the Assunta (Our lady of the Assumption) and the Blessed Sacrament. May 17, 2017

A close-up of the Altar of Our lady of the Assumption inside the Como Cathedral in Como, Italy. May 17, 2017

The Como Cathedral in Como, Italy, has a number of 16th and 17th century tapestries. May 17, 2017

The best way to see the infamous Lake Como is to take a boat ride, which I did. Although I can’t claim this to be true, the tour guide said this is actor George Clooney’s Italian Lake Como villa in the village of Laglio. As you can see, the villa looks closed up so I guess George, or whomever owns this gorgeous villa, is away from home. May 17, 2017

This is Villa del Balbianello which lies on a promontory of Lake Como, Italy, with its elaborate terraced gardens, was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery. lies on a promontory of the western shore of the lake near Isola Comacina. This villa, which is now a museum devoted to the work of explorer Guido Monzino, has made cameo appearances in several movies including the 2006 James Bond movie “Casino Royale.” May 17, 2017

According to the tour guide on the Lake Como boat ride, this is the villa of English business magnate and philanthropist, Sir Richard Branson. But from what I’ve read, Branson says its news to him. May 17, 2017