Jaap van 't Veen's photos with the keyword: Lombardy

The Basilica di San Fedele - the ancient cathedral of Como - was probably built in 1120 on the ruins of a previous building. The construction was finished years later. Along the centuries the original Romanesque setup of the building was largely modified. In the 17th century the main nave changed into a barrel vault ceiling and side apsides were modified in the 16th century when some arcs were closed and replaced with paintings and stuccos. In 1805 the octagonal lantern was moved up. Between 1807 and 1808 the side chapels were built. Also, the church was restored in the beginning of the 21st century, especially the façade and the tower bell. I have seen many churches all over the world and consider the interior of the San Fedele as one of the most beautiful. I visited the church in 'corona time', because a mouth mask was still obligatory - which I did not have with me - it unfortunately remained a very short visit with hardly any time to take pictures.

Desenzano - located on the south-western shore of Lake Garda - was already in the past a favourite vacation spot for the élite from Verona. And today it is till a popular Italian holiday destination, which attracts myriad tourists from everywhere in Europe. The peaceful ‘Porto Vecchio (Old Harbour) - already mentioned in 1274 - was expanded in the current configuration at the time of the Venetian Republic in service of the flourishing grain market. The ancient dock overlooks Palazzo Todeschini, with its arches it is dating back to the end of the 16th century. Nowadays little boats are moored in the harbour, which is lined with several cafes, bars and restaurants. The well restored business houses along the ‘Porto Vecchio’ are reminders of a glorious past of Desenzano del Garda.