Comments on: The Shell Grotto

By: gary falasco nelson

gary falasco nelson — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:53:08 +0000

we visited the area in 2008…how beautiful and amazing. In Denver CO the is an artist by the name of John D’andrea..I went to high school with him. He also has sculpted a reclining lady which has toured all over the us to various museums.

By: Frank Scaramella

Frank Scaramella — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:50:01 +0000

This has been a dream! to review the grotto and the statue!How can anyone forget at that MAGNIFICENCE!Only tears of joy!!!

By: Lisa Miller

Lisa Miller — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:06:07 +0000

This brought back a big smile to my face as I visited the grotto just this spring and loved it!!!!! It is a purely magical place and I could just envision the children over the years having great fun down there in the heat of the summer!

By: dana

dana — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:06:39 +0000

Penny, what a perfect and magical first experience in Italy for an 11-year old girl! No wonder it sparked your life-long fascination.
Giovanna, you are right about all. The island had been, for hundreds of years, home to ceramic artisans. Now sadly, few shops remain. They are there though, if you know where to look. The statue of “Carlone” is in Arona, and can be climbed inside. I’ve written a note about him previously.

By: Giovanna

Giovanna — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:54:17 +0000

I have been to Isola Bella a few times. This past summer I took two of my granddaughters with me. They were quite impressed with the palace.They especially liked this grotto.It is really quite beautiful. At one time there were many small shops tht sold lovely ceramics on this this island. We were disapointed that most of them had closed. Across the lake is the statue of Charles Borremeo which is fondly known as “Big Charlie”.His small residence is also there. I believe he was a cardinal and the Borromeo’s had hoped he would someday become the Pope. Although he had taken a vow of poverty I am sure he visited the family palace quite often.

By: Penny Ewles-Bergeron

Penny Ewles-Bergeron — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:03:44 +0000

Thank you Dana. My one time out of the UK during my childhood (age 11) was to Switzerland with a couple of daytrips into Italy. One was to Isola Bella and I hadn’t thought about this fabulous grotto in years! Therefore my first experience of Italy which seemed so exotic and strange to me then. Great note and beautiful images.