I've been reading about Fondo Ambiente Italiano's "Places of the Heart" survey. I'm wondering if anyone has visited any of the top three places and your opinion of them:
1. Ferrovia delle Meraviglia" (railway of marvels) from Cuneo to Nice, France.
2. Sammezzano Castle
3. Brescia Castle
Thanks,
DK
The top three winners get some money, many vote for places they know and they think are in danger (or underfunded).
Thinking about it, maybe a local doesn't necessary love a place for reasons that make the same place attractive to tourists. I love the Church of St. Louis of the French in Rome more than Saint Peter's.
Hi Dennis & Bonnie,
Your post brings up an interesting subject. I have not been to any of the above, but may get to Brescia Castle this fall, as we plan to be in that area.
But....I think travel priorities, and "places of the heart" change as we travel more. My first trips to Italy were all about churches and art, then on to 2nd tier places, and now I'm more inclined to visit places where we can be outdoors more.
My fondest memories tend to be interactions with people, rather than sights I have seen, like buying my first painting in Florence, in Italian!, or buying a painting for my son (again in Italian) in Rome. We love art, and like to paint, too. Last year in Paris, I dragged my DH around the Louvre looking for a portrait of a woman that I had drawn at home! I feel a deep affection for this old woman in the painting, and I'm glad we saw her in person!
Anyway, thank you for your post, and Dario's too. I think "places of the heart" become more personal as we travel more, and find special places to love and remember.
So do I, Dario! Some of my favorite art Is here!
