DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62267#0060
50
CLASSICAL TOUR
Ch. 11.
ere long be buried in total oblivion. This ro-
mantic island swells gently from the lake, is about
a mile in length, half a mile in breadth, and half
a mile distant from the western bank.
Nearly opposite to it on the eastern bank, the
rocks and precipices are rough, shapeless, and
menacing; hollowed into caverns and recesses,
all dark and tremendous; while beneath them
the water is unusually deep, and from its depth,
and the shade which the superincumbent rocks
cast upon it, appears.black and dismal to the eye
as well as to the imagination.
As we advanced, we passed some beautiful
bays and promontories with their villas and vil-
lages. Among these are Balbiano; Lenna,
where some years ago a subterraneous temple was
discovered with a marble statue of Diana; and
on the very margin of the lake, VtZZa, which
took its name without doubt from the mansion
which formerly occupied the same spot, and seems
to have been of great extent and magnificence,
as remains of pillars are discernible, in calm
weather, under the water close to the shore.
Some antiquaries suppose this to be the real site
of Pliny’s villa; he could not indeed have chosen
a more beautiful spot, nor, if we may believe
the general opinion, a more genial climate.
CLASSICAL TOUR
Ch. 11.
ere long be buried in total oblivion. This ro-
mantic island swells gently from the lake, is about
a mile in length, half a mile in breadth, and half
a mile distant from the western bank.
Nearly opposite to it on the eastern bank, the
rocks and precipices are rough, shapeless, and
menacing; hollowed into caverns and recesses,
all dark and tremendous; while beneath them
the water is unusually deep, and from its depth,
and the shade which the superincumbent rocks
cast upon it, appears.black and dismal to the eye
as well as to the imagination.
As we advanced, we passed some beautiful
bays and promontories with their villas and vil-
lages. Among these are Balbiano; Lenna,
where some years ago a subterraneous temple was
discovered with a marble statue of Diana; and
on the very margin of the lake, VtZZa, which
took its name without doubt from the mansion
which formerly occupied the same spot, and seems
to have been of great extent and magnificence,
as remains of pillars are discernible, in calm
weather, under the water close to the shore.
Some antiquaries suppose this to be the real site
of Pliny’s villa; he could not indeed have chosen
a more beautiful spot, nor, if we may believe
the general opinion, a more genial climate.