on the ramparts...


On our daytrip to Varenna, we hiked up (and up and up and up) to find an old castle in the surrounding hillside. Then, having finally arrived at the castle itself, we climbed up (and up and up and up) the central watchtower.

In the olden days, defensive structures and fortifications were built on the high ground. The higher and steeper, the better.

Nowadays, the high ground is avoided. Now we hide from assault in caves and underground bunkers.

Like the stone age.

Lake Como, Italy, October 2009.

Graflex Crown Graphic 23, 80mm Heligon, Neopan 400.