Bikes, Boats, and Floating Piers

There are lots of ways to experience art this grand.

I spent five days on Lago d’Iseo in order to experience Christo’s monumental installation, The Floating Piers.  And I wanted to experience it in as many ways as possible.  So not only did I walk the Piers five times, I also rented a bike and a boat to experience the work from other perspectives.

Bikes were not allowed on The Piers.  In fact, I was originally told you could only go as far as Pilzone on bike.  Then the friendly local polizia informed you that you had to lock your bike and walk the additional 1.5 kilometers.  After I attempted to speak to them in Italian, they informed me I could take Via Valeriana, an ancient road that runs high along the hills surrounding the lake and get much closer to the entrance. I appreciated the tip as it resulted in some spectacular vistas.

Boats, strangely were allowed much closer to the piers. This struck me as startlingly irresponsible particularly when I was given the keys to a boat and set loose alone on the lake even though I have absolutely no experience captaining such a vessel. Once in a boat, you could slowly motor as close at 15 meters from The Piers.  I didn't have the nerve to get quite that close.

Ride with a view.

The bike ride along the hills above Sulzano, Italy was not only beautiful, but it also made you understand how truly monumental The Floating Piers was.

Hotel envy

This hotel high above Sulzano offered spectacular views of The Floating Piers, not to mention a pool that felt like it was right out of a movie.

Walking on Water

The boat offered a better view of what it was like to see thousands of people walking across the lake with only a plastic and fabric separating them from water.

Isola di San Paolo

This tiny island rose directly out of the water, which meant the piers were free-floating rather than attached to land.

A perfect lookout

The vistas from the boat allowed you to see how truly ephemeral The Floating Piers were.  Here, a worker stands on a corner of The Piers surveying the crowds that are just out of view.

Rest and relaxation

Many people would just sit down and relax on The Piers.  That was all fine unless the crowds were extreme; then workers paroled the walkways with bullhorns encouraging people to move along.

Adoring fans

Christo loved to ride along side the piers on his giant barge (as seen in the background) as the crowds waved and shouted happy greetings.

Faded paradise

The Floating Piers weren't the only think to see when you take a boat ride on Lago d'Iseo.  The derelict Hotel Paradiso was on the opposite side of Monte Isola and provide a beautiful, haunting panaroma.

Castle on the water

Isola di San Paolo wasn't the only edifice rising out of the lake.  Even more dramatic was Isola di Loreto,  Both structures are privately owned.

At home on the lake.

I loved all of the villas on the shores of the lake, most were homes with many families enjoying the view from their yards.