Three Must-See Attractions in Bellagio, Italy

After a decade-spanning career as a tax attorney for the Illinois Department of Revenue, Heidi Scott opened Schuyler Brown Land Title, which specializes in real estate transfers and title examinations. Beyond her work in Illinois real estate law, Heidi Scott is an avid traveler. She has toured Lake Como and its surrounding towns in Italy, including Bellagio.

Known as the pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio attracts celebrity visitors and thousands of tourists every year. Some of the city’s most notable landmarks include:

Chiesa San Giacomo – Translated as the Church of Saint James the Apostle, Chiesa San Giacomo has stood at the center of Bellagio for over a millennium. Certain sections of the Romanesque basilica date back to the 10th century.

Villa Melzi Gardens – This botanical garden was originally the home of one of Italy’s first vice presidents. While still privately owned, the Melzi is open to the public from March through October.

Pescallo – This quaint fishing village is a short walk or train ride from Bellagio. Visitors can rent kayaks or take a boat tour to enjoy scenic views of Lake Como.

Discovering Bali’s Pura Luhur Batukau

Bali’s Pura Luhur Batukau
Image: tripadvisor.com

After receiving her juris doctor from Southern Illinois University, Heidi Scott eventually went on to work for the Illinois Department of Revenue and later for Schuyler Brown Land Title. Since 2008, she has maintained her private practice in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. An avid traveler, Heidi Scott has visited many places with her husband, and their longest trip thus far has been to Bali, Indonesia.

Also referred to as the island of the gods, Bali is a popular tourist destination with several beaches suitable for surfing and diving. However, Bali offers more than its coastal attractions; it is also known for its cultural landmarks headlined by the island’s estimated 10,000 temples. One of the most accessible and popular is Pura Luhur Batukau.

Located on the slopes of Gunung Batukau, Pura Luhur Batukau was known as the state temple back when Tabanan was an independent kingdom. Its distinguishing features include the seven-roofed meru, dedicated to the mountain’s guardian spirit, Maha Dewa, and the shrines for Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan lakes. Still operational to this day, the temple has a spiritual environment that is enhanced by the chanting of the priests. As a result, tourists are encouraged to respect traditions and act appropriately while within the temple’s premises.