This cable car is one of the steepest in Europe. In 5 minutes we were 800 metres almost vertically above Argegno, visible below with Lake Como stretching into the distance, lined on either side by cloud topped mountains, and to the left by jagged dolomite peaks still showing patches of remnant snow catching the mid summer sun.
The mountain top village of Pigra was quiet as we wandered through its steep streets and quaint old buildings, catching breathtaking views through the higgledy piggledy dwellings. We found a beautifully tended graveyard at the church which was locked, with brightly coloured fresh flowers on every grave, then a restaurant with a leafy patio and views stretching far into the distance where we had lunch while enjoying the refreshing breezes.
A cool mountain forest walk revealed more of the lake and yes, there was Villa Barbianello, basking in the sunshine far below, as it has since the 1700s.
