Built by N Odero in 1908 for service on Lake Maggiore, the paddle steamer Lombardia was withdrawn in 1958, becoming a restaurant at Baveno. She was moved to Arona in 1969 where she is still in use as a static restaurant/bar in a berth (pictured in March 2001) next to the shipyard. In the background you can see the stern of the paddle steamer Piemonte which still sails on the lake although only on very rare occasions.
The engine, boiler and paddle wheels were removed and looking through the paddle box slats you can see piles of plates and other galley kit stored in the space previously occupied by the the paddle wheel.
Like the other steamers on the lake, Lombardia would sometimes have run international voyages as the northern end of Lake Maggiore is in Switzerland with the rest of it in Italy.
Kingswear Castle returned to service in 2023 after the first part of a major rebuild which is designed to set her up for the next 25 years running on the River Dart. The Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle Trust is now fund raising for the second phase of the rebuild. You can read more about the rebuilds and how you can help if you can here.
John Megoran
