Regarded as the lake most beautiful in the world, undoubtedly fascinates for its characterized environment from villages and villas of rich nobles. Lake Como has been cited for many years by the greatest writers, such as the poets and musicians of Romanticism. Especially noteworthy is the setting that Alessandro Manzoni made of it for his novel “I promessi sposi”, but it has also been cited by Stendhal, George Gordon Byron, Franz Liszt. Let's discover something more about this place, a real refuge for the aristocrats of the past, today a very popular tourist destination in every season.
Lake Como, a landscape rich in history
Reaching the shores of the lake one is fascinated. For its vastness but also for its characteristics. Suggestive villages, splendid villas await visitors. In fact they arise on the lake not only the two largest cities Como and Lecco, but also many small villages, which are full of many characteristic, ancient villas, and which tell of a distant past. For its microclimate and for its environment dotted with prestigious villas and villages in 2014 listed as the most beautiful lake in the world by the online newspaper “The Huffington Post”.
The numerous villas that line Lake Como
The beautiful and characteristic villas that line the lake choices for some cinema films. Like Villa del Balbianello, managed by the FAI, chosen for the filming of “Casino Royale” and for the love scenes of “Star Wars II”. In Cernobbio the villa d'Este used by Hitchcock for the film “Garden of pleasure". Among the other noteworthy ones is Villa Carlotta, in Tremezzo, rich in art masterpieces. Furthermore, many villas have become hotels or are owned by famous actors who take refuge in the lake away from prying eyes. And then there are many itineraries, like those of Lecco, dedicated to Manzoni and his well-known novel. There are many villages to visit such as Varenna, Bellano and Colico, Bellagio.
The history of the lake and its fortifications
During the Middle Ages Lake Como became a gateway for trade between northern and southern Europe. In strategic positions, various fortifications were built to defend the territory and the population. Among them are the Baradello Castle in Como and the Rezzonico Castle in San Siro. And again the Castle of Corenno Plinio and the Torre di Orezia in Dervio. In Lecco the Viscontea Tower, the Rossino Castle in Calolziocorte, the Innominato Castle in Vercurago and the Brivio sull'Adda Castle.
A privileged destination also for sportsmen
410 meters deep lake di Como is the third largest Italian lake. It is a destination for water sports enthusiasts. In the summer you can practice sailing, rowing, windsurfing, motor boating, water skiing, canoeing and kite-surfing. You can also do rock climbing, as well as hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. And there are also seven golf courses.
In short, this enchanted place in Lombardy is worth visiting. Just choose the season. There are many activities to experience both in summer and in winter.
