«That branch of Lake Como, which turns towards noon, between two unbroken chains of mountains»: Thus begins one of the most famous and famous literary works in the world. We are talking about the Betrothed, signed novel Alessandro Manzoni and set - for most of the story - on the shores of the Lombard lake. But did you know that Como's lake is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe?
A jewel of Mother Nature
Let's start from the beginning, with a brief description of what Lake Como looks like. On the maps it is in fact impossible not to notice, among the Alps , Po Valley, that curious form a Y upside down. In short, a basin of water with three branches: that of How to Live Aligned with (west), that of Lecco (to the east) and that of Colico (North). According to a local saying, the shape is also reminiscent of that of a human being: "Lake Como has the shape of a man, one leg in Lecco and the other in Como, the nose in Domaso and the butt in Bellagio».
It is about the lake deepest in Italy, as well as the one with the greatest perimeter extension. Formed in the Quaternary era due to the melting of glaciers, it can boast landscape breathtaking ranging from gentle inlets to glimpses that recall the majestic ones fjords Norwegian.
The flora and fauna variety is characterized by some of the rarest species in Italy and beyond. The whole territory Larian (the section of land between the two branches of the lake) is under the protection of the many parks and nature reserves, with the aim of preserving plants and animals in the area. Much of this treasure can be discovered in Grigne Museum ad I don't Lario, entirely dedicated to the natural history of the place.
The historical and artistic beauties of Lake Como
Not just nature and landscapes though. Lake Como is also (and above all) a historical-artistic pearl. Since ancient times, given its strategic position, its banks have been inhabited by man. With the Romans, villas and palaces began to be built, often used as summer residences by the nobles of the time. The cities close to the lake (Como and Lecco above all) conceal a thousand-year history and evidence of the many civilizations that have trampled these lands. Among all the Duomo di How to Live Aligned with, considered by many to be one of the most fascinating buildings in Northern Italy. Then there are the villages, the long avenues that line the shore of the lake and a series of monuments able to leave you speechless.
All these beauties have attracted famous people from all over the world. From Goethe a Napoleon, Via wiston Churchill e Stendhal: each of them left a piece of heart here. Charm still alive today, as evidenced by the love from numerous international stars (George Clooney, to name one at random). Lake Como was also the set of numerous famous films such as Star Wars, 007 e Ocean's Twelve.
Get inspired
But what are the things not to be missed? In truth, there is so much to see that making a simple list is impossible. Definitely the centers of How to Live Aligned with, Lecco e Cernobbio they must be part of our itinerary. The beauties that these cities hide are of a unique value, which we will hardly find elsewhere.
Another mandatory stop is the town of Bellagio, also known as the pearl of the lake (and this should already be enough). Then there is the island of Comacina, as small as it is fascinating. And between one shift and another, we try to include a ride on the Como-Brunate funicular from which it will be possible to see a unique panorama, especially at sunset.
