Lake Como - A Y-shaped gem in Italy

 

Lake Como - A Y-shaped gem in Italy

Introduction

Lake Como, also acknowledged as "il Lario" , undoubtedly known for its best microclimate and environment, awarded as the most beautiful lake in the world by The Huffington Post in 2014. Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy (after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore). The characteristic Y-shaped Lario makes the lake more famous and recognizable to the world than the rest of the lakes in the country.

The lake is also famous for swimming and water sports like surfing, kite surfing, sailing and wakeboarding.

The mountains that surround the lake are also famous for hiking, mountain biking and climbing, making the lake a centre spot of attraction.

The maximum depth of the lake is approximately 410 meters with the bottom 200 meters below sea level, making it fifth deepest lake in Europe. The lake is nourished by the icy cold waters of River Adda.

Lake Como have or have had homes of many personalities like Matthew Bellamy, John Kerry, Madonna, Gianni Versace, Ronaldinho, Sylvester Stallone, Julian Lennon, Pierina Legnani, Lionel Messi and many more.

There are various beautiful villages, cities and heritage sites that encircle the Lake Como.

To enjoy the Lake Como, the services of boat, bus and taxi are always available.

History

Dating back to the last Ice Age, Lake Como is of glacial origin got its Y-shaped form from the movement of huge glacier, also relocated the huge mass, today, known as Bellagio.

Lake Como was the home of various races. The Romans built the Via Regina, the road was an important trade route between the Po and the Rhine Valleys, with tradesmen crossing the Alps into Switzerland.

Under Milanese rule, Como’s historic churches were built including San Carpoforo, Sant’Abbondio, San Fedele, San Giacomo, and the San Provino.

Finally in 1859, The Lake Como became part of Italy under the House of Savoy after Giuseppe Garibaldi defeated the Austrians at the battle of San Fermo.

Climate

The average temperature of Como ranges from approximately 4 °C (39 °F) in January to 23.8 °C (75 °F) in July.

There is a humid temperate climate in Como as winters are with relatively cold and damp while as summers are warm to hot, characterized by a good amount of sunshine, but also by quite frequent thunderstorms. The climate of Como is a bit milder and rainier due to the lake.

Como is known for its rainfall, which occurs bulk in may and lowest in winters. Overall, rainfall  amounts to 1,300 millimeters (51 inches) per year, making it one of the rainiest cities in Italy.

Winter is relatively cold and dry with the presence of fog but not frequently. Snowfall happens once a year and primarily affects the higher areas.

Summer is warm to hot, and often sunny in the morning with the breeze blowing because of the lake. During summer, the temperature of Lake Como reaches 17/19 °C (63/66 °F), except in periods of intense heat, when it can become warmer; in addition, it varies depending on the proximity of the rivers and streams that feed it.

Villas of Lake Como

Villa Carlotta of Tremezzo was built by Marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690. The villa has beautiful garden consisting of a network of steps, fountains and sculptures. The villa was given the name as Carlotta as in 1843 it was procured by Princess Marianne of Nassau as a wedding gift for her beloved daughter Carlotta. The villa has included a beautiful museum of agricultural implements as well as important works of sculpture, today.

Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, is the place where famous people like Leonardo da Vinci, poet Giuseppe Parini and Queen Victoria used to spend their time here. 

Villa Melzi d’Eril was built by the architect Giocondo Albertolli in 1808–1810. It was the summer residence of Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, who was vice-president of the Napoleonic Italian Republic, hence the name given to villa. Melzi d’Eril is not open to the public except botanical gardens, designed by architect Luigi Canonica and agronomist Luigi Villoresi.

Villa del Balbianello was built in 1787 on the site of a Franciscan monastery. This villa was the final home of the explorer Guido Monzino. The beautiful terraced gardens and picturesque structure of the villa has increased its popularity due to which the famous movies from Casino Royale to a Star Wars episode was shooted here. Located on the tip of the Lavedo headland, in the locality of Lenno (part of Tremezzina), the villa provides a breath-taking view of Isola Comacina and the western shore of Lake Como. Sleeping in villa during nights is not allowed but there are ample accommodation sites nearby.

Villa Monastero in Varenna, known as the villa of lords, is an ancient convent and a patrician residency, Villa Monastero is famous for its garden consisting of foreign plants, statues and temples around the world. Its structure above the shore of Varenna adds grace to its beauty.

Villa Bernasconi in Cernobbio, is a beautiful example of Italian Art Nouveau. The villa was built for textile industrialist Davide Bernasconi, whose family contributed much in the development of the city by an architect Alfredo Campanini, in XXth century. Hence, the name of the villa was given as Villa Bernasconi. The exterior walls of the villa are decorated with silkworms, butterflies and mulberry leaves indicated to silk production.

Villa Olmo of Como is a great example of neoclassical architecture and the most majestic villa at Como lake. Built in 18^th century by Marquesses Odescalchi and owned by the family of Raimondi and Visconti di Modrone, the villa was made a place for cultural events and art exhibitions in 1925 by Como municipality. The villa is consisting of a huge park, exhibition place, casinos, greenhouses, tennis courts, an international hostel, etc. The most notable guests of the villa are Napoleon Bonaparte and Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Villa d'Este, a beautiful villa now a luxury hotel is located in Cernobbio, on the shores of Lake Como, was the home to Caroline of Brunswick, the separated wife of the Prince of Wales. The villa was built by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio in 1568, who was a native of the town. The gardens in the English style is the result of this era. Today the Villa d'Este hosts wealthy visitors as well as world famous celebrities

Villa Erba, a magnificent villa is located in Cernobbio, on the shores of Lake Como. The villa was built in 19^th century keeping in view of the standards of the Italian Mannerism. The villa has an ancient park comprising of trees, flowering shrubs, and different flower beds on the lakefront, giving a mesmerizing view of the Lake. Villa Erba is the home of many international events and conferences.