Lake Como
The Lake Como or "Lago di Como" in Italian is a lake of glacial origin, situated in Lombardy, Italy. With a surface area of 146 square kilometers, it is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest lakes in Europe, housing an island, the Isola Comacina. A popular summer retreat spot for the aristocracy since Roman times, today the lake is a beloved tourist destination, featuring numerous artistic and cultural attractions. The lake is famous for the opulent villas surrounding it, such as Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni or Villa Carlotta, beautiful buildings with Italian gardens of tropical and temperate plants, fountains and sculptures. Some villas, such as the neo-classicist Villa Melzi, Villa d'Este, an impressive Renaissance patrician residence, or Villa del Balbianello, with camnpanilli towers and elaborate terraced gardens, can be even regarded as palaces due to their grandour.
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Many celebrities own or have owned homes on the shores of Lake Como. Among them we mention Madonna, George Clooney, Gianni Versace, Sylvester Stallone and Ronaldinho.
The lake is shaped similar to a "Y", with the northern branch beginning at the town of Colico, and the southeast and southwest branches near the towns of Lecco and Como respectively. The small towns of Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna are located at the intersection, with triangular boat service operating between them.
Beyond the luxurious growth of tropical and subtropical plants, along the western edge of Lake Como, on a hillside slope, among between woods and olive groves, there is the "Sacred Mount of Ossuccio", a complex of 15 baroque-inspired chapels built in the 17th to the 18th century, leading to the Monastery dedicated to the Coronation of the Virgin. The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lake Como welcomes travelers in search of tranquility, exoticism, timeless glamour, meditation, but also lovers of sailing, swimming, windsurfing and kite surfing. Whichever activity you choose, this Mediterranean piece of heaven suits your holiday.
