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Excursions artistico-culturali sul Lake Como

Como-Ossuccio-Isola Comacina

Duration 1 day
Method of transport used Car
Suitable for All
The itinerary takes a route of around 25 km on the lakeside. It can be followed by car in one day. The road climbs up the western shore of the first basin of the lake and is subsequently divided between the beautiful panoramic road built in the 1960s, and the narrower path along the lake dating back to the 18th century, which passes through Moltrasio and its beautiful park.
Along the route it is possible to admire the elegant Villa Passalacqua. Built by Felice Soave at the end of the 18th century on the remains of the ancient monastery of the Umiliati monks, the Neoclassical building is on three floors. The villa, decorated with frescoes by Andrea Appiani, including a "Madonna and Child" of 1790, also boasts a splendid Italian garden with terraces supported by vaults and walls, and a 19th century chapel with mediaeval sculptures. Many famous people have stayed in the villa, such as Vincenzo Bellini (1830), who, entranced by the romantic landscape, here composed "La Straniera" and part of "La Sonnambula".
This is one of the most atmospheric parts of the lake, characterised by a sunny, mild climate, which is perfect for growing fruit and vegetables, in particular near Colonno. From here you can enjoy the delightful views of Isola Comacina (PHOTO) and of the "Zoca de l'oli", a bay which takes its name from the cultivation of olives and due to the extreme calm of the waters in this part of the lake. The ancient island at the centre of the lake was inhabited since ancient times, and was the site of many mediaeval battles. Berengario II was killed here in 1169, during a battle between the troops of Como and Milan, when all the ancient buildings of the island were destroyed. According to a legend, some of its inhabitants moved to Varenna, where they built the church of Sant'Eufemia. The ferries for the island leave from Sala Comacina, a historical town dominated by the church of San Giovanni.
On the opposite bank you can admire the beautiful bell tower of Ospedaletto and the ravine which the Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso looks over. The present complex dates back to the 16th century, while the internal decoration is Baroque, by the Magistri Intelvesi (17th century). Its origin as a place of Christian worship is much more ancient and dates back to the middle ages. The sanctuary can be reached by following the wide winding drive, flanked by 14 18th-century chapels which hold 230 lifesize statues in plaster depicting scenes from the Passion and the Mysteries of the Rosary.
Food lovers can enjoy the fish and the excellent local olive oil.

For more information: www.comacina.it

Le ville sul Lake Como

From Cernobbio until Varenna, the shore of the Lake of Como offer majestic works of architecture, surrounded by luxurious gardens that reach the shore: these are the sumptuous villas that once hosted not only the nobility of the Lombardia region, but also foreign travellers, artists, and foreign statesmen visiting Italy.
Going up the ancient Via Regina (s.s. 340), which follows the right side of the lake, you will reach Cernobbio, where Villa Olmo can be admired. Still in Cernobbio, the park of Villa Erba, open to the public and now a modern exhibition area.
Continuing on the state road you will reach the extraordinary Villa d?Este, built in the middle of 1500s for Cardinal Tolomeo Gallo and from 1816 home of the court of Carolina di Brunswick, future princess of Wales.
The following stop is the Punta di Lavedo: here you will find Villa Balbianello, commissioned by Cardinal Durini and accessible solely from the water. A litlle further down, in Tremezzo, the 1700 Villa Carlotta a museum dedicated to neoclassicism. From Tremezzo a ferry ride takes you to Unta di Bellagio, which divides Lake Como from Lake Lecco. Here you can find a splendid English garden in Villa Melzi d?Eril. Going back by ferry you will reach the other side of the Lake, in Varenna, where Villa del Monastero is located on the lungolago and whose gardens are open to the public, as well as Villa Cipressi, which is open to the public.