COMO INTRODUCTION, Introduction

The city of Como is known the world over for the beautiful lake it overlooks, the Lario, which divides into three branches shaped like an upside-down Y.

Of the two branches to the south, the one to the west is called Lake Como, while the one to the east is called Lake Lecco, named after the two largest towns bordering it. Both are rich in history, art and interesting museums.

If you have the opportunity to visit Como, you will discover remarkable palaces and monuments, such as the marvelous Cathedral, the Tempio Voltiano and numerous historical villas such as Villa Olmo and others that line the Lino Gelpi Promenade.

Lecco, on the other hand, is famous for its bell tower known as 'il matitone' (the big pencil) and for the places associated with one of the most famous Italian writers, Alessandro Manzoni, whose Villa Museum can be visited.

And then there are wonderful villages such as Bellagio, Lenno, Varenna, and Tremezzo, with splendid villas and gardens, picturesque flights of stairs, small churches, historic craft shops, and wonderful walking paths.

If you love walking, don't miss the Green Way, a route of about ten kilometers that passes through some of the most charming places on the lake, from Colonno to Griante.

You should know that the best way to travel from one municipality to another and admire the beautiful 18th- and 19th-century mansions reflected in the lake is by boat. Unfortunately, not all villas can be visited, and some are only open to the public by reservation or at certain times, so I advise you to check availability.

The perfect season to visit is from March to the end of October, especially to enjoy the spectacular blossoms in the magnificent parks, such as the incredible Villa Carlotta botanical garden.

I bid you farewell with an interesting fact: the historical boats typical of Lake Como, similar to gondolas with the hull surmounted by three round arches, are called Lucie. They are named after the protagonist of the historical novel I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), one of the most important works of Italian literature. Every year since 1947, a palio race has been held on August 31 in which the best rowers from the municipalities around the lake compete against each other.