Bellagio Lake Como
It is no mistake that Bellagio is called the
"pearl" of Lake Como. It is undoubtedly the most famous resort on the lake. For
centuries, its scenic location has enchanted artists and writers, not only from
Italy, but also from abroad. It is situated on the tip of a headland that
divides the lake into the two legs of Como and Lecco.
The town stretches along the coast and part of it goes up the slopes of the
promontory.
Because of its location Bellagio has a great variety of
views; indeed, it offers a good view of the whole lake. On the northern horizon
one can see the Pre-Alps.
Some of the best views can be seen from the park
of Villa Serbelloni and from the top of Monte San Primo. On a particularly clear
day, one can make out the Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Ortles, and the Madonnina
on top of the Duomo of Milan.
Both the historic
center situated at a higher level dominated by the Romanesque Basilica Of San Giacomo (enlarged in the Baroque Age) and the more recent arcade lake-front are
all preserved intact. Among the aristocratic villas let's remember Villa
Serbelloni, first castle, then country residence and transformed into villa at
the end of the 15th century. Later once again restructured in the 17th and
turned into a hotel during the last decade of the 19th century, it is presently
appointed headquarters of conventions and study tours.
|
