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Como - Villa Olmo
Along the western side of Lake Como, between Como and Bellagio, lies a journey of discovery of the Sacro Monte of Ossuccio on the island of Comacina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a cluster of old medieval towns, eighteenth century villas and nature routes through the vegetation of the mountains.
The territory of Como is very varied , with mountainous areas, lakes and valleys. The city of Como lies at the foot of Mount Brunate and is surrounded by hills and the pre-Alpine mountains, overlooking the southern part of Lake Como.
Starting from Como, at the furthest point of the western arm of the lake, towns of great beauty are encountered, tucked away in the mountains that lie alongside the calm waters, or within little corners created by the ridges. All the places alongside the lake are perfect spots for holidays all year round. They can be reached by boat, cable car or by car via little roads with splendid views of unspoiled nature. Everywhere in Como, honour is paid to Alessandro Volta, the celebrated inventor of the battery who was born here, and whose name is remembered in many of the buildings.
Comasco offers many nature trails. The most luxuriant is Val d’Intelvi between Lake Como and the Lake of Lugano.
The twelve kilometre long valley is a mix of lush plains and gentle hills the lead to the pre-Alpine mountains. At the centre of the valley is Lanzo, which can be reached from Ardegno by crossing woods and roads dotted with ancient town centres and noble villas, and Saint Fedele., which also has tourist accommodation facilities.
In summer, there are nature walks around the Lariani hills and, in winter, mountain sports, especially on Mount Sighignola, which offers total immersion in nature. Also not to be missed is a trip to Comacina Island, with its archaeological remains from the second century BC, including a beautiful Roman Pieve located in the middle of the woods of Mount Costone, where everything is so silent and calm that the only noise is that of fishermen at work in Baia. Facing the island is the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, leading up to the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Soccorso, via a mountain pathway amidst olive trees, hills and 17th century chapels.
The most famous place is Bellagio, which has preserved its historical town centre surrounded by ancient city walls, with narrow little roads that start at the banks of the lake and pass up through hills to a series of luxury lakeside hotels and elegant shopping streets. The town’s ancient origin is testified by its Romanesque cathedral dedicated to Saint Giacomo whose interior seems unchanged from the twelfth century. On top of the headland are two classical examples of 18th and 19th century villas of the nobility, Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Not to be missed is a visit to the extensive grounds of the period, which boast beautiful views.
Brunate is the town closest to Como, and can be reached via the old funicular. Halfway between Como and Brunate lies a hermitage, the Eremo of Saint Donato, amidst the vegetation of the high ground, which is a useful resting place for those who choose to walk rather than take the funicular. The hamlet of Brunate offers interesting walks along paths between t Liberty style villas and that lead to the Church of Saint Andrew.
Another evocative place is Laglio, which, in addition to being a charming locality, boasts some amazing neighbouring woods and the “Bear’s Cave” (“ buco dell’orso”) where the bones of bears were found along with other remains dating back to prehistory, some of which are on display in the town hall. In Moltrasio, the sound of running water from the river that runs through it accompanies walkers. Wealthy villas recall the fondness of noble families for places such as this, where they built their summer residences: Villa Passalacqua, Villa Pasola, Villa Erker Hocevar and Villa Ghisio, where the famous composer Vincenzo Bellini used stay. Special mentions must be given to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and its splendid gardens and museum, extraordinary masterpieces of nature and human ingenuity. Briennio is a typical medieval hamlet located between the marina and the mountains, dotted with the typical little roads that retain the atmosphere and look of the period. The church of Saints Nazaro and Celso makes an interesting visit with its churchyard commanding an evocative view of the lake, and the church of Saint Anna, one of the oldest churches in the Romanesque style. A trip to Baradello, a few kilometres from Como, should not be missed. A tower and a 12th century castle stand on top of the hills, surrounded by the Spina Verde Park, and fortified walls. The ancient monuments, the natural beauty and the panorama make this a very evocative route. Baradello also lends its name to the annual medieval Palio that takes place at the beginning of September: this is a classic knightly jousting contest between the various districts. The Palio is staged in Cernobbio, a renowned international tourist destination.
The landscape of Lake Como is the heart of this area. Exciting trips aboard sail and motorboats are available of the inlets hidden amongst the green of the woods.
Those who prefer sport have a wide range of choices from windsurfing courses on the lake and paragliding on Mount Cornizzolo to golf courses, trekking and mounting biking. In summer, there are stimulating nature walks along the Mount Lariani pathway; in winter, Mount Sighignola is an ideal place for winter sports.
High quality shops stocked with local products, especially silk products, are dotted along the charming roads in the town centre of Bellagio, where numerous workshops produce ties and scarves as well as a items of clothing and household materials.
The province’s cuisine is closely linked to the lake, with dishes based on trout, tench and perch, not forgetting the taste of the mountains in the polenta and game dishes. And then there’s luganeghe, liver mortadelle, missoltitt (dried, salted fish), crescenzine, Zincarlin (spicy goat cheese), ataloc di Menaggio, Paradell di Tremezzo (desserts). Among the red and white wines are the Rosso di Bellagio, Vespertò di Canzo and the liqueurs made from herbal essences by the Piona friars.
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