The enchanting Bellagio on the shores of Lake Como

Bellagio is a lovely tourist resort thanks to its amazing location on a promontory overlooking the beautiful Lake Como

Country sightseeing tour - Scenic Drive - North Italy - Lombardy

Itinerary: Bellagio

The little town of Bellagio (pic n°1) lies on a promontory that divides Lake Como into two different arms, making it looks like an upside-down Y.

This beautiful village on the Lake Como's shoreline is a very popular and beloved location among tourists, travelers, and artists. For centuries, its charm has attracted musicians, such as Wagner, Puccini, Fauré, Verdi, Liszt, or writers and directors such as Stendhal, Flaubert, Henry J. Fitzgerald but also Fellini, Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Visconti and many other celebrities including George Clooney, Maria Callas, Onassis, Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth. These are just a few names of the thousands of people who has fallen in love with this beautiful gem.

The popularity of this village is primarily due to its spectacular location (pic n°2), exactly in the middle of the lake. This location allows visitors to enjoy spectacular views on both sides of Lake Como. The alternation of natural light, shadows and reflections created by the sun and the mountains that mirror in the blue waters will undoubtedly leave you breathless.

The ancient village of Bellagio (pic n°3) is halfway between the lake and the hills behind. It is perfectly preserved and lies all around Via Garibaldi, the main street from which many streets, alleys, stairways and small squares start. It is very pleasant to stroll along these less crowded streets with tourists, looking at the windows of the many shops in Via Garibaldi, and observing the artists who paint outdoor. Do not forget to visit the Romanesque-style Church of San Giacomo (pic n°5), dating back to the eleventh century.

Villa Serbelloni (pic n°6) is located on the eastern side of the promontory. Built in the fifteenth century, it belongs to the Rockefeller Foundation and houses a research and congress center. Here, you can visit the beautiful gardens of the villa which feature ancient trees, statues, natural and artificial caves, exotic plants, roses, as well as beautiful spots where to stop and enjoy wonderful views over the lake.

Villa Melzi (pic n°4) is another pearl near Bellagio. The Neoclassical-style villa is still inhabited by the descendants of the Melzi family. Yet, you can visit the museum and the wonderful surrounding park with beautiful plants and flowers, such as rhododendron, cypresses, redwoods, and azaleas. Inside the park, you can also find a third-century Etruscan urn, two Egyptian sculptures and the sculpture "Dante e Beatrice, mano nella mano" (Dante Alighieri & Beatrice hand in hand) made by the Italian sculptor Comolli.

Also, many charming nineteenth-century hotels and luxury villas, which have hosted many noble Milanese families over the last centuries, are scattered around the lake and on the surrounding hills.

Some pics of Bellagio:

Bellagio (pic n°1); The spectacular location of Bellagio (pic n°2); The ancient village of Bellagio (pic n°3); Villa Melzi (pic n°4); Church of San Giacomo (pic n°5); Villa Serbelloni (pic n°6);