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Lake Como: 10 things you Absolutely Must See!

 Lake Como: 10 things you Absolutely Must See!

At the heart of the lake where the three branches of the river meet lie the most splendid ancient towns, the most luxurious villas, and the most breathtaking views: here are the 10 things you cannot miss!

Lake Como has always been one of the most splendid areas of Northern Italy thanks to its mild climate and the incredible beauty of the enchanting towns situated at the base of the Alps. During the past centuries, only the noble ranks of Italians and Europeans were fortunate enough to spend their holidays in the fascinating towns of Como. Today, Lake Como has become an international tourist destination, accessible to everyone.

Strategically located near Milan and Brianza, perfectly connected and fully equipped for your every need, Lake Como offers breathtaking views: small medieval towns bordering lush forests are dotted with splendid villas with world-renowned gardens.

As summer approaches, do you want to go to Como, but don’t know exactly what to visit? Then here are 10 places you absolutely must visit on Lake Como, one of the most well-known, loved, and visited lakes in Italy!

Let Vip Limousine Service, which with its professionalism and experience, can accompany you on an elegant luxury car tour with driver: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly experience all Lake Como has to offer!

1 - The city of silk

The city of the silk

When one speaks of Como, especially in terms of art and culture, it comes naturally to talk about the centuries-old silk making culture. The revered fabric comes from the proteins of silkworms and reached Como in the medieval ages thanks to religious pilgrims and artisans from China

Since 1985, Antonio Ratti and his not-for-profit organization have studied the silkmaking trade. The results of these studies culminated in the Museum for the Studies of Fabrics opened in 1995. Ratti spoke of his museum, stating:

I have always found great creative inspiration from museums. I would like others to have the same opportunity.


A visit to this museum is particularly interesting because you have the opportunity to view a great variety of fabrics and costumes from the 1950s from famous stars like Liz Taylor, among others. So why not take a trip here?

2 - Architecture: from cathedrals to former fascist buildings

Architecture: from cathedrals to former fascist buildings

The Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), situated in the historical district of Como, is among the three largest structures in Northern Italy dedicated to the Catholic religion after the Duomo of Milan and the Certosa of Pavia. The Duomo of Como is dedicated to Saint Mary and has been the main cathedral of Como since 1770, designed and began under Filippo Juvara in 1187, and belonging to the late Gothic and Baroque periods.

Lake Como also boasts one of the most reactionary buildings, the former Fascist building constructed between 1932 and 1936, which was a major point of reference during the Fascist era.


Architect Bruno Zevi states that:

This is the cornerstone of modern European architecture and it clearly articulates the blatant creativity of Terragni, framed in poetic rationalism. It is an avant guarde utilitarianism, which explains why after more than fifty years, it is still the subject of many studies.


It currently hosts a social services area divided into many departments.

3 - Medieval churches along the banks of the river

Medieval churches along the banks of the river

The St. Mary church in Ossuccio was an oratory and refuge for pilgrims during medieval times for all those in need of medical or other help.
The church includes elements from the XI-XIII centuries: the gargoyle at the top of the church, for example, is one-of-a-kind.

It is also worth it to see the churches of Saint Jacob and Saint Philip, which were made in pure medieval style and entirely covered in frescos. The structure is from 1120 A.D., although one of the wall structures dates back to the second half of the tenth century.

4 - Comacina Island, the pearl of the lake

Comacina Island, the pearl of the lake

Comacina Island embodies the late medieval period. It was previously inhabitated by the Aususciantes monks and still hosts today the Basilica of Saint Eufemia.

The island was a cultural hub before it was razed to the ground in 1169.

Little by little, however, the island was able to restore itself almost to its previous splendor. In 1939 Pietro Lingeri designed three artists refuges for artists who wished to escape the chaotic city life in search for greenery and tranquility.

You can’t miss a visit to this island on June 24th, when the city celebrates mass at the ancient basilica and during which lanterns are launched into the sky from the island.

5 - Balbianello Villa

Balbianello Villa

If you are looking for a peaceful and beautiful getaway, think no further. Villa Balbianello is the perfect spot, constructed at the end of the 18th century by Cardinal Durini. Its splendor is well-noted and indeed, it is the site of many films, events, and musical concerts.

Villa Balbianello offers breathtaking views and ensures you a wonderful day surrounded by history and perfectly manicured gardens, although the grounds also house a wonderful museum and library.

6 - Lenno and Carlotta Villa

 

On the so-called Tremezzina coast, Lenno is one of the most charming and quaint towns. It is found on the western side of Lake Como, and dates back to the times of the Greeks and Romans, even to the times of Julius Caesar. Indeed, the colonization of the Romans took with it the arrival of olive cultivation so much so that today it is possible to admire the production of olives throughout the area of Como, and even to visit some of the most antique olive mills.

Among the many beautiful villas surrounding Lenno, Villa Carlotta stands out. It is perfectly situated between the lake and the surrounding mountains and includes not only a museum but also a complete botanical garden. The museum itself includes many stupendous works of art, which set it apart from other villas. The villa is also known for its wonderful springtime flower blooms with over 150 species of rhododendrons and azaelea bushes.

7 - Piona abbey

 

If you love well-being and wonderful nature walks, the Piona Abbey is for you. You can walk along the river, admiring the wonderful landscape and may buy a number of organic herbs and natural remedies from the Cisterine Monks that live in the abbey.

This abbey is from the order of Saint Benedict and it is also possible to buy amazing honey, organic cosmetic creams, and liquors.

Why not visit it?

8 - Varenna and its beautiful overlooks

Varenna and its beautiful overlooks

After all of the previously mentioned towns, one cannot but mention Varenna as well. It is a small fishing town inhabited by little more than 780 people and directly facing Lake Como.

It is a gem on Lake Como, despite its size. Many of the villas houses date back to the 13th century. Peaking out on the lake, Varenna truly offers phenomenal views.

A visit to Varenna is truly worth especially for these unique panoramic views.

9 - Brunate, a balcony on the alps

 

Passing along the banks of Lake Como, passing Matteoti Square and the associated train station, you reach the Como-Brunate Funicular, constructed in 1894. It takes 7 minutes to reach the top of the peak, which stands at 720 meters. There, you will find Brunate, a charming town with a spectacular view of the lake.

Reachable within 30 minutes by foot is San Maurzio, constructed in 1927 to celebrate the hundred years after the death of Alessandro Volta. The first ride on the Funicolar was in 1894, and in 1911, the traditional steam-powered generator became electric. Still today, the Funicolar runs every 30 minutes to connect the Lake to Brunate and to take passengers to one of the most photographed areas of Lake Como, and reaching a maximum slope of 55% along the way.

From Brunate, there are also hiking trails of all levels. One of the most noted hiking trails takes visitors to the Faro Voltiano, an octagonal tower which is 29 meters high and which was built in 1927 on the Monte Tre Croci. After sunset, the tower emits beacons of light much like a lighthouse in colors of red, green, and white.

10 - Mandello del Lario and the Moto Guzzi Museum

 

This small town has a unique history: apart from being the hometown of the famous motorcycle brand, Guzzi, it was also carved over the millennia by the Meria river and was constructed on the rocks that the river brought to the town over the centuries.

For almost a century, the Guzzi motorcylcle house has created fascinating motorcyles for any motorcycle-lover or even for the casual passerby.

On March 15th, 1921, the motorcycle house took off in almost anonymity in Genova in the Notary Office of Paolo Cassanello with partner Emanuele Parodi, the son of Giorgio Parodi and Carlo Guzzi. The emblem of the wide-spread eagle in the Guzzi logo is a homage to aviator and partner Giovanni Ravelli, who died in 1919 in a plane crash only two years before his final motorcycle designs would come to life.

The Guzzi Motorcycle Museum is situated next to the old factory of the Guzzi founders, dating back to 1921 and traces the history of the legendary brand from its humble beginnings to all of the award won, records beaten, to some of its earliest motorcycle designs, prototypes never manufactured, and more! Truly a paradise for everyone!

Disover lake Como with Vip Limousine

 

For long, medium, and brief stays and transfers Vip Limousine offers a complete and luxurious rental experience with a personal chauffeur.
Whether it is for business engagements or whether the Client simply wants to spend a relaxing weekend in one of the most beautiful areas of northern italy, vip limousine will offer you a relaxing and peaceful experience.
Once your departure dates and place are established, the Vip Limousine team will happily assist you in planning a wonderful itinerary: it is also possible to book one of our multi-lingual guides: this topic is fully covered in our tourist assistance page and guide services page.
for additional information, or to discuss your personalized itinerary, contact the Vip Limousine call center which is active 24/7 all year round.

  

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