Brienno
Lake Como: a Lombard jewel
Lake Como, or Lario, is one of Lombardy's most precious natural treasures, defined by the online newspaper ''The Huffington Post'' as the most beautiful lake in the world. The lake, of fluvial-glacial origin, extends for 145 km², divided into three compartments called branches: the Como district, the Lecco district and the Colico district.
Discovering Lake Como
Etymology
The origin of the name of Lake Como is not entirely clear: according to some scholars, the name derives from the pre-Latin root *''lar''-, meaning "hollow place"; others derive it from Celtic ''lāro''-, which means "plain, ground".
Physical geography: morphology
Lake Como has a very intricate shape, resembling an inverted "Y", and extends between the Po Valley and the Alps, at an altitude of about 200 m above sea level. Its branches are the Como branch, to the southwest, the Lecco branch, to the southeast, and the Colico branch, the most open of the three. The lake is characterized by a maximum depression of 418 meters, between the towns of Argegno and Nesso, and is the deepest lake in Italy.
Art and culture of Lake Como
Marble quarries
The marble quarries around Lake Como have been essential to Lombard tradition of sculptors, stonemasons and architects, "enhanced by the long and challenging construction of the Milan Cathedral".
The Betrothed and the Lucia
Lake Como was made famous by Alessandro Manzoni, who set his novel "The Betrothed" on the Lecco shore, telling the story of Renzo and Lucia's flight into the waters of the lake. Lucia herself has become a symbol of the lake: she is a typical rowing boat, called a Batell or "Lucia" in memory of the character in the novel.
Villages and villas on the shores
Lake Como is dotted with prestigious villages and villas, such as the famous Villa d'Este in Cernobbio, the Villa Balbianello in Lenno and the Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. This lake has inspired many artists and writers, including Stendhal and Lord Byron.
On Lake Como: what to see and what to do
Attractions and activities
Lake Como offers many attractions and activities: cruises on the lake, visits to villas and villages, trekking and mountain biking on the paths of the surrounding mountains, but also opportunities to practice water sports such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. On the shores there are numerous restaurants and trattorias where you can taste local specialties such as lake fish like eel and lavarello, or the famous polenta uncia.
Conclusion
Lake Como is a charming place, where nature, art and culture blend perfectly, offering a variety of opportunities to all visitors. Nature lovers can appreciate the beauty of the lake and the mountains that surround it, while history and art enthusiasts can enjoy the numerous villas and villages on the shores. Lake Como is an ideal tourist destination for spending a pleasant day or a weekend away.
