Pusiano
Lake Pusiano: history and characteristics
Lake Pusiano is one of the most beautiful lakes in Brianza, located between the provinces of Como and Lecco in Lombardy. Also known as Lake Casletto or Eupili, it has been celebrated by various artists and writers throughout the centuries.
The lake is the largest of the Lakes Briantei and is of glacial origin, formed after the retreat of the enormous glacier that covered much of Brianza. It has a maximum length of 2,700 meters and a width of 2,400 meters, with an overall perimeter of approximately 11 kilometers. Its minimum surface area during low water periods is 5,250,000 square meters, reaching 6,720,000 square meters during high water periods. The lake's water volume is 81 million cubic meters.
The lake's outlet is the Lambro River, which is also its inlet under the name of Lambrone. Since 1811, the lake has been regulated at the outlet towards the Lambro valley through a dam managed by the Regional Park of the Lambro Valley.
Several municipalities are located on its shores, including Pusiano, Eupilio, Erba, and Merone in the province of Como, and Cesana Brianza, Bosisio Parini, and Rogeno in the province of Lecco. A short distance from Pusiano is another lake, Lake Annone, located in the town of Annone di Brianza.
The history of the Island of Cypresses
The small Island of Cypresses, privately owned, is also located in Lake Pusiano. This small oval-shaped island owes its name to the presence of approximately 130 cypress trees, some of which are centuries-old.
Its history has ancient origins dating back to the Neolithic period when the primitives built a small village made of pile dwellings on the southern side of the island. In the Middle Ages, until the 17th century, the island was connected to the history of Lake Pusiano and became the property of the Archbishop of Milan, the Carpani lords (local feudal lords), and then of the Viceroys, from the Habsburg imperial house until 1831.
Archdukes Ferdinand Karl Ludwig of Austria-Este Lorena and Ranieri of Austria-Este Lorena used the island for their pastimes and stayed in a historic palace in the town of Pusiano known as Palazzo Beauharnais.
In 1874, the island was sold to the Gavazzi brothers, industrialists from Valmadrera.
The celebration of Lake Pusiano in culture
Lake Pusiano has inspired many artists and writers throughout the centuries. Giuseppe Parini, an Italian poet of the 18th century, published his first book of poems in his honor. The painter Giovanni Segantini painted Lake Pusiano in one of his famous works, transforming its natural beauty into a work of art.
Today, Lake Pusiano attracts many tourists every year thanks to its beauty and its strategic location between the provinces of Como and Lecco.
In conclusion, Lake Pusiano is an important resource for Brianza and beyond, not only for its natural beauty but also for its history and culture. Its location between the provinces of Como and Lecco makes it an ideal place to spend a day relaxing in the great outdoors.
