Schignano
The Stunning Lake Como: A Jewel among the Lombard Prealps
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is one of the most beautiful natural lakes in Italy, situated among the Lombard Prealps, in the territories belonging to the provinces of Como and Lecco. Here, you can find the southern ends of the respective branches, the basin of Como and the basin of Lecco, as well as the wider basin of Colico to the north.
The Unmatched Beauty of Lake Como
Located about 50 km north of Milan, Lake Como is characterized by a fluvio-glacial origin and is composed of three different compartments: the basin of Como, the basin of Lecco, and the basin of Colico. It is the deepest lake in Italy, with a surface and volume that place it in third place. The flow of the Adda River at the outlet of the lake is around 130 cubic meters per second.
The beauty of the lake is not only due to its articulated morphology and depth. The microclimate and landscapes dotted with prestigious villas and villages are just some of the factors that make it unique and enchanting. In 2014, the online newspaper The Huffington Post even referred to it as the most beautiful lake in the world!
A Thousand-Year-Old History
Lake Como has a thousand-year-old history, as evidenced by the many Latin authors who mention it. The ancient Romans called it "Larius," while in the Middle Ages, it was also called "lacus commacinus," "comacenus," or "comensis." Finally, the most common name is Lake Como.
Physical Geography and Morphological Aspects
Lake Como is located at an altitude of 198 meters and has a surface area of 145 km². The articulated geometry and the shape of an inverted "Y" or a man's shape are features that distinguish it from other Italian lakes. The branches of Como, Lecco, and Colico are its three main parts, which provide unique landscapes in the world.
Lake Como is the deepest lake in Italy and the fifth in Europe, with a maximum depression of 418 meters. The cryptodepression bottoms are over 200 meters deep below sea level. To complete the landscape, numerous marble caves in the surroundings of the lake are significant to the Lombard tradition of sculptors, stonemasons, and architects.
A Symbol of Beauty and Culture
Lake Como is a symbol of beauty and culture. For example, the Lecco side of the lake became famous thanks to Alessandro Manzoni, who chose it as a backdrop for the novel The Betrothed. Moreover, the typical rowing boat of the lake, the batell, has itself become a symbol of the area due to Lucia Mondella's escape from Lecco, which made it famous worldwide.
In conclusion, visiting Lake Como means immersing yourself in a unique and enchanting atmosphere, made of nature, culture, and history. Let yourself be fascinated by the beauty of its panoramas and its crystal clear waters and get ready to experience something that will stay in your heart forever!
