Lake Como History and Culture
Home to the aristocrats of a time past
If you really want to experience Lake Como like the aristocrats once did, either you have to convince someone to invite you to one of their luxurious yacht parties or, a more practical solution, get tickets for a cruise boat. These depart frequently and travel around the lake's circumference, stopping at each notable location or town. The most renowned of Como's shore-side towns is Bellagio, a locale of startling beauty. This resort was the home of the 17th- and 18th-century aristocrats, and while it is not as exclusive as it was in a past era, its romantically charming essence is still intact. While Bellagio's main attraction is sun bathing on the its pristine beaches, strolling through the blossoms and flowers, and water sports, there is plenty of culture to embrace. Among the greatest are the gardens of Pliny the Younger at the Villa Serbelloni, which offers guests an excellent way to see how Como's exquisiteness was enjoyed by the decadent Ancient Romans. The Villa Melzi Museum and Chapel is also worth a visit for its gardens and beautiful sculptures. Further south is another lavish resort town, Cernobbio. Here one finds much of the luxury of Bellagio, but perhaps packaged in a slightly more down-to-earth fashion. Here great deals can be found at hotels, exquisite restaurants, and lovely shops. But Cernobbio is hardly Bellagio's lesser, as it is the home to Como's most famous and stately hotel, the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este. This is almost a town unto itself, with over 10 acres of some of Como's best and most exotic gardens. Villa d'Este also has some excellent places to have a casual drink and some superb restaurants.
The city of Como traditionally has had a more industrial role than the
Lake's other villages, which has made it slightly less alluring as a
vacation destination. Nonetheless, it is still a very worthwhile place
to visit both for its history and its world-famous silk industry. The
city's heart lies in the Piazza Cavour, a lovely place that is home to
several lakeside cafés that present guests with an optimal view of the
luxury yachts coming and going. We also find in Como the central
departure dock for the Lake's cruise ships, which is among the reasons
that the city is an ideal place to stay. This is especially the case if
the hotel prices in the other resort towns are too gaudy, of if their
availability is limited. Its industrial reputation aside, Como has some
lovely gardens, most famously the Gardini Publici. This is a great
place for a quiet stroll and is just next to another wonderful site,
the Tempio Voltiano. For science and technology buffs, this will be a
very interesting place to visit, as it honors the Como native
Alessandro Volta, the famous physicist who pioneered electricity. To
dive into Como's more ancient past, pay a visit to its main Cathedral,
that has a peculiar façade and architecture, which is fashioned to the
Lombard Gothic style just as Milan's epic Duomo. What many believe is
Como's most fascinating church, Sant'Abbondio, is also worth a visit on
account of its striking Romanesque design; and inside are some
wonderful frescos. For museums, the city's best are the Archaeolgical
Museum "Paolo Giovio", and the tiny but wonderful art museum Pinacoteca
Palazzo Volpi. As far as silk goes, there is great shopping throughout
the city for scarves, blouses, ties, and lingerie; and for a bit of
history go to Como's Silk Museum (Museo Didattico della Seta) that
explains silk's role in the city ever since it was brought back from
China by Marco Polo.
Dining in the Lake Como area is just as it was in the 18th century:
an incredibly lavish experience inspired by fresh ingredients found in
the lake and the surrounding mountains. Among the most popular dishes
is the zuppa di pesce alla tremezzina, an exquisite fish stew. Seafood
lovers should also try Lake Como's trout and sea bass, which are
especially tasty when smoked or grilled. An unusual but delicious
recipe is called i mussulit: sun-dried and salted eel served with
polenta. Cheeses from this part of Lombardia are exquisite, including
teleggio, bitto, formaggelle, and caprino, and are either eaten fresh
or generously melted on top of polenta. Veal is also very special in
these parts, and served alla milanese (breaded); the other meats that
play leading roles in Como's gastronomy are mostly game like mountain
goat (violino - a specialty goat ham) or pheasant (cooked in an intense
mustard sauce). For wines, be sure to try Lombardia's own Franciacorta
sparkling wine, which is ideal when paired with seafood or as an
aperitvio (aperitif Italian style) while admiring the Lake at a
dockside venue. To stand up to the more gamey dishes, try the excellent
local Viltellina Superiore DOCG, which is predominantly made from what
is praised as Italy's best grape, Nebbiolo. Bear in mind, though, that
Pidemonte is just next store, which is, along with Tuscany, Italy's
best wine-producing region. Also, thanks to Como's aristocratic roots,
restaurant and hotel wine cellars have some of the best bottles
available in the world.
Vacations you may enjoy in Lake Como:
- Rome, Opulent Lake Como and Italian Riviera
- Dazzling Rome and Opulent Lake Como
- Breathtaking Lake Como
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