Lake Como

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Geo: 45.9861, 9.26081

Lake Como is about an hour's drive north of Milan, up near the Swiss border. The lake is shaped like an upside-down "Y" with its three slender legs meeting at the small town of Bellagio. It is over 1300 ft deep, with its bottom being 660 ft below sea level. The town of Como is situated at the end of the lake's SW leg.

We first visited the Villa Carlotta on the western shore of the lake. Then a short boat trip over to Bellagio, a few hours there then a leisurely boat ride down the lake to Como. Along the way we paused at several "notable" villas.

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Photos

Villa Carlotta
It dates from about 1700 and is surrounded by 20 acres of beautiful gardens. It has been owned by a government trust since 1927.

Bellagio, across the lake
Bellagio "splits the wind" between the two southern arms of Lake Como. It's an ancient town with a population (including surrounds) of only 5,000. Robyn with Rick from Virginia.

Streets of Bellagio
Good shopping, where Robyn took full advantage.

"Casino Royale"
The Villa Balbianello started life as a Franciscan monastery at the end of the 18th century. It was bequeathed to the National Trust of Italy in 1988 and it has since featured in a number of movies.

Villa Balbianello
Another view

Villa Rosa
Now owned by Richard Branson and for let at €90,000 per week. Note the pine trees. The vegetation in many villas is pruned to within an inch of its life.

Clooney's place
George bought the 18th century Villa Oleandra in 2001. It's located on the western shore near the village of Laglio. It looks somewhat dilapidated and according to Tina, the outside has not been renovated in the last 17 years.

Comments

[Rhona]

Fabulous! :-D