Lake Como, Italy. Lake Como - photo. Lake Como - guest reviews

In northern Italy, on the very border with Switzerland, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe. Cluttered by majestic Alpine mountains, it has not the usual oval shape, but stretched across the hollows of three vast arms. Rest on Lake Como has long been a privilege of the elite of society, and today many celebrities have chosen this area not only as a place for temporary rest, but also purchased for their own use ancient villas, erected on the hospitable banks of the freshwater giant.

Impressive dimensions of the pond

Lake Como on the map of Italy stands out not only for its unusual shape, but also for its truly impressive size. If you suddenly thought of getting into a boat and swim around the perimeter of its entire water area, then this trip would have to be spent at least a half day. And this is provided continuous progress without rest and breaks for food and sleep.

The average depth of the pond is about 150 meters. And this means that if someone had joked a 50-story skyscraper in a joke for a reason, then even his antenna would not hang above the surface. Well, in the deepest places you can easily hide the building in 140 floors.

For the sake of justice it is worth noting that the title of the most voluminous fresh water body within the country is not at all Lake Como. Italy is famous for two more, much larger objects - it's about. Garda and Fr. Lake Maggiore.

Pure pedigree

Lake Como (Italy) owes its existence to not full-flowing rivers and underground water reservoirs hidden from prying eyes. Its origin is more sublime. At least this is exactly the indicator of altitude above sea level.

For thousands of years high in the mountains layer by layer accumulated an ice massif. The time has come when it became so great that the slopes of the mountains could no longer hold onto this load. The glacier started down.

On the way this land iceberg plowed deep furrows in the soft rocks between the mountains. Over time, the warm climate melted the ice, and so Lake Como was formed. Photos taken from a bird's eye view clearly show geologists a path along which the glacier many thousand years ago descended into a warm valley, and so it remained here.

A bit of history

With this area of the country is inextricably linked with historical Italy. Lake Como is a rest for the eyes and body, but the events that once occurred on its banks can give rich food for thought to the inquisitive mind.

The ancient Romans rightly believed that this narrow valley between the slopes of the mountains, located on the very border of their possessions, is of great strategic importance. Therefore, they defended it accordingly - there were always a lot of soldiers. And their presence provided security, which was very welcome for immigrants and various entrepreneurs. So the public life here flourished.

On these shores lived and worked people who inscribed their name in world history. Here the author of the largest encyclopedic work of ancient times was born and grew up - Guy Pliny the Second, better known today as Pliny the Elder. Immediately there lived the outstanding political figure of his time Guy Pliny Cecilia Secund, who was remembered by descendants under the name of Pliny the Younger. And after almost 1500 years, the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci came to rest here.

Modernity

Long ago this area attracted the cream of society. And not just for a short rest. Lake Como has built a number of luxury villas that belong to people who are in public view around the world.

Quite interesting in this context is the history of buying a villa "Oleander" by the famous actor and director George Clooney.

He once rode George on his famous Harley Davidson along the lake shore. Suddenly in the next small town the motorcycle breaks down, and the Hollywood star has to turn to the local car service. There nobody recognized him, and the actor received a rare opportunity to just walk around the neighborhood and enjoy the beauty of nature, while bringing to life his iron horse.

The atmosphere of tranquility and the surrounding views made such an impression on him that the actor decided to stay here for a long time. No sooner said than done. And soon George Clooney becomes the proud owner of the Villa "Oleander". Its new possessions include several buildings, skillfully draped with ivy, a beautiful garden that, apart from plants, is decorated with marble sculptures and a mooring that can accommodate several yachts.

On the big screen

By the way, for the shooting of some scenes from the film "Ocean's Twelve" with the handsome George Clooney, it was Lake Como that was chosen. A photo of stunning panoramic shots and elegant villas scattered along the shore impressed the director Stephen Soderbergh, and he opted for this area.

However, he is not alone. Then the episodes of the cult "Star Wars" were shot, the scene from the next part of the Casino Royale Bond movie is also performed on these shores. And the action of the romantic comedy "Month by the Lake" and completely unfolds against the background of this beautiful pond.

Corner of Romantics

This resort is strikingly different from most places offered for recreation by travel companies. There are no pandemonium and fuss. The locals are good-natured and smiling. And the opportunity to wander along the neat narrow streets of coastal towns without colliding every minute with tourists who continuously click the shutters of all kinds of cameras, creating a buzz comparable to the sound of a swarm of migrating cicadas, attracts lovers of a measured rest precisely to Lake Como (Italy). Photos here, uniquely, do, but this process is unobtrusive and absolutely not annoying.

At the time of flowering, the coast is simply buried in flowers. Here you will find carefully carved flowerbeds and magnificent gardens, over the appearance of which there is a whole team of gardeners, and just wild plants, captivating their natural, uncomplicated beauty.

Lake Como (Italy) - tours or travel "savage"?

Which is better - go on vacation on a voucher or go on an independent trip? Here much will depend on what is personally for you a rest. After all, someone gets real pleasure from climbing to the next summit. And for another, such a pastime of death is similar.

One can say for sure - both are worth going to Lake Como. Feedback from tourists is unanimously confirmed.

So, if you are an adherent of cultural and civilized recreation, then welcome to one of the many hotels located on the coast. Some of them occupy buildings that were built by talented architects for the royal blood.

However, do not think that the rest is available exclusively for Hollywood celebrities. The choice of hotels and on the coast, and in coastal towns is really great. Here you can find a shelter of any starryness or rent a room from local residents.

Things to do

In summer you, no doubt, will be interested primarily in beach vacation. But plunging into the blue waters of the deep lake and enjoying the imposing sunbathing on the picturesque shore, you soon begin to search for entertainment in a more dynamic way.

And the arsenal of services offered will not disappoint you. For fans of windsurfing, what the doctor ordered is a trip to Lake Como (Italy). Reviews athletes and just fans of driving on a board under sail promise exceptionally pleasant impressions. Steady, but not too strong wind makes it possible to ride on the water surface of sapphire.

Well, fans of a more extreme sport will be able to do wakeboarding. This is a sort of cross between water skiing, skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding. It is hardly suitable for beginners, since, unlike the same water skis, on which you can simply ride, wakeboarding itself involves the execution of intricate tricks.

In addition, at your service - kitesurfing (this is also skating on the board, only in this case the wind power is used, which drives the big kite operated by the athlete), windsurfing, water skiing, walking on yachts, canoes or boats, and also Sailing and seaplane flights.

Cuisine of Lombardy

Little that so much excites appetite, as water procedures. In Como, you are deliciously tasty in any restaurant. The unique charm of the local cuisine lies in the fact that, despite the uninterrupted flow of tourists, the owners of cafes and restaurants were able to preserve in their institutions the traditions of truly home-made cuisine.

In general, Mediterranean dishes are very healthy and nutritious. And although geographically Lake Como (Italy) is in the north of the country, the climate here, thanks to the fact that the mountains protect this land from cold winds, is mild and wet. Accordingly, here grow the cultures that are typical of the Mediterranean cuisine. And the lake delivers a rich assortment of fish.

Be sure to try the missionoltino - this fish is a special kind of salted fish. The principle of preparation reminds familiar herring, but the taste sensations are uniquely different.

Another famous offspring of Italian cuisine is risotto. And, having ordered it in a local restaurant, you will most likely get a dish made from rice, which was grown right there, nearby. Perhaps, it is because of its excellent taste qualities that the risotto is so delicious and special.

From more exotic offers it is worth to try osso buko (it is braised together with a cerebral bone tender beef), tripe (stuffed with a variety of vegetables beef stomach) and violino di carp (goat dried ham).

Hiking trails

And now it's time to return to those travelers for whom "the palaces of tempting vaults will never replace freedom," as merry Bremen musicians sang.

A lot of interesting things have been prepared for connoisseurs of hiking tours by the hospitable Italy. Lake Como, whose attractions are by no means exhausted by a rich history and beautiful buildings, is a real gem in her collection. And the pearl, framed by a skilful granite frame from the surrounding mountains.

Most tourists travel directly from Milan to Lake Como. A special attraction for active rest is represented by the surrounding mountains. At the top can afford to rise without preparation literally anyone. It takes only a bit of stamina and healthy enthusiasm.

The slopes of the mountains abound with paths that will not let you get lost, and on the top there is a stationary mountain bivouac to protect from the weather. There you will find everything you need for an unforeseeable overnight stay.

From the top of the mountain offers an amazing view of Lake Como. Reviews of tourists about this panorama are full of words like "unforgettable", "amazing", "great", "the spirit captures" and further in the same way. Perhaps this seems trivial when sitting on a comfortable couch. But you have to inhale the fresh mountain air, feel the fresh wind on your face and look at the smooth surface of the lake that appeared in front of you, like in the palm of your hand, and from these very depths, like the horn of plenty, these very words begin to pour out.

Awesome attitude towards cyclists

Cycling is also very popular. The difference in altitude here is quite small, so long walks on a two-wheeled vehicle are not exhausted at all.

Few of those who come to Lake Como (Italy) know that there is a church of the patroness of cyclists. The interior decoration of this non-standard temple can slightly shock an unprepared visitor.

On the walls under the very ceiling are attached the real old bicycles. And in the courtyard there are statues of famous cyclist. More recently, after a scandal involving the use of doping, Lance Armstrong's T-shirt was removed from the wall of the chapel , which, along with this, was deprived of seven previously won honorary titles in the bike races.

On the walls of the temple are hung various objects related to cycling. In fact, it is more like a museum. Although there are also enough religious attributes.

The Temple of Science

Walking around the city of Como, it is worth to visit the area of Alessandro Volta. Even people very far from physics recognize this familiarity. However, few of the highly esteemed representatives of this exact science know that in honor of the famous native of the glorious city, not simply the square was named, but a museum was built, on a small scale, repeating the building of the Pantheon in ancient Rome.

In the museum, you can view the models of the talented physicist Alessandro Volta, see the tools with which he worked, and read many of his letters.

When is it better to go

Whichever time of year you visit this hospitable, picturesque corner of Italy, you will not regret the time spent here. In winter, ski centers are at your service, spring will be enveloped by the unique aroma of flowering gardens, summer will provide an opportunity to enjoy water activities, and autumn will give incredibly bright colors of the surrounding nature.

And the measured flow of life that makes the rest on Lake Como so special will make you forget about the stress that has accumulated over long working days.