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Lake Como

Coordinates: 46°00′N 9°16′E / 46.000°N 9.267°E / 46.000; 9.267
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Como Lake" and "Lario" redirect here. For the Italian actress, see Veronica Lario. For other uses, see Como Lake (disambiguation) and Lake Como (disambiguation).

Lake Como
Panoramic view of Lake Como with the Alps and Bellagio
Lake Como is located in Lombardy
Lake Como
Lake Como
Bathymetric map
LocationLombardy, Italy
Coordinates46°00′N 9°16′E / 46.000°N 9.267°E / 46.000; 9.267
TypeGlacial lake
Primary inflowsAdda, Mera
Primary outflowsAdda
Catchment area4,509 km2 (1,741 sq mi)[1]
Basin countriesItaly, Switzerland
Max. length46 km (29 mi)
Max. width4.5 km (2.8 mi)
Surface area146 km2 (56 sq mi)
Average depth154 m (505 ft)[1]
Max. depth425 m (1,394 ft)
Water volume22.5 km3 (18.2 million acre⋅ft)
Residence time5.5 years[1]
Shore length1160 km (99 mi)
Surface elevation198 m (650 ft)[1]
IslandsIsola Comacina
SettlementsComo, Lecco (see section)
References[1]
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lake Como (Italian: Lago di Como [ˈlaːɡo di ˈkɔːmo], locally [ˈkoːmo][a]), also known as Lario,[b] is a lake of glacial origin situated in Lombardy, Italy. It is one of the Italian Lakes, renowned for its stunning scenery and picturesque towns. Covering an area of 146 square kilometres (56 sq mi), Lake Como is the third-largest lake in Italy, surpassed only by Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. With a depth exceeding 400 metres (1,300 ft), it ranks as the fifth-deepest lake in Europe and the deepest lake outside of Norway; its bottom reaches 227 metres (745 ft) below sea level. The lake is easily recognizable due to its distinctive "Y" shape, a characteristic formed by glacial activity and the flow of the Adda River.

Lake Como's beauty has long attracted the affluent, serving as a favored summer retreat for aristocrats and wealthy individuals since Roman times. Today, it remains a highly popular tourist destination, celebrated for its artistic heritage and cultural significance. The lake's shores are dotted with magnificent villas and palaces, including Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta, testaments to centuries of admiration and investment in the region's allure. Its timeless appeal has drawn numerous celebrities to acquire homes along its shores, including George Clooney, Madonna, and Donatella Versace, further cementing its status as a glamorous and sought-after location.[2]

Etymology and nomenclature

[edit]

The official name is Lario, derived from the Latin Larius Lacus (the ancient Roman name for the lake), and is reflected in the names of several towns and settlements along its shores, such as Gera Lario, Pognana Lario, and Mandello del Lario. Lario is used only in formal circumstances and documents; Italians usually call it Lago di Como.

Geography and hydrology

[edit]
Aerial photograph of Lake Como, showcasing its characteristic three-branched shape

Lake Como's distinctive shape resembles an inverted letter "Y". Its three branches emanate from a central point, creating a unique geographical configuration. The northern branch commences at the town of Colico, extending southward, while the southwestern and southeastern branches terminate at the cities of Como and Lecco, respectively. At the junction where these three branches converge, strategically positioned towns like Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna offer pivotal points of access and connection.

The primary inflow for Lake Como is the Adda River, which enters the lake near Colico at its northern end. The Adda also serves as the lake's outflow, exiting at Lecco from the southeastern branch. This hydrological arrangement contributes to the unique characteristic of the southwestern branch, making it a virtual dead end in terms of water flow. Consequently, Como, situated at the terminus of this branch, is more susceptible to flooding compared to Lecco.

The mountainous, pre-Alpine region nestled between the two southern arms of Lake Como, encompassing the area between Como, Bellagio, and Lecco, is known as the Larian Triangle, or Triangolo lariano.[3] This region is also notable as the source of the Lambro River. Canzo, a town centrally located within the triangle, serves as the administrative center for the Comunità Montana del Triangolo lariano, an association comprising 31 municipalities representing the approximately 71,000 residents of the area.

Flora and fauna

[edit]

The mild, humid climate of Lake Como, influenced by the large body of water, supports a rich diversity of plant life characteristic of the Insubria region.[4] Along the shores, Mediterranean species like olive trees (evidenced by local names like Oliveto Lario), laurel, and cypress thrive, alongside exotic subtropical plants cultivated in the famous villa gardens.[5] Vegetation varies significantly with altitude: the coastal zone features Mediterranean essences; foothills (up to 800m) are dominated by deciduous forests of oak, chestnut, hornbeam, and poplar; higher elevations transition to beech forests, followed by conifer forests (including silver fir, spruce, larch, and mountain pine); the highest altitudes feature alpine shrubs like juniper and Rhododendron, and pastures.[6] The area hosts several endemic plant species, particularly on limestone substrates.[7] True aquatic vegetation is relatively rare due to the steep shores, mostly confined to areas like the northern Piano di Spagna nature reserve.[8]

The fauna is equally varied. The surrounding mountains and valleys are home to mammals such as red deer, roe deer, chamois, wild boar, and foxes.[9][10] Birdlife is abundant, including birds of prey like buzzards and hawks, alongside forest species. The lake itself is a crucial habitat for waterfowl, attracting numerous ducks, grebes, swans, gulls, cormorants, and notably, large populations of herons, particularly grey herons, which find sanctuary in quieter, wilder stretches of the shoreline.[11][12] Lake Como hosts around 26 fish species.[13] Due to the lake's depth and limited littoral zones, pelagic species dominate, including prized native fish like the whitefish (locally known as lavarello and bondella) and the agone (a freshwater shad), traditionally used in local cuisine.[14] Littoral species include European perch, pike (limited by habitat scarcity), tench, chub, and carp.[15] Several introduced species are present, some posing ecological challenges, such as the zebra mussel and the highly invasive Louisiana crayfish.[16][17]

Climate

[edit]
See also: Italian Lakes § Climate
Lake Como
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
79
 
 
6
−2
 
 
74
 
 
8
−1
 
 
109
 
 
13
4
 
 
157
 
 
17
7
 
 
201
 
 
23
12
 
 
175
 
 
27
16
 
 
137
 
 
30
19
 
 
173
 
 
29
19
 
 
160
 
 
23
13
 
 
147
 
 
19
9
 
 
127
 
 
12
4
 
 
66
 
 
9
2
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
3.1
 
 
43
28
 
 
2.9
 
 
46
30
 
 
4.3
 
 
55
39
 
 
6.2
 
 
63
45
 
 
7.9
 
 
73
54
 
 
6.9
 
 
81
61
 
 
5.4
 
 
86
66
 
 
6.8
 
 
84
66
 
 
6.3
 
 
73
55
 
 
5.8
 
 
66
48
 
 
5
 
 
54
39
 
 
2.6
 
 
48
36
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches

According to the Köppen climate classification, Lake Como experiences a humid subtropical climate.[18] The average temperature in the surrounding region fluctuates from 4 °C (39 °F) in January to 25 °C (77 °F) in July.[19] The water temperature reaches an average of 26 °C (79 °F) in July, making it pleasant for water activities during the summer months.[20]

The climate around Lake Como is characterized by distinct seasons:

  • Winter: the lake exerts a moderating influence, helping to maintain a mild average temperature of 7 °C (45 °F) in the nearby area.[21] Snowfall is erratic and generally confined to higher elevations. Occasionally, periods of frost can occur due to the influence of the Siberian Anticyclone.
  • Spring and Autumn: these transitional seasons are typically mild and agreeable, with average daytime temperatures around 17 °C (63 °F).[22][23] Precipitation tends to be more frequent during these seasons.
  • Summer: days are generally warm, with average daytime temperatures exceeding 27 °C (81 °F).[24] Heatwaves have become more common in recent years, with temperatures occasionally reaching as high as 38 °C (100 °F), leading to hot and humid conditions. This season is also subject to thunderstorms and, at times, violent hailstorms.[25]

Impact of climate change

[edit]

Historically, winters in the Lake Como region were characterized by significant snowfall and cold temperatures, with average daily temperatures in January and February often falling below freezing.[26] However, due to global warming, average winter temperatures have progressively increased since the beginning of the 21st century. A record high of 21 °C (70 °F) was recorded on January 27, 2024,[27][28] reflecting this warming trend. Similarly, summers, once known for their pleasant climate, have experienced rising average temperatures since the 2010s. Severe weather events, such as intense rainstorms and hailstorms, previously infrequent, have become increasingly common, impacting the region's climate patterns.[29][30]

Climate data for Lake Como
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 21
(70) 		22
(72) 		24
(75) 		26
(79) 		31
(88) 		37
(99) 		38
(100) 		37
(99) 		31
(88) 		25
(77) 		29
(84) 		21
(70) 		38
(100)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 6
(43) 		8
(46) 		13
(55) 		17
(63) 		23
(73) 		27
(81) 		30
(86) 		29
(84) 		23
(73) 		19
(66) 		12
(54) 		9
(48) 		18
(64)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −2
(28) 		−1
(30) 		4
(39) 		7
(45) 		12
(54) 		16
(61) 		19
(66) 		19
(66) 		13
(55) 		9
(48) 		4
(39) 		2
(36) 		9
(47)
Record low °C (°F) −18
(0) 		−16
(3) 		−11
(12) 		−5
(23) 		−1
(30) 		3
(37) 		7
(45) 		5
(41) 		4
(39) 		−3
(27) 		−9
(16) 		−10
(14) 		−18
(0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 79
(3.1) 		74
(2.9) 		109
(4.3) 		157
(6.2) 		201
(7.9) 		175
(6.9) 		137
(5.4) 		173
(6.8) 		160
(6.3) 		147
(5.8) 		127
(5.0) 		66
(2.6) 		1,605
(63.2)
Average precipitation days 9 8 10 12 13 11 8 9 8 10 11 9 118
Average relative humidity (%) (daily average) 84 76 69 74 72 71 73 72 74 81 85 86 76
Mean monthly sunshine hours 59 97 151 176 209 242 285 253 187 129 65 58 1,911
Average ultraviolet index 1 2 3 5 7 8 8 7 5 3 2 1 4
Source 1: [31]
Source 2: [32]


History

[edit]

The area around Lake Como has been inhabited since prehistoric times, although the first significant settlement, Comum, emerged during the Iron Age (first millennium BC), embedded within the broader Golasecca culture. Its strategic position between the northern regions and the Po Valley made it important early on.[33] In 196 BC, the Roman army under Consul Claudius Marcellus conquered the area from the Celtic Comenses.[34] The settlement was fortified after raids by Rhaetian tribes.

Under Roman rule, the area became a key strategic outpost. The Romans constructed the Via Regina, a vital road connecting the lake ("Larius," as they called it) with the Rhaetian region to the north and serving as an important trade route between the Po Valley and the Rhine Valley under Emperor Augustus.[35][33] Tradesmen frequently crossed the Alps via this route into present-day Switzerland.[35] In 77 BC, 3,000 Roman settlers repopulated the area. A pivotal moment came in 59 BC when, under Julius Caesar, the town was drained of marshland and re-established on its current lakeside location as Novum Comum. Caesar populated it with an additional 5,000 colonists.[35][36] During this period, Como hosted notable figures like Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. The latter depicted the lake in his Epistulae as a haven for study, hunting, and fishing.[37] The influential Magistri Comacini, a guild of skilled builders, stonecutters, and decorators, originated during this era and developed a reputation for fine craftsmanship throughout Europe.[35] By the 4th century AD, the Notitia Dignitatum confirms the presence of a Roman military fleet commanded by a Praefectus stationed on the lake, underscoring its continued military importance.[38]

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Como flourished but its wealth attracted invasions from Goths and Huns, who imposed heavy taxes.[35] In 774 AD, the city was freed by the Lombards and continued to develop.[35] During the Lombard rule, the Via Regina was reopened and restored by Queen Theodolinda.[33] Around 1000 AD, Como became an independent commune but soon had to contend with the expansionist ambitions of Milan.[33] Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the lake remained strategically vital, allowing access to the Maloja and Stelvio Pass and becoming a stage for military conflicts.[33] In the 12th century, during the war of Milan against Como, Como's fleet fought naval battles against Milanese forces.[39] Como's famous defensive towers, still visible today, were constructed under Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa between 1158 and 1162, marking a temporary end to Milanese dominance.[35] Power later passed to Milanese families, notably the Visconti and the Sforza.[33] Many of Como's historic churches, including San Carpoforo, Sant'Abbondio, San Fedele, San Giacomo, and San Provino, date from this period.[35] The Milanese lords considered widening the Adda riverbed and initiated the Paderno Canal project to link the lake with Milan.[33][35] Later, between 1525 and 1532, the lake was the scene of the Musso war, initiated by Gian Giacomo Medici.

Como subsequently experienced periods of decline under Spanish and French rule, marked by harsh taxes.[33][35] Conditions improved under Austrian rule, particularly during the reign of Charles VI, when taxes were reduced, allowing Como to flourish again.[35] The city's famous Duomo, designed by Filippo Juvarra (though the source mentions Fontana, Juvarra is more commonly credited with the dome design), was largely constructed during this period, and the renowned physicist Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery, was born in Como in 1745.[35] Napoleon ruled the area briefly from 1796 to 1815, before Austrian control was restored following the Congress of Vienna.[35] In 1825, Alessandro Manzoni published his famous novel The Betrothed, set partly in Lecco during the oppressive Spanish rule of 1628 and depicting the devastating plague of 1630. During this plague, the isolated peninsula of Bellagio reportedly avoided infection and supplied bread to nearby Varenna, leaving it on a large lakeside boulder (sasso del pane) in exchange for money disinfected in vinegar.[35] Throughout these often difficult times, local inhabitants relied on fishing, polenta, cheese-making, and smuggling across the nearby Swiss border for survival.[35]

In 1859, following Giuseppe Garibaldi's victory over the Austrians at the Battle of San Fermo, Lake Como became part of the newly forming Kingdom of Italy under the House of Savoy.[35] The late 18th and 19th centuries brought peace and prosperity, fueled by the burgeoning silk industry, which gained world renown.[35] This era saw the construction of many opulent lakeside villas and summer retreats by wealthy Milanese families seeking respite from the city's heat. Notable examples include Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Villa Monastero.[35] The stunning scenery also attracted artists and writers, including Byron, Wordsworth, Shelley, Tennyson, Longfellow, Liszt, and Verdi, who found inspiration by the lake.[35]

In the 20th century, Como maintained its reputation for silk and became a center for fabric design and furniture manufacturing, with Villa Erba hosting major exhibitions.[35] Tourism briefly declined after World War II, partly due to the association with Mussolini's capture and death nearby.[35] Near the end of the war, in late April 1945, as Allied forces advanced, Benito Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci attempted to flee to Switzerland.[40] Their convoy was intercepted by Italian anti-fascist partisans near Dongo on the northwestern shore on April 27th. After being held overnight, Mussolini and Petacci were taken to the village of Giulino di Mezzegra. On April 28th, 1945, both were executed by the partisans against a wall at the entrance to Villa Belmonte.[41] Their bodies were subsequently transported away from the lake region to Milan for public display.

Villas and gardens

[edit]
Villa Olmo in Como, a neoclassical masterpiece
Villa Carlotta, renowned for its botanical garden
Villa del Balbianello, famous for its terraced gardens and film appearances
Villa Melzi d'Eril in Bellagio, featuring an extensive park
Lake Como vista from Villa Monastero, highlighting the lake's scenic beauty

Lake Como is globally celebrated for its exquisite villas and their gardens, a tradition rooted in Roman times when Pliny the Younger established his Comedia and Tragedia estates as places of leisure (otium) away from the city.[42][43] This concept of the suburban villa dedicated to rest faded during the Middle Ages but was revived during the Renaissance. At that time, lakeside villas were built again in amenable locations, surrounded by productive gardens featuring orchards, olive groves, and citrus trees.[43] During the 17th and 18th centuries, gardens were increasingly designed according to formal Italian and French models, incorporating elaborate geometric flowerbeds (parterres), terraces, fountains, and nymphaeums.[43] However, the 19th century saw a major shift towards the English landscape garden style; formal layouts were largely abandoned in favor of more naturalistic designs where plants and the landscape itself became the primary focus.[43] The evolution of these gardens reflects centuries of changing tastes, architectural styles, and the relationship between inhabitants and the landscape, all fostered by the mild microclimate created by the lake's vast water volume (22.5 cubic kilometres (5.4 cu mi)). This stable environment allows for the cultivation of a diverse array of subtropical and Mediterranean plant species.[43]

Villa Carlotta, constructed for the Milanese Marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690, encompasses over 7 ha (17 acres) in Tremezzo, facing the Bellagio peninsula. Its initial design included a formal Italian garden with terraces and sculptures.[43] Later acquired by Giovanni Battista Sommariva, it hosted Stendhal in 1818, influencing his novel La Chartreuse de Parme. In 1843, Princess Marianne of Nassau purchased it for her daughter Carlotta, after whom it is named. Carlotta and her husband, Georg II of Saxen-Meiningen, added a woodland landscape park in the Romantic style, reflecting the 19th-century trend.[43] Today, Villa Carlotta houses a museum and sculptures by Antonio Canova and Luigi Acquisti.[44]

Villa d'Este in Cernobbio was built in 1568 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. Its English-style landscaped gardens date from 1816–1817 when it was home to Caroline of Brunswick. Subsequently converted into a luxury hotel, it remains famed for attracting prominent guests.[45]

Villa del Balbianello, noted for its elaborate terraced gardens, sits on a promontory near Isola Comacina. Built in 1787 on the site of a monastery, it later belonged to explorer Guido Monzino and now houses a museum of his expeditions.[46] Its scenic setting has been used in films like Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale.[47]

Villa Melzi d'Eril in Bellagio, built 1808–1810 in the Neoclassical style for Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, features an extensive park with an orangery, chapel, statues, and a Japanese garden.[48] Adorned with large rhododendrons, it hosted visitors like Stendhal and Franz Liszt.[49]

Villa Serbelloni, also in Bellagio, houses the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center, an international conference and residency center established in 1959.[50] Its grounds may occupy the site of Pliny the Younger's "Tragedia" villa, and its renowned park was designed in the late 18th century.[51]

Villa Monastero in Varenna, originally a monastery, is now an eclectic-style villa noted for its gardens and Nordic architectural influences.[52]

Sacro Monte di Ossuccio

[edit]
Chapel 5 of Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, depicting the Disputation with the Doctors

The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio ("Sacred Mount of Ossuccio") is a significant religious sanctuary situated on a hillside slope, nestled amidst olive groves and woodlands along the western shore of Lake Como, facing Isola Comacina.[53] Fifteen chapels, inspired by Baroque architectural styles and constructed between 1635 and 1710, are positioned along a devotional path leading to the monastery at the summit. These chapels are dedicated to the Mysteries of the Rosary, guiding pilgrims through a spiritual journey. The monastery, located at the culmination of this path, is dedicated to the Coronation of the Virgin.

In 2003, UNESCO recognized the cultural and religious significance of the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, including the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, by adding them to the World Heritage List, acknowledging their outstanding universal value.[54]

Lake Como in arts and culture

[edit]

Lake Como's captivating beauty has inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers for centuries, embedding itself deeply within literature, film, and various art forms.

  • Literature: Letitia Elizabeth Landon's poem, The Lake of Como, published in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book (1837), poetically interprets a painting by Samuel Prout, highlighting the lake's scenic charm.[55] In 1818, Percy Bysshe Shelley, in a letter to Thomas Love Peacock, extolled Lake Como's unparalleled beauty, comparing it favorably to the landscapes of Killarney, Ireland, emphasizing its majestic and river-like appearance amidst mountains and forests.[56]
  • Film: Lake Como has served as a captivating backdrop for numerous films. Notably, several scenes from the 2002 blockbuster Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones were filmed at various locations around Lake Como, leveraging its scenic grandeur to enhance the film's visual narrative.[57] More recently, parts of the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale were also shot at Villa del Balbianello, further cementing the lake's appeal as a cinematic location.[58]

Tourism

[edit]
A picturesque dock in Viale Geno, Como

Lake Como's allure as a premier tourist destination stems from its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and renowned spas.[60] In 2014, The Huffington Post lauded Lake Como as "the most beautiful lake in the world," citing its unique microclimate, stunning environment, and collection of prestigious villas and charming villages.[61]

The economy of the towns and villages surrounding Lake Como is heavily reliant on tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe.[62] The tourism sector serves as a major catalyst for local businesses, encompassing hospitality services, restaurants, and retail establishments. Furthermore, it fosters the growth of ancillary services such as transportation networks, guided cultural tours, and diverse recreational activities, creating a vibrant and multifaceted economic ecosystem. This dependence on tourism has spurred significant investments in infrastructure development and amenities to enhance the visitor experience and solidify tourism's pivotal role in the regional economy.

The lake provides a scenic backdrop for various outdoor activities, including sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, attracting enthusiasts of water sports.[63] Hiking and cycling are also popular pursuits in the surrounding mountains, offering panoramic views of the lake and picturesque villages.[64]

While Lake Como is generally considered safe, caution is advised for those seeking to swim in its waters. Local regulations prohibit diving and swimming in the city of Como and in many of the smaller lakeside villages, except in designated areas such as private lidos or public beaches with explicit permission. This restriction is primarily due to the inherent dangers of the lake's waters, which can transition rapidly from shallow to deep close to the shoreline. Unpredictable aquatic conditions and the risk of sudden thermal shock also contribute to the swimming restrictions, aimed at preventing accidents, including drownings.[65][66][67]

Overtourism

[edit]

Lake Como has become a prominent example of the challenges posed by overtourism. Its transformation into a globally recognized destination, amplified by celebrity appeal, film locations, and social media visibility, has led to a dramatic increase in visitor numbers.[68] In 2023, the area recorded 4.8 million overnight stays, straining local infrastructure with overcrowded public transport, congested roads, and essential services struggling to cope, particularly during peak season. This intense pressure occurs in a territory noted for its hydrogeological fragility, where land consumption for tourism development raises concerns about environmental sustainability and has been linked to increased risks of floods and landslides, such as those affecting Blevio and Laglio in recent years. The socio-economic impacts are significant, contributing to what some locals describe as the "great escape from the lake".[69] The boom in tourism, particularly the shift towards short-term rentals driven by platforms like Airbnb, has inflated property prices, making housing increasingly unaffordable for the local population. This gentrification contributes to the depopulation of historic villages, with some, like Nesso, Pognana Lario, and Veleso, losing up to 30% of their residents over two decades. The situation creates tension between the demands of the tourism economy and the quality of life for inhabitants, leading to reports of residents feeling trapped in their homes during busy weekends and essential services like schools facing closure due to dwindling local enrollment.[70] Efforts to manage the influx include visitor caps at popular sites like Villa del Balbianello and the introduction of entry fees in smaller villages.

Lake transportation system

[edit]

Lake Como features a comprehensive public transportation system, facilitating connections between the various towns and villages dotting its shoreline. Motorized boat services on the lake date back to 1826, with the launch of the steamship Lario, operated by the newly established Società privilegiata per l'impresa dei battelli a vapore nel Regno Lombardo Veneto.[71] Since 1952, the ferry and boat fleet has been managed by a government agency, initially named Gestione Commissariale Governativa and later renamed Gestione Governativa Navigazione Laghi. This agency also oversees transportation services on Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda.[72]

The transportation network offers three primary types of services:

  • Motorship Services: These services operate along the western branch of the lake and northward towards Colico, returning to Como. Additional shuttle services connect towns in the mid-lake region, providing convenient access to key destinations.
  • Fast Services: Offering a quicker mode of transport, these services generally follow the same routes as the motorships but with fewer stops, catering to passengers seeking faster transit times. These services are operated using hydrofoils and are priced higher than the regular motorship services.
  • Car Ferries: Ferries designed to carry both passengers and vehicles operate between the popular tourist towns of Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, and Cadenabbia, enabling convenient car transportation across the lake.[73]
The historic paddle steamer Concordia alongside the car ferry Plinio

Towns and villages

[edit]
The Parco Meier, a public garden in Tremezzo, offering lakeside views
Menaggio from Lake Como, showcasing the town's charming waterfront
The Lake Como waterfront at sunset, Varenna.
The Lake Como waterfront at sunset, Varenna, showcasing the town's charm.
Western shore
from North to South 		South shore
from West to East 		Eastern shore
from North to South

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Western Lombard: Lagh de Còmm [ˈlɑː‿dːe ˈkɔm]. In isolation, lagh is pronounced [ˈlɑːk]. Cómm [ˈkom] or Cùmm [ˈkum])
  2. ^ Italian: [ˈlaːrjo]; after the Latin: Larius Lacus

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Laghi italiani". Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2006.
  2. ^ Wattles, Jackie (10 May 2024). "George Clooney is selling his Lake Como villa for $100 million". CNN. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
  3. ^ The meaning of Larian is "related to the Lake Como", since the Latin name of Lake Como was Larius. So, the expression Triangolo lariano, or, in English, Larian Triangle, means exactly "Lake Como Triangle" or "Triangle of the Lake Como".
  4. ^ "Flora e Fauna". Comunità Montana Valli del Lario e del Ceresio (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  5. ^ "Flora e Fauna". Comunità Montana Valli del Lario e del Ceresio (in Italian). Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  6. ^ "Flora e Fauna". Comunità Montana Valli del Lario e del Ceresio (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  7. ^ "Flora e Fauna". Comunità Montana Valli del Lario e del Ceresio (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  8. ^ "Flora e Fauna". Comunità Montana Valli del Lario e del Ceresio (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  9. ^ "Fauna del Lago di Como". Animalia.bio (in Italian). Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Flora e Fauna". Comunità Montana Valli del Lario e del Ceresio (in Italian). Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  11. ^ "Lago di Como, il regno degli aironi". QuiComo (in Italian). Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  12. ^ "Fauna del Lago di Como". Animalia.bio (in Italian). Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  13. ^ "Fauna del Lago di Como". web.tiscali.it/nicolaratti (in Italian). Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  14. ^ "Fauna del Lago di Como". Animalia.bio (in Italian). Retrieved 28 April 2025.
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Further reading

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lago di Como.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Lake Como.
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