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Top 10 Remarquable Facts about Lago di Como

Lake Como, also known as Lario(Italian: Lago di Como) is one of Italy鈥檚 most beloved destinations located at the foot of the Alps. Como is used three times, first as the province, Como as the city, and Como as the lake. With a maximum depth of approximately 410 meters (448 yards), Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe and the third largest of the Italian lakes right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It has an area of 146 square kilometers (56 sq mi), making it the third-largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.

In the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Lake Como comprises many villages and villas. In 1818 Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote to Thomas Love Peacock: “This lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty, with the exception of the arbutus islands of Killarney. It is long and narrow, and has the appearance of a mighty river winding among the mountains and the forests”. Here are 10 facts about Lake Como:

1. The lake is shaped much like an inverted letter “Y”

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Lake Como is known for its characteristic shape of an inverted Y. This form was obtained by the melting of powerful glaciers combined with the erosive action of the ancient river called Adda. Two separate branches of the lake were formed. Consequently, two southern branches were formed.

The northern branch which begins at the town of Colico, while the southwestern and southeastern branches are at the towns of Como and Lecco respectively. The small towns of Bellagio which is the most popular in the world, Menaggio and Varenna are situated at the intersection of the three branches of the lake with a triangular boat service operating between them.

2. Lake Como is the most popular lake in Italy

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Lake Como is the first lake in Italy by popularity and the third largest. The lake is very easy-accessible for tourists to visit. The main tourist attraction is due to the landscapes, wildlife, and spas. Tourists can also do outdoor activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

3.It is surrounded by several farms

There are several farms in the area surrounding Lake Como which produce goods such as honey, olive oil, cheese, milk, eggs and salamis. Tourists and visitors are allowed to visit the farm itself and make their purchases.

4.George Clooney owns the most famous villa on the lake

The lake is well known for the attractive villas that have been built since Roman times, Virgil and Pliny the Younger villas in ancient times. George Clooney now owns the most famous villa on the lake where different celebrities often spend their holidays. Many villas on the lake shores have admirable gardens that benefit from the mild climate induced by the stabilizing presence of 22.5 cubic kilometres (5.4 cu mi) of lake water and can sustain many subtropical and Mediterranean plants.

5.The Lake Como ferry service is a highly developed

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The ferry service is a highly developed public transport system that links many towns around the Lake carrying vehicles as well as passengers. A motorized service began was launched by the newly established Societ脿 privilegiata per l’impresa dei battelli a vapore nel Regno Lombardo Veneto in 1826. The three main services include the Motorship services along the western branch and northern end of the Lake (between Colico or Piona and Como town), with additional shuttles to the mid-lake area. The second is the Fast services that follow broadly the same route, but use faster hydrofoils, stop less frequently, and cost extra. Lastly the Ferries that run only between the popular mid-lake villages of Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna, plus Cadenabbia. Some of these boats

6.At the western edge of Lake Como lies the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio

The Sacro Monte di Ossuccio (“Holy Mount of Ossuccio”) located along the western edge of Lake Como facing Isola Comacina. The chapels were built between 1635 and 1710, a dedication to the Mysteries of the Rosary. They are dotted along the way that leads to the Monastery. This building is the last in the chain and is dedicated to the Coronation of the Virgin. In addition the Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, including that of Ossuccio, were added by UNESCO to the World Heritage List in 2003.

7.Lake Como is fed primarily by the Adda

Lake Como is fed by Adda, which enters the lake near Colico and flows out at Lecco. This geological conformation makes the southwestern branch a dead end, and so Como,  unlike Lecco, is often flooded. The mountainous pre-alpine territory between the two southern arms of the lake (between Como, Bellagio, and Lecco) is known as the Larian Triangle,[3] or Triangolo lariano. The source of the river Lambro is here. At the centre of the triangle, the town of Canzo is the seat of the Comunit脿 montana del Triangolo lariano, an association of the 31 municipalities that represent the 71,000 inhabitants of the area.

8.Despite the harsh weather, people swim at Lake Como

Due to the proximity of mountains and cold undercurrents, Lake Como鈥檚 water is cool even on the hottest days. Yet, you can swim in Lake Como despite the harsh mountain landscape. The period from July to August is considered the best for swimming. At this time, the water warms up to the maximum temperatures. There are many open-air swimming pools and equipped beaches on Lake Como. The most popular 鈥渓idos鈥� are located in Como, Cernobbio, Fagetto Lario, Moltrasio, and Lenno. Water sports are also popular on Lake Como.

9.Fishing is allowed in Lake Como

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The local population has been fishing on Lake Como for centuries. Fishing in the lake has been preserved to this day. The local fish restaurants serve a variety of antique dishes. Be sure to try risotto con il Pesce persico and Missoltini del lago.

10.The Italian luxury label Dolce and Gabbana held a fashion event on Lake Como.

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In 2018, the Italian luxury label Dolce and Gabbana held the Alta Moda extravaganza. The lavish fashion event took place against the backdrop of Lake Como at the breathtaking villa Carlotta and Parco Olivelli di Tremezzo. Some of the models include Naomi Campbell, Halima Aden, Helena Christense, Ashley Graham, Sonia Ben Ammar. The after party was at an outdoor location where the guests had to be sailed on a boat. The men鈥檚 Alta Sartoria show was held at villa Carlotta showcasing extraordinary decorative menswear.

The lake and its environs are the perfect choice for an Italian holiday. In addition hikers and mountaineers can walk a 45km (28mi) long Como鈥檚 trail which dates from Roman times and is the perfect way to explore the beauty of nature and art in the area. It usually broken up into three or four stretches. Lake como is therefore a great place to visit for the holidays.