Domaso is a small town located in the province of Como, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is situated on the shores of Lake Como, one of the most famous and picturesque lakes in Italy. The town is known for its beautiful scenery, with the lake and surrounding mountains providing a stunning backdrop to the town's charming architecture.
Domaso is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and boating. The town has several beaches and marinas, as well as numerous hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the lake and surrounding countryside.
In addition to its natural beauty, Domaso also has a rich history and cultural heritage. The town's historic center features several notable landmarks, including the Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Palazzo Manzi, a 17th-century mansion that now serves as a cultural center.
Overall, Domaso is a charming and picturesque town that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions.
Bellagio
Bellagio is a charming town. Bellagio is often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" due to its breathtaking beauty and idyllic setting.
The town of Bellagio is renowned for its picturesque views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. It is situated at the intersection of the lake's three branches, providing visitors with panoramic vistas from various vantage points. The combination of the crystal-clear lake, lush greenery, and elegant villas creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Bellagio is known for its well-preserved historic center, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, charming alleys, and colorful buildings. Exploring the town on foot allows visitors to discover hidden corners, quaint shops, and delightful restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
The town is famous for its beautiful villas and gardens. Villa Melzi, located on the lakefront, features a neoclassical villa and extensive gardens with rare plants and stunning sculptures. Villa Serbelloni, set on a promontory, is another notable villa that is now a luxury hotel and conference center. Both villas offer guided tours, allowing visitors to admire their architectural beauty and enjoy the surrounding landscapes.
Boat tours and ferries are popular in Bellagio, providing an opportunity to explore Lake Como and visit other towns and attractions along its shores. From Bellagio, you can easily access other charming towns such as Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the surrounding area. Hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, offering stunning vistas of the lake and the mountains. Water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing are also popular activities.
Bellagio hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and local traditions. These events add to the vibrant atmosphere and offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture.
To reach Bellagio, you can take a ferry from other towns on Lake Como or drive along the scenic coastal road. The town is well-connected by public transportation, with regular bus and ferry services.
In Bellagio you may see
- The Church of Saint John the Baptist is the oldest in Bellagio and stands on the remains of a church built many centuries earlier. The current appearance comes from the renovation carried out in 1785. The most interesting piece of art is an altarpiece by Gaudenzio Ferrari depicting 'The Risen Christ'.
- The Basilica of San Giacomo, in the square at the foot of the hill with the Serbelloni Gardens, was built between 1075 and 1125. The bell tower was built as a defense tower. The three double archival apses, the four capitals and the Symbols of the Evangelists in the entrance, all belong to the original basilica. Inside you will find a magnificent altar from the 16th century, two works of art from the 15th century of the Umbrian and Lombard schools, some Romanesque sculptures, and paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries, such as 'Laying Jesus in his tomb' by Perugino , or the 'Madonna delle grazie'.
- At the top of the picturesque town, the elegant 18th-century Villa Serbelloni stands out in a large park with beautiful lake views. Villa Serbelloni (not to be confused with the hotel of the same name) is today used by the Rockefeller Foundation as a study and conference center.
- Villa Melzi d'Eril, English-style villa and garden from the 19th century with beautiful statues and groups of statues, including two Egyptian sculptures from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and the sculpture 'Dante, led by Beatrice' by Comolli. The chic Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is located directly on the lake. The greats of the earth have stayed here and well-known international fashion designers are a regular here. The park surrounding the hotel is open to the public. Here you will find ancient trees, exotic plants and various flowers and rose gardens.
- The Museum of Navigational Instruments, Museo degli strumenti per la navigazione, is housed in an ancient tower and displays more than 200 navigational instruments of all times.
Corenno Plinio is a small village located in the province of Lecco, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como, near the mouth of the Piona River.
Corenno Plinio is known for its historic center, which features narrow streets and stone buildings dating back to the medieval period. Notable landmarks include the 14th-century Church of San Tommaso, which features frescoes and a bell tower, and the ruins of the 13th-century Castello di Corenno, a castle that overlooks the village and the lake.
The village is also known for its picturesque waterfront, which features a small harbor and several restaurants and cafes. Visitors can enjoy swimming and other water activities in the lake, as well as hiking and cycling in the surrounding mountains.
Overall, Corenno Plinio is a charming and picturesque village that offers a glimpse into the rich history and natural beauty of Lake Como and the Lombardy region.
In Corenno you may see
- The medieval castle, built in the fourteenth century by the Andreani’s family, owner of the castle and liege lord since 1277 thanks to the Archbishop of Milano Ottone Visconti.
The castle was built on the remains of Roman foundations and has an irregular but almost square shape.
It was built not for residential purpose but as a safe place for the inhabitants in case of attack by invaders. Still visible and well maintained the walls and two towers: a square one on the north side and a C shape one on the south side, that is also the entrance of the castle, in piazza Garibaldi.
- The church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, close to the castle