parks-and-gardens near Madonna Addolorata

Photo: Ktulu

Como is Lake Como's largest city where you will find shopping, works of art, churches, gardens, museums, theatres, parks and palaces. Places to go inlcude the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, Villa Olmo, the Volta Temple and Museum, the Teatro...

Photo: Nicolago

Not far from the shore, in front of the town Ossuccio, lies Comacina Island, the only Island in lake Como with its little white church dedicated to S. Giovanni. The island is also home to roman ruins, nature hikes and a well known restaurant:...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

Argegno is a small village situated on an inlet in the lake, and is built alongside the River Telo. A popular cable car excursion, one of the steepest in Europe, can transport people up to the nearby village of Pigra. A newly opened beach or "lido"...

Old world atmosphere characterizes this town with narrow streets, laneways and steep stairs. Mount San Bernardo and Briante rise over 1300 meters in the background. Characteristic of the skyline is the tall bell tower of San Vittore....

Faggeto Lario’s name originates from the large number of beech forests in the region. In the village of Palanzo, on the occasion of the Sagra Torchio, an ancient wine press dating from the second half of the sixteenth century carved from a single...

The village extends from the shore of the lake to Monte Preàla. The higher part of the village is called Castello because it was fortified in the Middle Ages. It took part in the feud of Nesso, which was ruled by the Visconti family but was later...

Pigra is located above the picturesque town of Argegno and can be reached by cable car. From Pigra you can do the wonderful hike down to Colonno (2 hrs.) situated on the lake....

Photo: Michael Ortelli

Famous for the gorge that bisects the colourfully painted town. The Ponte Roma bridge near the shore affords views of the waterfall on one side and the lake on the other....

This little village, which lies on the western shore of Lake Como, at the foot of Monte Costone, is one of the most distinctive places on the lake. In the last century Sala Comacina was already considered an important holiday destination, as is...

Located on the western shore of Lake Como, the area consists of the two distinct centres: Urio and Carate Lario; they were administratively united in 1927. Urio, rich with residential villas, is situated on a beautiful panoramic position, on a slope...

Ossuccio is a small town home to less than 1000 people. It looks onto Lake Como’s only island Comancina while inshore the hills quickly ascend into mountains. The town is most known for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Sacro Monte—a place of pilgrimage...

Photo: Enrico Colzani

Great example of a medieval village with many preserved architectural elements that can be experienced on foot without the bustle of vehicle traffic. Of particular interest is the parish church St. Tecla and Villa Pliniana....

A very small town located 14KM north of Como made famous by George Clooney’s purchase of a villa previously owned by the Heinz family. The villa was location for scenes from Ocean’s Twelve. Also of interest is an out-of-place pyramid mausoleum to...

Lenno lies roughly at midpoint of Lake Como’s western shore. Its most popular attraction is Villa Balbianello, an ivy covered building that was the setting for a number of Hollywood blockbusters including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino...

Moltrasio is located on the west shore in the first basin of Lake Como. Famous for its villas, houses, personalities and gardens (see for example, Villa Fontanelle, once owned by Versace). The mild and sunny climate and the enchanting view, make it...

Photo: Enrico Colzani

The walks in the many hamlets of Lezzeno offer special relevances historical and architectural such as Villa Citterio seventeenth century. The morphology of the territory of Lezzeno offers spectacular views with boat tours where you can see, in...

Extending along the Breggia river, this park is renown for its geological importance and was Switzerland’s first “geo-park”. The area is rich in fossils and evidence of ancient seas. Of historical interest is the Red Church (14th c.) and a castle...

A natural reserve located between Menaggio and Lake Lugano. It boasts a remarkably varied ecosystem, where different habitats coexist closely together. Many arboreal and floral species can be found in the marsh with abundance of specimens. The...

Located next to Villa d’Este, the garden of Villa Pizzo has an Italian arrangement on the east side, with tidy paths that travel through flower beds, and baroque fountains. On the western side, the old dock opens onto the pool of Villa d’Este, while...

Villa del Grumello is an historical mansion placed in a breathtaking setting: a wonderful park overlooking the lake. Surrounded by secular trees, it boasts an incredible view and charms its visitors with its elegance and magnificence. The park of...

Located in Lake Pusiano between Como and Lecco whose name is due to the presence of over 130 cypresses, most of them old-centuries ones. The isle is a natural hill and was fortified during the medieval period. The isle hosts a private residence,...

Parco Mayer is located at the village of Tremezzo, large and full of history hosts the swimmers among the trees, there is a bar, a pebble beach and a beach volleyball court. During the summer period is also home to several events organized by the...

Spina Verde Regional Park stretches on the hills northwest of Como. The area has many interesting features: nature - with its particular geology and vegetation; archeology - with remains from the medieval Baradello Castle to recent trenches of Sasso...

The Park and the Villa Carcano at Anzano, in the Alta Brianza (Northern Italy), between the cities of Como and Lecco, are of exceptional landscaping, architectural and botanical value. This site has remained seemingly untouched in a region that...

Come and see the Italian garden that dates back to the XVII Century with its geometrical schema, stair and terraces, statues and fountains; feel the echoes of the Romantic period, still alive in the structure of the park with old trees of big size...

The garden hosts about 450 plant species each identified by a label indicating the common name, Latin name and family. A red dot even indicates poisonous or highly toxic plants. Valmadrera’s particular climatic-environmental conditions, has resulted...

Monte Barro, a beautiful and charming terrace overlooking the Brianza area and its lakes. It is surrounded by Lake Como, Lake Annone, Lake Garlate and is situated above Galbiate: 922 meters high on the calcareous-dolomite mountain, completely...

Protected oasis Pian di Spagna, located between the mouths of the rivers Mera and Adda with easy trails that cross the area ideal for cycling and bird watching. This swampy area is an important nesting place for several species of birds which find...

The splendid Parco Val Sanagra is a large territory rich with flora, fauna, and interesting antique rural settlements. In 2005, the unspoiled Sanagra Valley, situated in the commune of Grandola ed Uniti and Menaggio, was declared a local Park, in...

Il Giardino del Merlo is a botanical garden filled with exotic plants, bridges and tunnels, created on the steep rocks below the church of St. Euphemia from Musso. This park lies at the foot of a castle, now in ruins, linked to the name of Gian...

The Teresio Olivelli municipal park, formerly Giardino Meier, may be one of the best kept secrets among Tremezzo's botanical and architectural gems. Owned by the municipality of Tremezzo since 1979, it is between the lake and the Regina state road,...

Garden consisting of reclaimed land that had previously been a garbage dump. The project began in the 1980s and was the genius idea of Mrs. Pupa Frati (affectionately known as Grandma Pupa). The Association of the “Garden in the Valley" is a...

Fiumelatte is the shortest river in Italy, as it measures only 250 m from the source to its mouth. It runs with a descent of 36° making its water loud and foamy and giving it a “milky" white color from where it gets its name. The river dries up in...

Park situated on the tip of the Bellagio peninsula, about a 10 min walk uphill from the ferry terminal. It provides for breath taking views of the lake where lagi di como and lago di lecco meet. This is a great spot to just take it all in....

A great meeting point in Como right on the water. Just minutes from the train station and harbour for ferries, Rapido and private boats alike. Ideal for a walk, sit at a café or have a meal....

This villa’s botanical garden and house museum are open to the public. The gardens are terraced and feature a waterfront loggia and a Moorish pavilion. Villa Monastero is surrounded by a Garden with several rare botanical specimens. The Garden,...

Villa Serbelloni Gardens, not to be confused with the nearby Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, is a park situated high atop the promontory of Bellagio. In 1959, the property was given to the Rockefeller foundation as a conference centre. The grounds can...

Villa Melzi is a historic villa situated in the town of Bellagio. It is famous for its surrounding gardens, containing a variety of botanical specimens from around the world interspersed with statues, promenades and period architecture. Entrance...

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