castles-and-ruins near Santuario Della Madonna di Breglia

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...

Located in centre of Menaggio, the owners Beba and Francesca, offer its customers, various special treatment for body, face, hands and foot; waxing, hot stone massage, reflexology and aromatherapy; possibility to buy special packages. Pure relax for...

The Beauty Farm at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is housed in the historic villa of the Grand Hotel, beside the indoor pool. The 300 square metres offer a true oasis of tranquillity in the hands of experts who can advise on the massage or...

P & L WEAR AND RENTAL is a small shop of rental / sale bike and clothing based in Domaso (Lake Como) along the main road and near Villa Camilla (Town Hall). It is a bike friendly structure and offers city bikes for everyone, child seats, carts,...

A beautiful route for mountain bikers, the trails of the mountains of Lake Como, which lends itself to many variations on the theme. It starts from Bellano and climbs to Vendrogno, then touching the pastures of Tedoldo, Camaggiore. From here you can...

Photo: By kaitu @ Mapillary.com

A beautiful route for mountain bikers, the trails of the mountains of Lake Como, which lends itself to many variations on the theme. It starts from Dervio and climbs to Camaggiore, with options to continue inland or back down to Bellano....

A man made pebble beach. No facilities but there is a kiosk with a terrace overlooking the lake, that serves food and beverages. Chair rental available....

A natural pebble beach nearby the church, makes for a relaxed family-friendly destination with numerous beach front bars and restaurants....

Popular beach with windsurfers and kiters on account of the consistent winds. The pebble beach is a few hundred meters long, between the ferryboat stop to the south, and the river mouth to the north. Close to the beach is a bike/pedestrian way pass,...

This amazing bay with its white pebble beach, is very easy to reach. From the center of Rezzonico, left of the castle there is a sign for the beach. You walk for 3 minutes through a beautiful path that winds down gently through flower gardens. It'a...

The northern coast of the Como Lake provides best wind conditions for windsurfing. In the morning it blows from North the "Tivano", a gentle thermal wind which is the more suitable for beginners to start training. In the early afternoon the wind...

The Lido di Menaggio’s position right on the lake is one of the best in the area and includes two swimming pools, (adult and toddler) a sandy beach, three restaurants, its own brewery, kids activities and volley ball. Ample parking available. Go to...

The majestic scenery, coves and beaches on the lake are yours to explore ! You can stop to admire the beautiful villas and gardens or simply take a stroll through one of our characteristic lakeside towns and villages, stop for coffee, gelato or even...

Rental of motor boats with licence (a 260hp for a maximum of 7 people) or without licence (a selection of Marinello 40hp boats for a maximum of 6 or 7 people). Each boat is delivered observing all safety parameters related to navigation (our staff...

A lovely beach with bars on the shores of Lake Como, where you can enjoy a relaxing day with confidence. Our beach has a swimming pool for those who do not like to swim in the lake, but do not want to give up the pleasure of a good swim. Besides...

We are in Menaggio – Lake Como at the floating dock on the lakefront. At request we also deliver our motorboats in Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Cadenabbia and San Siro. No need for a license to rent your own boat and see Lake Como from the water....

Beach club, restaurant, pool and tour services all available at this one of the more popular “Lidos" on Lake Como. Treat yourself to some sun and a long drink under an umbrella. The Lido di Cadenabbia offers tourists the opportunity to enjoy a range...

A great little activity to provide some distraction to kids who may be all “villa’d" out or just need some chill time. Conveniently located close to Lido di Menaggio near the lake....

A cradle of Italian beauty. A corner reminiscent of Britain overlooking Lake Como. A natural course with old world appeal. A heritage of golfing culture. The Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club encompasses all of the above. Visitors are welcome...

Photo: Filippo Venini

Spectacular views of Lake Como reward your hike to Pilone and Sasso San Martino, the mountain that is directly above the town of Griante. This is an easy to moderate hike. It takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to walk to Pilone, and another 45 minutes to...

This cave is located above Tremezzo lasting a little less than half a day and is one of the easiest ones to undertake. The entrance of the cave is reached after 50 minutes of walking while the entire cave (400 meters) takes about 2 hours to...

The walk of lovers is a short pedestrian path cantilevered over water in Varenna. It affords romantic views of Lake Como, the mountains, and the small village with its colourful houses perched at the foot of the cliff which is crowned at the top by...

Photo: Filippo Venini

Crocione in Italian means large cross, and that is what adorns the top of Monte Crocione, a 1641 metre peak directly above the town of Griante. From here you will experience breathtaking views of Lake Como, and the Swiss and Italian Alps....

A gentle hike to the small chapel of San Domenico (800m) which rewards you with a spectacular view of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains....

Il Rogolone is one of the biggest oak trees in Europe. It stands in a clearing in the woods near Velzo. The tree is almost 300 years old is 25 m high and its trunk has a circumference of 790 cm. Il Rogolone can be reached over an easy path either...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

A spectacular balcony over Lake Como, this hike will reward you with some of the most breath taking views of the lake. Monte Bregagno can be reached by first going to the town of Breglia by car or by bus. From there you can hike to Rifugio Menaggio,...

Photo: Francescogb

The Gorge, created by the river Pioverna, is a natural canyon where giant bowls and incredible caves have been carved out by the water over the centuries. A concrete footbridge allows visitors to admire this beauty from an extremely unique location....

The Greenway" is a leisurely and pleasant walk between Colonno and Cadenabbia following traces of the Antica Strada Regina, the antique connection road was built by the Romans. This 10 km long itinerary leads through ancient villages with wonderful...

Photo: Luca Casartelli

The “Sentiero del Viandante" is an interesting route dating back to the Roman period, which runs along the eastern coast of Lake Como, from Abbadia Lariana to Piantedo, for 45 km. Fitted out in 1989, this walking path offers those who walk along it...

Photo: Aconcagua

Situated above the town of Menaggio; from Rifugio Menaggio you can reach the top of Monte Grona (1736 m) from where one can admire one of the best views of the Pre-Alps; if the day is clear enough, many peaks of the Alps from Monviso to Bernina....

Experience cooking guided by an experienced housewife teaching you how to prepare a perfect traditional meal for your family and friends the Italian way. Join Daniela to go grocery shopping in food boutiques in the old town of Bellagio. Then make...

Recipe for delicious crunchy biscuits, quick to make and suitable for any occasion! If you want to participate in a live lesson with our Chef, come to Crotto Gittana, on Como Lake. Of course, you’ll taste all the dishes made! Look on each lesson for...

For some years now we’ve been offering this novel and interesting opportunity, making a great addition to your holiday. Within the walls of this family-run traditional Italian restaurant, you’ll learn how to make pasta the authentic way: your own...

You will learn an authentic method of painting handed down directly from the French Impressionists to various Americans such as John Singer Sargent and Robert Henri. This method is valid for all visual art media. You will learn not only the craft...

Photo: Gilles Hars

Villa Maresi was built on the ruins of an ancient medieval castle is part of the system of fortifications dating back to the Franco-Hispanic war that ended in 1529....

Photo: Mauro Cassina

Villa Monastero, a property of the Province of Lecco, is one of the most interesting attractions of our territory thanks to its strategic location, its history, its landscape, its environment and for the different services which it can offer. The...

Nineteenth century villa transformed into a comfortable, charming family-run, with a cozy living rooms in Art Nouveau style with large windows and original period frescoes. The villa, characterized by a central backlog open loggias with three arches...

A wonderful refined property with Lake, Gardens and more. Dating back to the 1750’s and is in fact where the famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi stayed and composed ‘La Traviata’. Private residence. The garden, slightly downhill towards the lake,...

A fascinating museum-house of the XIX century that belonged to Enrico Mylius, a German patron and a friend of Goethe and Manzoni, who collected works of important artists. The garden, rich with sculptures and rare plants, gives the opportunity of a...

Restored villa located next to Villa Mylius Vigoni with beautiful grounds and views of the lake. The building is currently used as a conference facility but up to the 19th century it was a silk mill. This property was owned by the family of the...

Photo: Daderot

Villa Carlotta is a unique sanctuary of art and beauty with its magnificent botanical specimens and art masterpieces in over 70,000 square meters of gardens and museum. It is located on the most picturesque part of Lake Como and renown for its...

A guided tour that tells the story of the radio that will provide insight and memories from the olden days before flat screen TVs and the Internet....

Ancient and modern printing, from mobile characters to computers is the theme of this museum. Here one can see antique-type lithographic presses, machines for the casting of the lead characters, the first cameras dating back from the end of...

Gallery space that promotes various forms of art to ordinary people, trying to combine accessibility and quality, local and universal dimension, past and present. If we want people to love culture we have to give them a reason to love it. During the...

Photo: Mauro Cassina

In addition to its lavish gardens and picturesque position on the lake, Villa Monastero is also a house museum where a vast number of objects belonging to its several owners are displayed....

Thanks to Giambattista Sommariva the villa reached its greatest glory in the 18th century, being enriched by art masterpieces and becoming a museum. Sommariva was an art collector and bought the estate at the beginning of the century; he enhanced...

The Museum holds records of the local history, traditions and customs. Several natural environments are recreated complete with plants, animals, mushrooms fossils and dioramas relating to the local fauna. The museum also has documents about the...

In 1978 a group of friends of the Lake of Como founded an association called "The Collection of Boats of Lake Como" with the aim of saving the age-old and noble nautical traditions of their lake. The museum was opened in 1982 and it is fitted out in...

The “Luigi Scanagatta" museum is of cultural and historical importance because of the number of birds specimens that was gathered throughout the years and its history. It was established in 1962 by professor Luigi Scanagatta, a well known...

High on the road is the sanctuary of the Madonna of Peace, erected in 1659 to celebrate the peace of Pirenei, which ended the Thirty Year War between the French and Spaniards. Characteristic is the Romanesque hanging bell (sec. XIII), and in the...

This parish church rebuilt between 1725 and 1738, is a remarkable example of Baroque art. Inside, in addition to the frescoes of Luigi Tagliaferro, is a valuable painting of the "Madonna of the Seven Sorrows" and a wooden statue of Lorenzo Matieli...

In the hills of Tremezzo is the town of Rogaro whose old centre consists of 18th century homes grouped around the Baroque church dedicated to Mary. The church houses the famous wooden statue known as the Black Madonna which is said to have been...

In 1688, a plaster relief of the Madonna of Sorrows kept in the small chapel of Lezzeno is said to have cried. And thus, in 1690 a Sanctuary was built in her honour. The work designed by Giovanni Battista Quadrio, was completed in 1704. Today we can...

Photo: By Wolfgang Sauber

Probably dated around the XII century. The building is located near the walls of a castle, a large complex built by the hands of Andreani. Over the centuries it has undergone several extensive restorations: the facade, remodeled several times, now...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

We are part of the Anglican Church, belonging to the Diocese in Europe but we welcome all visitors of the Christian faith to our services of Holy Communion. These are held every Sunday at 10.30 am from the beginning of May to the end of October....

The church, that stands near the lake, contains interesting frescoes, and the outside is characterized by an open porch to the lake with a double lancetwindow and a tall stone bell tower. It was the church of the community, which remained...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

The parish church is located next to the historical centre of the village of Griante. It was built at the beginning of the 18th century on the site of an ancient temple, that was probably consecrated by St. Felice, bishop of Como. The church has a...

This church was built between 1464 and 1474. Its bell tower still preserves pre-existing Romanesque elements. Inside, the church is richly decorated with paintings On the front of the church a large white marble portal shows decorations and symbols...

The church S. Carlo which was built in 1614 on order of Cinzio Calvi so that he and his wife could have their tombs in it. The church has a characteristic Spanish style bell tower a reminder of the period of Spanish domination in the 15-16th...

This church is located in the village Nobiallo just north of Menaggio. The houses are clustered around the church which stands on the Antica Strada Regina, the antique Roman Road that connected Como with Alpine passes. The characteristic leaning...

The church S. Marta is of ancient origins. On the facade you can see the Roman memorial plaque of Minicio Exorato, a notable of the Roman empire; above it the town-arms. Inside the church there are some interesting paintings of the 17th century....

The parish church of S. Stefano is of very ancient origins whose original Roman structures have however been lost; in fact the orientation itself is in the opposite direction of its primitive setting. The church has three naves which, in 1899, were...

The parish church of Saints Nazaro Celso with the black-white Gothic front, was built in 1348 by Giovanni Ugo di Campione and architects from the valley Intelvi. The church has some beautiful rose windows and frescoes of the Lombard school. The...

Photo: Kaitu

The church stands in the beautiful small square of the village Barna. It was built as a Parish church in 1636. The inside presents itself with one nave and three side chapels....

Photo: Enrico Colzani

One of the finest examples of Lombard-Romanesque with an intact apse. The parish Church of San Giacomo (St. James) dates back to the 12th century. The rest of the structure has undergone numerous restorations, especially during the 18th century....

This is one of the oldest churches in the Lake Como area and the oldest one in Varenna. Dated back at the 11th century, this Church is defined by the Belfry built toward the lake, as usual at that time, and it keeps inside few frescoes from the 14th...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

A perfect morning or afternoon hike with stunning views of Lake Como. San Martino is Lake Como’s most famous mountain church perched on a top a cliff above the town of Griante. Its official name is "Santuario Della Madonna delle Grazie di San...

Consecrated on 1313, the parish church of San Giorgio is a small masterpiece of the 14th century Lombardy architecture. Located in the main square, this is a basilica with nave and two aisles embellished by a rose window and a fresco portraying...

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...

Photo: Wolfgang Sauber

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 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...

Photo: Alessandro Vecchi

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....

Photo: Geobia

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,...

Monument dedicated to the weaver of Francesco Somaini, where on the banks of the river Senagra, had one of its oldest and most prestigious silk factories. In the marble top is a negative image of a weaver, while below is fabric draping to the ground....

It is a private building constructed on roman foundation with an irregular square plant. The building, which has crown walls with battlements to protect the round parapet, can be dated between 1360 and 1370. It is a typical castle-enclosure, which...

Photo: Luca Casartelli

A must see--one of the most beautiful castles on the lake. It is a walled enclusure, developed around a squared tower with restored battlements and a real drawbridge. Additional attractions feature live falconry shows, an exhibition dedicated to the...

Photo: Roland1949

Trapezoidal shaped castle with three towers built by counts Della Torre of Rezzonico in 1363. It is described as a "castle-fence", fortifying an area of two thousand square meters which surrounded the town and the main tower. Today the castle is...

Photo: M.casanova

Placed on a hill overlooking the town, the castle was built in late Middle Ages to block the way to Valvarrone and it still remains a well-preserved tower, surrounded by ruins of ancient houses. The first proofs date back to 1039, when it suffered a...

Destination of natural beauty including the Val Senagra Oasis, waterfall and Rogolone, one of the oldest oak trees in Europe. Here you can also visit S. Maria del Tiglio, one of the most important Romanesque buildings of the province....

Dervio lies on a peninsula that juts out into the waters of the lake, situated at the mouth of Valvarrone and the river Varrone. Very ancient in origin, it was an important fortified village since Roman times for its strategic position on the road...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

Located in the 'center' of the lake, facing the Bellagio promontory, some 30 kilometers north of Como. It has been visited by many historical celebrities including Verdi, who wrote part of his famous La Traviata opera here. It continues to be a...

Located up the Grigna mountain, just above the town of Varenna with views of Bellagio and Mennagio. It also affords views of all three branches of Lake Como. A popular visitor highlight is Castle Vezio....

Located on the western shores of Lake Como, the town derives its name from the river that flows from the mountains to the lake. A pebble beach invites water activities like swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing....

A picturesque town on the eastern side of Lake Como featuring restaurants, shops, hikes and a lido beach with pool....

Conveniently serviced by Lake Como's ferries, Varenna is quieter and more laid back than Bellagio, and there are typically fewer tourists. It is a small picturesque 15th century settlement on the eastern shore of Lake Como characterized by colourful...

Its central location makes Menaggio an excellent place to base yourself. The town is characterized by a quaint piazza by the lake with restaurants, cafe's, shops, and a flowered lake side promenade. It’s perfect for an evening stroll. Enjoy one of...

Cadenabbia is a favorite spring and autumn resort, owing to the great beauty of the scenery, vegetation, and its sheltered location. It also serves as a popular health resort and a holiday place for travelers. The town was founded by the Celts about...

Photo: Michael Ortelli

Known as the Pearl of the lake due to its position on the tip of a peninsula, Bellagio is characterized by porticos, cobbled stepped streets, narrow alleyways, and shops selling local handicrafts, and the numerous bars and restaurants it is by far...

The elegant boats of Taxi Boat Varenna offer guided tours of picturesque towns, villas and Lake Como’s beautiful surroundings away from the bustle of busy streets. Our services include tailor-made tours, a water venue for celebrations like a...

What better way is there to admire Lake Como's most stunning spots than in one of Lake Como' s most luxurious vessels? Barindelli Taxi Boats, he's the one to call... Private tours or transfers by deluxe water taxi with private piers in Bellagio and...

Tour one of Europe’s jewels in a custom-made Italian boat. Our third-generation Bellagio business has a boutique fleet of stunning boats, intimate knowledge of the lake and fluent English drivers. Based in Bellagio, let our upmarket services help...

Lake como transfers provides luxury transportation, limo service, private transfers, tailor made excursions and concierge services on Lake Como. If you are arriving on Lake Como for Leisure, Business or a Wedding, wouldn’t you feel special,...

Rock face overlooking a foot/bicycle path with stunning views of the lake. Total height is 200m with difficulty ranging from 4a/8a+. Follow the signs until you reach the center of Menaggio, then go past it. Just before the tunnel, there is...

Located just above Menaggio, is definitely that place that you can define as a balcony on the lake. After a relaxing hike we will get to a nice hut for a coffe, then in a while to the foot of our climb. It is usually a 2-3 hours climb, but we could...

The Tower is located on a rocky outcrop above the village of Spurano and it was an ancient watchtower, which probably dates back to the 12th century. The fortified structure, included in the difensive system of the Comacina Island, was probably...

An ancient palace of the seventeenth century. It belonged to one of the most influential families of Lake Como, the Brentano, who later moved to Milan and then to Germany. It is currently used in part as a city hall where the renown painter Giulio...

Originally a signalling tower, that later became a fortress as documented 1158. There is no information about the proceeding centuries until 1454 when the area fell into the hands of the Republic of Venice and the Adda River became the natural...

The Castle lies on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Como close to Riva Bianca and its namesake beach. Built in the Romanesque period, the fortress was at the focus of several historical events, like the battle between Milan and Como in 1124. It was...

Also called Tower of Barbarossa, stands high over Mandello dating from the twelfth century. The tower has been rebuilt over the years, but retains interesting architectural features like the arched portal, the remains of painted trophies and a...

Volunteers of the Cultural Center Library Bellagio deal with loaning library books and organize various cultural events....

At Mount Cross Ardona (m. 1005), a path splits into two. On the left, is a wooded summit then down along a bumpy ride to the entrance of Castel d'Ardona. To the right, a few bends bring you to same point but the road is much easier (1h 30 'from...

It is thought the tower was built at the behest of Fontanedo Bernabo Visconti in 1357, on the defensive line of Upper Lake, but perhaps it was only enhanced an existing structure. It is located about 700 meters downstream of the village of...

Gate Tower is an imposing fortress, 40 meters high, built in 1192, on the initiative of the mayor Hubert de 'Olevano, to defend the entrance to the city of Como. In the fourteenth century the great tower was flanked by two other pentagonal towers,...

In the medieval center of Villincino, was a fortified town built in the late tenth century. The village was owned by the wealthy family Carpani. The town was destroyed in 1278. The small and picturesque district is accessed by going through a tower,...

The Broletto or "Town Hall" is the most important medieval secular building in Como. The building rises immediately northwest of the Cathedral; representing an almost unique example of the close connection between spiritual and temporal power in a...

Fort Fuentes is a former military fort on the hill of Montecchio or Monteggiolo near Colico, northern Italy. It was built by the Spanish governor of Milan, Don Pedro Enríquez de Acevedo, Count of Fuentes, to defend the northern border of the Spanish...

Fort Montecchio-Lusardi is a military fort situated in Colico, in the province of Lecco, northern Italy. It was built between 1911 and 1914. It is the only Italian fort from World War I which has been preserved intact with its original weapons. The...

Baradello Castle is situated on hill dominating the valley like a stone sentinel watching over the town of Como and Spina Verde Park. The top of the tower provides 360 degree views of the city, the Alps and Po Valley. The fortification was used...

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