Bellagio is situated on the end of the promontory that forms the water-shed between the two branches of the lake. Known as Borgo, the tourist resort occupies the external part of the promontory, whilst its numerous outlying hamlets are dotted all along the shores of the lake and along the slopes of the mountain up as far as Mount San Primo, 1682 meters above sea level.
Description
From the boat dock in Piazza Mazzini you follow the ascending street called Salita Mella. At the top, turn left until you reach the church square where the Basilica of San Giacomo stands. It was built in the eleventh century by local craftsmen and is a fine example of Lombard-Romanesque art. In the same square stands a medieval tower that hosts a centre for temporary exhibitions. Adjacent to it is the Promobellagio office, from where guided tours of the park of Villa Serbelloni start.
From the park you can enjoy a superb view of the branches of Como and Lecco.You can visit the park with a guided tour.
From the Piazza della Chiesa go down to the right and follow Via Eugenio Vitali that leads to Punta Spartivento (where the wind divides), where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake surrounded by its crown of mountains.
Retrace your steps and, at the end of the road, go down to the right, and walk along the wall of the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, one of the most luxurious hotels on Lake Como, originally built as a private mansion in 1852. Walk along the beautiful lakeside promenade with its nice boutiques.
Past the car ferry landing stage and the Lido of Bellagio, you will arrive at the entrance of the Gardens of Villa Melzi. The villa with its simple and severe neoclassical style,
was designed by the architect Giocondo Albertolli in 1808 and commissioned by Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Napoleonic Italian Republic. The park that surrounds the villa is open to the public
Directions & Parking
By public transport
Boat tickets can be purchased on-line (www.navigazionelaghi.it) or at the Navigazione ticket office at Menaggio. You could decide to buy a day ticket for the central lake area which includes Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio, Cadenabbia and Tremezzina (the boat docks at Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo and Lenno).
Gallery
