Seeking Lake Como’s Most Charming Town? Bellagio is the Destination for You!
It is reflected on the crystalline surface of Lake Como, pleased with its beauty, and covers its shoulders with the majestic profile of the Alps: adorned with natural wonders in every direction, the town of Bellagio does well to be a little vain. Nestled in the rich province of Como, a land of boundless history and culture, and populated by less than 4,000 people, Bellagio constitutes one of the three vertices of the so-called Larian Triangle, a small but surprising jewel, doubly bright thanks to the silvery reflections that the lake offers.
A Historical Village with Ancient Charm
A charming village that grew out of an ancient Roman settlement, the center became a fortified position in the Lombard era, with mighty walls and the characteristic rampart. A fiefdom of noble families for many centuries, including the Stanga family and the Aroldi, the town was enriched over time with fantastic stately villas and representative buildings, until it became one of the most famous and loved holiday destinations on an international level in the 19th century.
Sacred and Historical Buildings
The humble and discreet nature of Bellagio, which has its roots in the most ancient and genuine history of the village, is recognizable especially in the churches and sacred buildings. Among these, the Basilica of San Giacomo stands out, built during the 12th century and enriched inside by a splendid collection of Umbrian and Lombard frescoes and Romanesque sculptures. Also worth seeing in the village is the old church of Santa Maria di Loppia, and the beautiful church of San Giovanni Battista, built in the 18th century in the hamlet of the same name.
The Elegant Villas of Bellagio
But the jewel in Bellagio’s crown, as you might imagine, are the elegant residences that dot the lake shore, scattered like precious stones over the centuries. Dominating the heart of the village is the famous Villa Serbelloni, now belonging to the New York-based Rockefeller Foundation. Built in the 15th century on a pre-existing castle, destroyed in 1375, the villa bears the signs of various renovations, which over time have given it an ever-increasing charm. Currently, unfortunately, you have to limit yourself to accessing the gardens with paid guided tours: they are still works of art with intertwined paths, shady groves of centuries-old trees, exotic plants in bright colors and rose gardens with an inebriating scent.
The maze of paths, in addition to accompanying visitors to the foot of the villa, leads to the Capuchin Convent and the Sfrondata, an elegant residence overlooking the Lecco branch.
On the western bank, instead, the refined profiles of Villa Melzi are reflected in the water. Situated along the road that connects Bellagio to Como, the residence is immersed in a verdant park where there are works of art and archaeological finds such as some Egyptian sculptures. Since it is still inhabited, the villa cannot be visited inside, but it is worth admiring the small museum set up in an adjacent pavilion. Also not to be missed is the Neoclassical Chapel, in the southern part of the park.
Outdoor Adventures and Local Traditions
After getting to know the most aristocratic and elegant soul of the village, lovers of nature and movement are spoiled for choice near Bellagio: an inexhaustible scenery of parks, excursions and paths gives the unique opportunity to get to know the lake area, with its breathtaking views dominated by the Alps. One of the most characteristic events that take place during the year in Bellagio is also linked to Lake Como: this is the Palio Remiero del Lario, which is held at the beginning of September and attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors every year.
Also very interesting are the periodic fairs and markets, including the April Fair and the San Giacomo Fair, which takes place in mid-July: an infinite number of stalls line up cheerfully along the banks of the lake, enlivening the place with colours, flavours and varied aromas, to discover the typical products of the area.
Relaxation and Fun on Lake Como
Those who visit Bellagio during the summer months will find it hard to resist the temptation of a swim in the lake. For those who want to know more, we refer you to our article on the most beautiful beaches of Lake Como.
How to Get to Bellagio
Bellagio is located 75 km from Milan and 29 km from Como. To reach it, there are several possible solutions: those travelling by car and coming from Milan can follow the motorway to Sondrio and go out before Lecco, following the signs for Bellagio; otherwise, you can take the A9 Lakes Highway Milan-Lugano and exit at Como. From Como, instead, take the road to Nesso, Lazzeno, Bellagio. For those who choose the train, remember that there is no train station in Bellagio, so it is best to get off at Varenna and from there take the ferry, which takes about 10 minutes to get to your destination. The closest airports are Malpensa and Linate in Milan, from which you can easily reach the center of Milan and then take the train to Como. Alternatively, from Malpensa, you can take the Malpensa Express to Saronno, from where a Ferrovie Nord train leaves for Como.
Climate of Bellagio
Once you reach your destination, you will be pleasantly surprised by the climate of Bellagio and, in general, of the lake area. Despite being close to the mountains, the area enjoys a mild, sunny, and temperate climate, due to the beneficial influence of the large body of water constituted by Lake Como: at the same altitude and latitude, the winters are therefore milder than in other regions, the summers are less muggy and the vegetation is spectacular, consisting of olive trees, colorful flowers, cypresses, and even palm trees and citrus fruits. In Bellagio, the average temperatures in January, the coldest month, range from a minimum of -4°C to a maximum of 6°C, while in July and August, the hottest months, they range from 15°C to 29°C. Cloud cover is also quite low, and consequently precipitation: for over 200 days a year you can enjoy bright and pleasant sunshine, and only in autumn does rainfall reach an average of 106-107 mm per month.
