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About Lake Como
Lake Como (Lago di Como in Italian, also known as Lario) is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy.
The lake's name in Latin is Lario, but this name is rarely used; it is usually called Lago di Como (literally Lake of Como). In guidebooks the lake may be variously described as Lake Como, Lake of Como, or Como Lake.
The Lake of Como, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times, has always been an important passageway between the northern regions and the Po Valley.
The Romans made it their strategic outpost opening the route on the western bank which connected the Larius with the Rhaetia region. Later, during the lombard rule, this pathway still named Regina, was reopened and restored by Queen Teodolinda.
Because of the important and strategic position of the lake which allowed one to reach the mountain passes of Maloja and Stelvio, the area was for centuries subject to invasions and domination. After the Francs, around the year 1000, the city of Como which had become an independent Commune had to continuously fight for its autonomy. It later was subjected to the authority of the Viscontis and of the Sforzas.
Lake Como is fed in large part by the Adda River, which enters the lake near Colico and flows out at Lecco.
The Lake of Como has an area of 146 sq km (56 sq miles), making it the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Its maximum depth of 410m (1348sf) between Argegno and Nesso makes it the deepest of all the European lakes; its average above-sea level is 199m (654sf).
The Lake is shaped rather like an inverted 'Y', with two 'legs' starting at Como in the South-West and Lecco in the South-East, which join together half way up and the lake continues up to Colico in the North. Its perimeter measures 170km / 105miles. The first few kilometers of the 'legs' at the southern end of the lake are relatively flat, but Lake Como becomes more mountainous as you head northwards into the Alps.
The lake is entirely surrounded by mountains, the highest being Monte Legnone (2609m / 8582ft) above Colico.
There are 37 rivers flowing into the lake the most important being the Adda followed by the Mera.
The Adda is also its only outlet. It flows out through Lecco and after having formed the little lakes of Garlate and Olginate it continues towards the Po river.
The only island of the lake is Isola Comacina, situated in the Como branch of the lake opposite the commune of Sala Comacina.
Places to see
Como - At the southern end of the lake, has a good historic center and lively squares. There are several walking paths near town. Como makes a good base if you're traveling by train. From Como you can take the funicular to the village of Brunate, 720m / 2368ft above Como, for hiking trails and beautiful views of the lake and the Alps.
Menaggio - The main town on the western shore, it's a lively resort with a lakeside promenade. Menaggio is popular with outdoor enthusiasts for walking or hiking, swimming, windsurfing, and rock climbing.
Villa Carlotta - South of Menaggio, has beautiful gardens. You can tour the inside with its original 18th century furniture and art works.
Bellagio - Known as the pearl of the lake, is a very attractive town at the junction of the two 'legs' of the lake.
Varenna - Another attractive town on the eastern shore opposite Menaggio and Bellagio. Worth visiting for the attractive and relaxing gardens of Villa Cipressi.
Colico - Nice views at the top of the lake.
Lecco - A town at the end of the south-eastern 'leg' of the lake.
