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The Lake Region of Italy: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore
Lake Como, Lombardia lake region of Italy is a place of pristine beauty. Pristine lakes, pristine views, pristine air, pristine water...well, it's just darn right pristine! Serving as the piedmont of the Alps, just south of Switzerland the climate is considerably balmier than the geography might suggest. In some towns you find palm trees, and the famed villa gardens well known in this area have loads of tropical flora that not only survive but flourish in the well manicured grounds. "Lombard" takes its name from the region's powerful Longobard family. A strong political and financial dominion that reached as far south as Siena and Sovicille and once upon a time north into France and Switzerland. Long after the Longobard family power eclipsed by infighting among the regions capitals - Milano, Como, Lodi and Mantova among others, the new wealth of the industrial north became the capital of industrial Italy.
Easily the most recognized name of the region, Como is a mix of new and old, and bustles like a cosmopolitan city would. It's Romanesque architecture against the mountainous backdrop make for a stunning point of view, although all the towns in this region have that common thread of awe. Como's duomo (say that three times after a bottle of wine), adjoining civic buildings and mansions and castles on the lake have helped make this an impressive spot. Three kilometers north is the more manageable and simple old town of Cernobbio. For refreshing walks from a pleasant base, head to Asso - strategically located between the two lakes of Como.
Further south and east, 10 kilometers or so, Bergamo provides a big bite of touring for the area. Like Como it is a city of new and old. The old city sits within medieval walls 300 feet above the new city. The defensive walls were built by the dominating rival, Venice, against the threat of its nearby powerful rival, Milan. Small narrow streets crisscross through the walled city. A 13th century duomo and Romanesque basilica are both worth visiting. Add to this a renaissance piazza built in the 15th century and the central square which predates the 12th century, circa 1334 castle and a number of restaurants and enoteca (wime bars), and you have yourself a delightful little excursion. Walk the walls.
Who could deny the other lakes of the region? Lake Maggiore provides a quieter side of the region and is no less pristine. The villas and cottages hug the shore with respect to the region's ambience. Two castles deserve closer inspection: Somma Lombardo hosts one at the southern end of Lago Maggiore and Angera on the eastern shore hosts a 13th century castle that is still in the hands of the original Borromeo family. A past family member was given sainthood in the Roman Catholic church. From Mannagio, a bustling little touring port of the lake, trips to Fisherman's Island are only two enjoyable things to work into your itinerary.
This most eastern lake of the region has the most resort feel of them all. Gardone Riviera is perhaps the most elegant of lakeside resorts with outside concerts during the summer months. South further is Lonato, a small and pleasant village overlooking the lake's southern end. This place was the site of Napolean's victory over the Austrians. There is the impressive 13th castle of Rocca Scaligera that clings to a thin peninsula that edges out into the lake from the village of Sirmione. On the northern edge of the peninsula are the remains of a Roman villa with a labyrinth of underground rooms and baths.
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