The triangular landmass at the base of the inverted Y is the Larian Triangle: at its northern point sits Bellagio, looking across to the northern arm of the lake and, behind it, the Alps. The most famous city on Lake Como, known for his streets, luxury hotels, and La Bella Vita. Nowadays, a luxuriance of trees and flowers is favored by a mild and sweet climate.
HOW TO GET THERE
By car, it’s very easy from Como (duration 45min), during the weekend it’s busier, so people usually take the ferry to move from a place to another. it’s very hard to park here, especially during the weekend, and not so cheap. There is parking at your right when you leave the ferry.
By ferry, it’s possible from Varenna, Como, and Menaggio and other small places, these are the biggest.
BELLAGIO
The historic center of Bellagio shelters 350m southwest of the promontory of the Larian Triangle, between the Villa Serbelloni on the hill and the Como arm of the lake. At the far tip of the promontory are a park and a marina. Parallel to the shore is three streets, Mazzini, Centrale and Garibaldi in ascending order. Cutting across them to form a sloped grid are seven medieval stone stairs (“salite”) running uphill. The Basilica of San Giacomo and a stone tower, sole relic of medieval defenses (“Torre delle Arti Bellagio”), sit in a piazza at the top.
Along the banks of the promontory of Bellagio are many old patrician houses, each surrounded by parks and gardens of trees. Some like Villa Serbelloni (now a hotel) and Villa Melzi d’Esti (From March to October, 9.30am to 6.30pm/ Single ticket 6.50€) are open to the public.
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
The traditional Bellagino feast day dish is the Tóch. Eaten with a wooden spoon, it is composed of polenta mixed with butter and cheese and accompanied with dried fish from the lake, cold, stuffed chicken or home-made salami.
There are so many hotels in Bellagio, most of them are luxury one, but don’t be afraid you can find 3* hotel. Price are 120€ per night approx, check always if parking is included or not.
