One of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, Lake Como is a place one would never want to leave
Renowned Italian journalist Massimo Nava takes readers on an enjoyable journey to the breathtaking Lake Como through Assouline’s latest book, Lake Como Idyll. All appears serene in the snug harbour town of Como; the place, after all, features everything that there is to love about the northern parts of Italy—picturesque scenery, the view of the majestic Alps and sumptuous meals in every restaurant. This area has a reputation for being one of the most expensive destinations in the country, and it is partly because of its popularity; through the years, it has managed to charm local and foreign travellers, including A-listers like George Clooney, Madonna, Sylvester Stallone whom each built their own retreat houses there.
The first mulberry trees were planted in Como as early as the 1400s. This was how local artisans were able to supply precious fabrics to some of the world’s most celebrated designers, including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and many others who prefer to spend their time near Lake Como. Versace’s Villa Fontanelle in Moltrasio was where he welcomed famous friends and clients in the Eighties, including Michael Douglas, Elton John, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Robert De Niro, and Bruce Springsteen. Until the villa was sold, Versace’s ashes were kept in a natural chapel with his iconic Medusa logo in the mosaic.
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Many villas were abandoned in the seventies, as visitors preferred Costa Smeralda and Capri. The lake, a few miles away from Milan, turned into a Sunday destination for some locals, some preferring to eat lunch in a trattoria or take a boat trip to avoid traffic on the road. Also known as Lario, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, following Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Besides its stone-clad villages, the place is known for its characteristic shape that resembles an inverted “Y”. The formation comes from the melting of glaciers and the erosive action of the ancient Adda River. At its opposite end is the city of Lecco and the famous Bellagio in the middle.
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