Bellagio, Medieval commune on Lake Como peninsula, Italy.
Description
Bellagio is a commune on a limestone promontory where three branches of Lake Como meet, with terrain rising from the waterfront to the town center. Narrow lanes link the lower lakeside area to the upper residential zones, creating a natural vertical structure.
History
The Romans established this settlement as a strategic outpost to control Alpine passes and secure their presence in the region. This early military function shaped the location and its important position for centuries to come.
Culture
The Basilica of San Giacomo has shaped religious life here for centuries and brings people together during services and celebrations. This sacred building, with its layered architectural elements, stands as a focal point where the community gathers.
Practical
Ferries connect this location with neighboring towns like Varenna and Menaggio, with departures from the central pier at Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini. Visitors should allow time to explore the steep pathways between levels and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Did you know?
Villa Melzi houses a botanical garden containing rare plants gathered from around the world and tended over generations. This garden displays an intriguing mix of exotic species living alongside native Mediterranean plants that have become naturalized here.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Province of Como).
Photo license: CC0
Lombardy includes some of the most visited places in northern Italy. Milan is home to much of the region's history: the Gothic cathedral of the Duomo, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery with its covered passages from the 19th century, La Scala theater, the Last Supper fresco in Santa Maria delle...
Villa Carlotta
2.4 km
Madonna del Ghisallo
7 km
Villa Melzi d'Eril
1.1 km
Monte San Primo
8.9 km
St. Jacob Basilica in Bellagio
99 m
Villa Serbelloni Rockefeller
181 m
Villa Giulia
1.3 km
Villa La Collina
2 km
Punta di Spartivento
555 m
Museo del Ciclismo Madonna del Ghisallo
7.1 km
Villa Pessina
3.9 km
Villa Orlando
2.5 km
Villa Sola Busca, Tremezzo
3.7 km
Bellagio's Castle
211 m
Chapel of the Villa Melzi
1.2 km
Monumento a Konrad Adenauer
1.9 km
San Giorgio Church
223 m
Museo Del Ciclismo
7.1 km
Monument funèbre de Giovanni Battista Sommariva
2.4 km
Monumento naturale regionale di Pietra Luna
6.5 km
Museo degli Strumenti per la Navigazione
1.8 kmSanta Maria di Loppia
1.3 km
Villa Sola Cabiati
3.7 kmSantuario della Madonna del Moletto
2.4 kmChiesa dei SS. Materno e Ambrogio
5.8 km
Monument to JFK
471 mSantuario della Madonna di Sommaguggio
5.9 kmChiesa dei SS. Materno e Ambrogio
5.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes