The Pearl Of Lake Como - Bellagio

Bellagio lies on the tip of the promontory separating the two branches of Lake Como in northern Italy. It is an elegant, friendly lakeside hamlet steeped in history with beautiful architecture, and plenty of stairs and hills to climb. Bellagio has a busy seaport with great ferry connections and sightseeing excursion boats. There are monutain views, boutique-line cobblestone streets and steps, Italian villas, fragrant gardens and plant of restaurant options.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The ruins on the grounds of Villa Serbelloni, an important conference and study center owned by the Rockefeller Foundation of New York since 1959.

One of the outbuildings on the grounds the 15th century Villa Serbelloni, which was built for Marchesino Stanga.

Villa Melzi was built between 1808 and 1815 for Francesco Melzi d’Eril. Unfortunately, the house is not open to the public because it is still a private residence, but the grounds can be visited.

Inside the chapel at Villa Melzi

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The gatehouse of Villa Serbelloni

The waterfront with the ferry dock

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Waterfront dining

Along Via Lungo Lario Manzoni

Outdoor eating

The entrance to the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, originally built as a private residence in 1852.

A few eclectic entries

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Cocktails and light bites at Bar Sanremo

The lake view from Bar Sanremo

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This wide flight of steps descending to the lake is called the Serbelloni Steps, flanked by colorful shops restaurants and bars.

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Narrow alleys and steps everywhere

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Mountain and lake view

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Painted wine bottles for sale

The lakefront

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This tower, which is all that remains of Bellagio’s medieval defense system, was converted into an exhibition space. There was another tower but that was incorporated into the St. James Basilica’s tower.

St. James Basilica was built between the end of the 11th and being of the 12th centuries and was declared a National Monument in 1904.

Inside St. James’ Basilica

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The Bar Sport was originally a monastery. Today it is a coffee place / candy store / bakery / gelato / bar.

Part of the interior of the Bar Sport

The Church of San Giorgio is thought to have been built around the end of the 11th century.

Villa Gotica was built as an Anglican Church towards the end of the 19th century and was converted into private apartments in the 1950s and is now a private home.

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The Municipal Cemetery of Bellagio

Along the lakefront, tree-line promenade

An abandoned villa, in sad shape, is going to see a new life as a future hotel.

What you should know:

• This is a walkable town, with many hills and steps.

• There are public pay toilets available.

• There are many restaurant options scattered throughout the town.

• Tipping is generally not expected, but feel free to leave something extra when you receive exceptional service.

• The currency used is the Euro.

• You could spend a couple of hours up to a couple of days exploring Bellagio.

• Bellagio can be accessed by bus, ferry or car.

• People are friendly and informative. Many do speak English.

• A valid passport is required, and you will need a travel power adapter if you are from the U.S.

• Tipping is generally not expected, but feel free to leave something extra when you receive exceptional service.

For more information: Bellagio