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COMO
The city of Como, surrounded by gentle hills, is easy to visit on foot. The old
city centre, in the old medieval walls, is full of charming corners, fine monuments
and lots of shops. As well as picturesque views, the city also offers visitors
monuments and sites fill of history and memories. With many ancient traditions,
it was founded more than two thousand years ago by the Romans and today is the
vital centre of an area where history, art and culture coexist with industry and
trade against the backdrop of the lake which, with its constantly changing colours
and atmospheres in the different seasons of the year, offers a setting of unique
beauty. Como is also famous for its fine and original silks, unique in the world.
The old city centre includes the Cathedral, the Broletto and the Church of San
Fedele, all of Gothic-Romanesque origin. The square in front of the Church of
San Fedele has been the real heart of the city since ancient times. It was the
forum of the city in Roman times and during the Middle Ages the corn market was
held here. Close by there is Piazza del Duomo, with the majestic Cathedral, the
beauty and solemnity of which are due to the genius of the “Como Maestros”, and
the Broletto, the former seat of the Commune, which was once a theatre and is
today a venue for exhibitions.
There are other very important monuments outside the city walls, such as the
Casa del Fascio or the War Memorial, by the very famous Rationalist architect
Giuseppe Terragni.
Along the shores of Lake Como, just outside the centre, there are magnificent
eighteenth-century villas surrounded by luxuriant gardens which, with their regal
splendour confirm the appeal that the area of Como has always had over the years.
There are also many opportunities in Como to make original and refined purchases
in crafts, silk and fashion as well as all kinds of articles related to the famous
Italian style.
About 7 km from the Hotel: By ferry in about 10 minutes across the lake.
BELLAGIO
One of the most romantic and picturesque spots on Lake Como, Bellagio, also known
as the “Pearl of the Lake” is a small town with a series of old and picturesque
dwellings, in typical pastel shades and huddled together: it is an architectural
and landscape gem, with mysterious alleyways that lead to harmonious squares with
porticos and cobbled steps bordered by colourful shops offering typical products
of excellent quality. It offers many itineraries on foot and spectacular views
of the splendid setting of the lake and its villas.
Along the lake and in the village lanes, there are craft shops and elegant boutiques
where jewellery, fashions and fine silks can be purchased, as well as typical
souvenirs.
A visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi cannot be missed.
About 19 km from the Hotel to Cadenabbia, 10 minutes by ferry to Bellagio
About 25 minutes by ferry across the lake.
ISOLA COMACINA
Landing at Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como, is always a moment of
emotion, whatever the season: it is full of history, art, traditions and memory
with architecture and vestiges from the past that have defied the passing of centuries
and an enchanting landscape. In the middle of the colourful fishermen’s houses,
the small Romanesque church of San Giacomo and, near the bell-tower, Santa Maria
Maddalena stand out amidst the colourful fishermen’s houses.
The magnificent views and secluded corners, veiled in the mystery of what the
island was like in the past, conceal the stories of its inhabitants and the history
of the churches and buildings that once stood there but after being destroyed
in the wars around Como, are now buried in woods and clearings. There are also
the villas built by the King of Belgium on the island.
On the Island, with its splendid Roman remains surrounded by greenery in a harmony
of form and space, there is also the famous Locanda dell’isola: a unique and exclusive
spot, different from all other restaurants with the warm welcome extended by the
owner, gastronomic specialities and a truly flawless service. It is a typical
restaurant where at the end of every meal the owner follows a long-standing ritual
preparing flambéed coffee and offering it to his guests.
About 8 km from the Hotel: By boat about 10 minutes away across the lake. | 
