Pianello del Lario-Italy | Romantic Lake Como Views Coast to Coast.

Pianello del Lario is a very picturesque, enchanting town of Italy highlighted by romantic Lake Como views coast to coast, a destination which with its scenic, fascinating image enchants everyone at first sight for the stupendous landscapes that lakeside resort of Lombardy boasts making it a jewel shining all year surprising a multitude of visitors for the unique beauty of its environment eternally surrounded by a magic aura.

That idyllic town of 1050 inhabitants lies at 36,0 kilometres northeast from the capital of the  province Como in a magnificent corner of the Alto Lario along the historic Via Regina, an iconic coastal road, pioneer hallway traced by the Roman Empire during the campaign of colonisation at the foothills of the Alps and later entirely developed by the Lombards improving the communications between the Italic Peninsula and the heart of Europe.
  

That very appealing municipality boasting a fascinating atmosphere is  located in  a very a special geographic location in the  northernmost stretch of that fabulous waters basin among the most striking of the world bordered by the municipalities of Dongo, Garzeno, Musso, Cremia, facing the marvellous towns Colico, Dervio, Dorio part of the province of Lecco.

South of two other splendid resorts as Gravedona and Sorico all those destinations of an extraordinary appeal are to discover in more than pleasant excursions day by day filling your days with always something of beautiful to admire.

That wonderful territory corresponds to a point  where the lake ends changing its scenic image immediately after the wonderful resort of Menaggio meeting a marvellous nearest mountainous land highlighted by fairytale places as the stupendous Nature Reserve of Pian di Spagna next to another small waters basin consisting in the stunning Lago di Mezzola.

That tiny picturesque lake very close to Pianello del Lario lies on the road leading to Chiavenna, the Swiss Border and towards east to a panoramic hallway introducing you the striking fascination of the Valtellina, a wonderful Alpine valley very famous to be a prestigious winter sports destination but also for its unforgettable landscapes.

It is in that last stretch of Lake Como where the first, lower heights of the Alps overlooking the local coastline give a suggestive shade but at the same time luminous sun rays falling on beautiful dark blue waters donating a very appealing fascination  with great protagonists inimitable colours and reflections in a contemplative Eden highlighted by a wonderful, jagged shoreline.

An impressive succession of bends, inlets, natural bays, sharp promontories absolutely unique with that territorial mutation will charm you in a while are details which all together are part of one of the great secrets of the immense enchantment the Lario transmits in its northern side.
 
That is a spectacular land to immortalise in millions of sublime pictures with images you will remember forever with the view of the towering peaks forming a spectacular giant wall above the northermost resorts as Gera Lario on one side and Colico on another, places which bewitched since a long time ago prominent characters and still favourite site for many landscape artists.

The natural environment of Pianello del Lario is simply outstanding and worth a special mention also the beautiful presence of the nearest Monte Bregagno which with its captivating silhouette and its 2107,0 metres of altitude completes next to other captivating heights such as the Monte Marnotto and Monte Grona a stupendous crown  around its boundaries.

That Northern Italian lake is well known worldwide to be a shimmering diamond which immediately transmits the visitor all its endless splendour also for that unique scenery extremely poetic, highly inspiring always creating enjoyable feelings also for all what there is all around.

One of the striking marvels of Lake Como is undoubtedly its frame created to delight every visitor as an additional, appealing accent which makes that wonder different than many lakes because that heaven with its incomparable, radiant fascination probably transmits much more pleasant sensations than other at first sight.

A great feeling of a multitude of tourists is that  once reached its coastline there is always an immediate desire to discover every village, including the most remote hamlets exploring them metre by metre because you are facing a sort of long necklace of gems and undoubtedly Pianello del Lario is one of them.

That fairytale scenery depicts in all its essence a wonderful portrait of that famous literary work by Alessandro Manzoni, eminent author of that famed literary work titled I Promessi Sposi, The Betrothed.

That divine novel narrated in masterly way by that notorious, Milanese writer considered a masterpiece of the Italian literature with a sublime inspiration taken by that magnificent lake in that concrete area.

It is not a case that beautiful corner of Italy transmitted that talented artist something of extremely unique, special in the creation of that outstanding literary diamond published in three volumes in its first version in 1827. 

 That character before to start his best work all time took inspiration by a notorious novel titled Ivanhoe by Water Scott, that Scottish master, renowned Baronet also President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and among different striking places, Lake Como was chosen by Manzoni as protagonist of that story without hesitations.

The Betrothed found there a perfect habitat  to create a sort of myth which since its publication fascinated a multitude of readers, romantic people enchanted by that outstanding narration translated by Charles Swan who gave a multitude of British and English speaking people the opportunity to read it in their language just one year later in 1828.

The territory of Pianello del Lario is unique in its kind also because it is a sort of magic step,  you can move in a while from a ravishing coast to high verdant plateaus continuing up reaching wild, rugged rocky promontories highlighted by imposing cliffs along scenic steep paths leading to high mountains.

But what is absolutely impressive is that in every environment you will be there is always the image of that incomparable lake beneath you, changing scenery that jewel is eternally present delighting your view every time and all that constantly generates  vibrant, pleasant sensations for every visitor.

You can look at all around in every cardinal point with the chance to admire a large variety of unmatched landscapes and it is so easy to understand why that great writer selected that place to narrate that more than successful novel.

The brilliant opportunity spending a stay in that Italian Eden apart its magic coastline is also to know its splendid hilly and mountainous area to return home with indelible memories you will keep with you forever.

Exploring the small neighbourhoods of Pianello del Lario arranged on natural terraces overlooking Lake Como, you will discover great places nestled in idyllic positions highly suggested for trekkers, photographers who can find there a heaven for their favourite hobbies or passions.

That town apart its picturesque beauty with an indisputable charm all around its boundaries is highlighted by a fabulous, romantic waterfront also offering many opportunities to enjoy water sports such as sailing, diving, surfing, rowing, a Mecca for all those who love those  activities.

Cyclists and mountain bikers will find in that land an enjoyable heaven, with a multitude of itineraries crossing wild valleys with very challenging climbs, spectacular mixed routes in the immediate inland especially in Garzeno, Plesio, Cremia and San Siro, all sites of an immense beauty.

I strongly recommend you to visit those places to enjoy apart their enchanting setting, to live a sort of special experience of tourism as  fantastic jump in the past admiring remote realities greatly preserved showing today their fascinating aura as some centuries ago.

Many are the excursions in the immediate vicinity visiting the stunning Menaggio, Tremezzo two gems of Lake Como, I suggest you in the latter to visit the extraordinary Villa Carlotta with its wonderful gardens.

Once there by ferry you can reach in just some minutes the pearl of the Lario, Bellagio one of the greatest jewels of Italy.(I wrote posts about Menaggio and Bellagio in the case you are interested)

You can not miss in addition an unforgettable lake cruise from different resorts having an unforgettable panoramic sightseeing admiring other gems as Cernobbio, Varenna, the city of Como which offers a historic patrimony of notable relevance in its medieval centre with a superb Gothic Cathedral flanking an enchanting borgo, a wonderful medieval borough born to inspire anyone.

That centre boasts a long, marvellous lakeside promenade flanked by monumental attractions as the iconic majestic mausoleum-museum containing the memories of the the great scientist Alessandro Volta. (I wrote a post about that city if you are interested)

Switzerland with the wonderful Canton of Ticino is very close offering the great opportunity to visit stupendous places as the eternally, fascinating Lugano on the ravishing Lake Ceresio continuing with the nearest Paradiso and Melide with Swissminiatur. (If you are interested I wrote posts regarding those destinations)

Milan the second Italian centre, indisputable capital of fashion and design is just 98,0 kilometres away, a great occasion to know also that city boasting incomparable historic marvels, a vibrant nightlife, a cultural calendar rich of events and naturally enjoying a great shopping. (If you are interested I wrote posts regarding that city)

Very kind people, comfortable accommodations, a delicious gastronomy are other great features of Pianello del Lario which furthermore is well known for an uncontaminated atmosphere making it also a fabulous climatic resort.

In addition that place is a great vacation idea for all those who are searching calm, serenity enjoying a mild climate all year but also perfect for tourists looking for a complete tourism including enjoying a great historic, artistic patrimony in its boundaries.   

To have a great, first impact with that marvellous site despite every corner is a Paradise if you are enjoying a Fly & Drive reaching that beautiful lake  side resort driving I suggest you some very recommended, unforgettable view points to admire some marvels as a first introduction, they will undoubtedly be a sort of immediate, superb starter delighting you very much.

One of them absolutely magnificent is along the Via Statale, the National Road before to enter in the boundaries of the nearest municipality of Musso. 

Once there you can stop to admire a ravishing, jagged littoral looking at towards south with the stunning silhouette of the tip of Santa Maria Rezzonico, a very poetic image to imprint in your most delightful memories.


In the opposite direction you will be enchanted by the view of the bay of Gravedona with two scenic, ample promontories next a stupendous coastal stretch where the lake forms a marvellous sequence of picturesque small gulfs.

Immediately after those marvellous sights a further you will remember for a long a long time is the headland of Domaso highlighted by a large, fabulous inlet beneath a striking, high plateau at the foothills of the Alps.

Another one is in correspondence of Via Bellera, a road flanking the local lakeside promenade where you can take some minutes with the chance to be enchanted by something of simply spectacular admiring on the opposite shore the scenic town of Dorio.

That picturesque centre lies on a beautiful, sinuous coastal section  which ends with an enchanting bend next to a striking peninsula on which detaches the superb image of the stupendous, medieval Abbey of Santa Maria di Piona immediately south of the splendid centre of Colico.

A further great view point is from the local waterfront on its northern side facing the splendid town of Dervio highlighted by its picturesque rounded promontory with in addition the splendid presence of the silhouette of Lecco arm.

That sight is furthermore highlighted by that group of majestic, rugged mountains called Grigne dominating that divine environment with their wonderful, jagged summits. (I wrote something about those mounts in a post regarding the Ghisallo and the Sanctuary of the Cyclists in the case you are interested) 

Also magnificent are the views towards south in direction of the shoreline on which is situated the superb resort of Varenna with an astonishing succession of inlets, small bays with the fabulous image of the wonderful, sharp Bellagio Peninsula and all that will show you in a nutshell in which kind of dreamland you are.

Just some kilometres off the municipal boundaries towards Dongo you can also see a section of that stupendous waters basin in the shade of some imposing heights forming a unique contrast of lights to immortalise in an endless number of pictures in a magnificent succession. 

Undoubtedly all that is a great presentation with that fascinating environment starting a stay in the best way.

All that sublime, magic enchantment around that resort and its surroundings also continues at night in the presence of artificial lights admiring a striking illuminated coastline, a spectacular post card you can spend hours and hours to contemplate, an unforgettable show of breathtaking marvels with very romantic views coast to coast.

Pianello del Lario also has a relevant history to narrate, according to archaeological excavations with the discovery of important artifacts that land was inhabited since the Paleolithic era. 

The first official recorded village was historically formed by the Orobi, a Celtic population coming from the valleys of Bergamo and Lecco who later met other Celts such as the Comenses, Cauni and a branch of Ligurians who also settled in that area probably forming all together a unique ethnic group.

Those settlers were mainly devoted to agriculture, living pretty isolated using the waters of the lake for fishing covering their main needs  but mainly occupied to defend their domains by Germanic tribes coming from north.

All that happened before the Roman colonisation led by Consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus who in the 196 BC defeated the Comenses who found in that clash an alliance with another tribe, the Insubri or Insubres who settled in the current counties of Varese Novara and partially the Lario too.

The battle of Comum Oppidum, a hilly area corresponding to the current territory of San Fermo della Battaglia in the immediate outskirts of Como with the victory of the Roman legions was an event which determined that territory of Northern Lombardy was incorporated in the lands governed by Rome.
 

During those times, the local population was mainly composed by farmers, fishermen and that settlement was mainly used by the Imperial rulers as a strategic transit point towards the Alto Lario and the Swiss territories with the development of agricultural activities as viticulture and implantation of olive trees.

The chronological historical stages after the fall of Rome are linked to several invasions with the Lombards who were the first occupiers in the Middle Ages to establish a defined territorial profile.

Those rulers established the emblematic Via Regina to pay homage to their Queen Theodelinda, daughter of Duke Garibald I, Duke of Bavaria and wife of King Authari with in addition the elevation of a defencive system composed by different check points along the coasts of the lake.

Those settlers were defeated by the Franks in 774 with the advent of Charlemagne who gave origin to the Carolingian dynasties, times in which the former village was incorporated in the Holy Roman Empire entering in a period mainly highlighted by a marked, traditional, feudalistic organisation with landlords ruling sort of former counties and sub-counties.

In the 11th century, the former village was known as Corte di Musso, as part of the the nearest present municipality according to historic documentations dated 1040 as a donation of Liutprand, King of the Lombards from 712 to 744 to the Monastery of San Carpoforo of Como.

In the Middle Ages also the Dukes of Swabia allied of Como occupied that territory in the 12th century during the times of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa to face the influences of the Duchy of Milan which also governed for a period that land.

The ascent to the power of of the Milanese Dukes with the families Visconti and Sforza in medieval times just like the predecessors delivered aristocratic, locals the control of many current, hamlets and villages of the Lario populated by peasants who delivered those lords their harvests in change of a humble residence as happened in many places all around Europe in those times.

In that period corresponding to the 14th and 15th centuries arose in the former settlement the Palazzo dell' Abbazia, a former palace linked to the Bishophric of Milan and a disappeared Castello, a fortress encircled by high, fortified walls flanking the present Parish Church of St. Martin.

A brief French followed by a Spanish rule in the 16th century during the period of Antonio de Leyva nominated governor by Emperor Charles V replaced by the Austrian House of Habsburg in 1714 during the period of Charles VI were two other historic chapters of the former village.

All that took place before a further Invasion by France led by Napoléon Bonaparte in the late 18th century with the establishment of the Cisalpine Republic in 1797.

That leader landed on the Italic Peninsula to abolish the feudalism breaking the hegemony of Austria  and in 1801 he started the development of the Simplon road created to link Paris to Milan crossing the pass with the same name at the border with Switzerland.

The local territory returned under Austro–Hungarian Empire influence in 1815 after the Treaty of Paris which took place in 1814 incorporated in the Kingdom of Lombardy and Venetia with a succession three Austrian Emperors such as Francis I, Ferdinand I and Franz Joseph I who ruled from Vienna that sub Reign until 1860.

 Giuseppe Garibaldi, and his division the Cacciatori delle Alpi flanked by the troops of the House of Savoy former rulers of the Kingdom of Piedmont and Sardinia defeated the Habsburg Imperial Army in the Battle of San Fermo in proximity of Como.

Curiously that place was the same of another batlle previously mentioned between Romans and Celts centuries before, an event which determined the epilogue of the domination of Austria in the Italian Peninsula.

The integration of the current town in the New Kingdom of Italy since 1860 the with the official  proclamation in 1861 by King Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy were further historic chapters which linked Pianello del Lario to the Italian Nation until today.

In 1863 according to to a Royal Decree appeared the current name, consisting in Pianello meaning little plain of the Lario, the lake.

In the 19th century the municipality was highlighted by the presence of Don Luigi Guanella, the Parish Priest of community in that period who was very active to favour a good life for many old people and young orphans and for that he was beatified in the 20th century.

The municipality despite its limited population has several neighbourhoods exactly 13 fractions such as Crotti, Garuso, Maggiana, Mianico, Nasina, Bellera, Belmonte, Calozza, Camlago, Riva Saliana, Sant' Anna and Tre Terre developed on a surface area of just 9,8 square kilometres.

 All those agglomerations were in the past  independent settlements dominated by the Monte Bregagno, a mountain of over 2,100 metres of altitude consisting in a majestic wall dividing the Italian Region of Lombardy from the Swiss Canton of Ticino.

The main local resources have always been fishing, agriculture, later were developed some small, textile factories with in addition thanks to the fascination of Lake Como the tourism industry as emergent source.
   
Notable results were achieved in the last decades receiving very interesting flows of visitors especially from Germany and The Netherlands who repeated the experience to return to Pianello del Lario once again without hesitations totally in love with that fabulous lakeside resort.

Several travellers attracted by the charm of that genuine, unspoilt corner of Lake Como in the last continued in more recent times to frequent that tiny Eden, a relaxing, marvellous destination offering unforgettable holidays delighted by tranquillity, an aspect that many tourists take in high consideration.

The beating heart of that centre is mainly concentrated in the neighbourhood of Calozzo in which lies the Municipio, the Town Hall and the main highlights are certainly the Chiesa di San Martino, the Church dedicated to St. Martin and the Museo della Barca Lariana, the Museum of the boat of the Lario, a great exhibition devoted to emblematic vessels symbols of Lake Como navigation which made the history of that superb waters basin.

You can start the visit from that Religious building which apart its historic value also has a very interesting history to narrate.

That Sacred temple elevated in the early 12th century  was originally a small chapel in a period in which Pianello del Lario was under Como rule, in a territorial subdivision in the administration of the nearest Dongo as a sort of neighbourhood or better a simple prolongation of that centre situated just a few kilometres further north.

That event took place in a historic period characterised by a pretty, rigid Feudalism with several lands dominated by influential, noble dynasties with local territories divided in several sections called Pievi depending by a unique Parish Church.

The locals wanting autonomy and much more to be an independent reality never accepted to be governed by Dongo but that desired separation was not possible until 1472 when after several frictions the former village obtained its beloved independence and the current Religious building became the local Parish Church.

Thanks to those political changes started in Pianello del Lario a new era, with autonomic trade activities, that centre including started to be visited by some artists very active along the coasts of Lake Como, some of them stopped to embellish the Chiesa di San Martino which in different periods modified its former image.

The building developed on a wide rectangular base presents the traditional, architectural canons of the most relevant Lombard school, it was enlarged in 1534 and closely related to that year you can see that date visible on its doorway.

That Sacred site was donated to the Order of monks of St. Christopher by the Bishop of Como who supported the conservation with in addition operations of architectural improvements of that construction commissioning new restorations permitting furthermore artistic works which richly embellished the interior. 

In the 18th century took place the splendid development of a beautiful portico visible nowadays with also the establishment of a new, splendid main portal which is undoubtedly a great highlight beneath a small fresco depicting a scene of the life of  St. Martin. 

The front side is sober but showing splendid lines with a gable facade surmounted by an iron cross with scenic, stone grey canopies inserted on the central nave and sides. 

Behind the main body of the Ecclesiastic complex is situated a beautiful, square bell tower boasting a refined belfry topped by a stylish, long spire.

In its interior you can admire notable frescoes by Isidoro Bianchi well known as Isidoro da Campione. one of the most distinguished masters coming from Campione d´Italia that renowned Italian centre totally surrounded by Swiss territory.

That  town is well known because it produced very talented artists mainly active in Lombardy at the beginning of their emblematic cycles but many of them were called later to work in Rome for the Papal State. 

Those frescoes are definitely the most important attractions left by that great artist with superb masterpieces depicting several scenes of the Bible such as the sacrifice of Isaac, Kings Salomon and David, St. John Baptist with another representation of St. Martin riding his horse.

Absolutely beautiful are further fine works as a Virgin with Child and Saints with in addition another with protagonist St Martin appearing in a marvellous, renaissance stained glass window.

Many other artists in the following years and centuries worked with successful results in that splendid Church, in the late 17th century a notorious painter from Valsolda, a town in proximity of the Italian-Swiss border linked to the Masters of the Val D´Intelvi painted the magnificent frescoes of the altar with scenes depicting the life of the Saint Patron.

Botticchio, another famed, talented figure of that time from Vaiano Cremasco, a centre near Crema in Southern Lombardy was a further master who left an important mark in that Sacred site called to paint some canvas depicting the Saints Martin and Anthony of Padua with also other considerable, fine works by Gian Battista Annoni.

You can admire some chapels on the sides with sculptures of the Virgin Mary, canvas dated the 17th century, notable is also the vault of the nave highlighted by  some relevant frescoes by the master Luigi Tagliaferri dated the second half of the 19th century. 

That artist worked in different places along the coast of Lake Como with great masterpieces left in Menaggio, Gravedona, Gera Lario, Bellagio, Como but also very active in the provinces of Milan, Varese, Bergamo and Lecco among others.

Other highlights which worth to be mentioned are a splendid gilded silver crucifix dated 1489 by an artist from Gravedona called Francesco Ser Gregori next to refined,marble renaissance works by sculptors and architects of Lombard school.

Another further attraction is the presence of a beautiful Organ dated the late 18th century by the prestigious, organist family Serassi who placed many outstanding creations in several Churches of Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Piedmont, Liguria, including abroad especially in Switzerland.  

After that magnificent, historic building you can continue the visit with the Museo della Barca Lariana, a Museum devoted to the history of the most representative boats of Lake Como.

That great exhibition inaugurated in 1982 was created thanks to an Association, a Club formed by a group friends who in 1978 started to collect old vessels focused to save the local patrimony linked to the navigation and that amateur Institution was called La Raccolta della Barca Lariana, the collection of the boat of the Lario.

That activity started to be successful thanks to a fervent enthusiasm of the founders who received several donations consisting in many boasts built in different periods fell in disrepair which were totally restored, refurbished and painted in their original colour.

Including all the population started to support that association and today that site is a pride of the entire basin with many fans and admirers.

Arranged along 14 rooms containing approximately 160 examples devoted to fishing, trade, transport but also displaying catamarans, propeller boats as Quatrass, Balilla next to other models related to the nautical world including a Venetian gondola and a Cisco, a traditional, British sailing boat both dated the 20th century.

That exhibition is particularly interesting to know the history of that important mean of transport connected to the navigation which was for centuries a source of life for the locals for their activities related to the first periods of trade coast to coast.

The Barca Lariana was and is an icon with a legendary past, considered one the living, historic emblems of Lake Como elevated in a far comparison at the level of the gondolas of Venice for all what it represented.

Those picturesque, old vessels some of them providing a captivating, scenic, arched roof covering the hull were often mentioned in that renowned literary work by Alessandro Manzoni and other writers.

They started to be well known with the name Lucia, the young woman protagonist in the previously mentioned The Betrothed with  Renzo Tramaglino, the fiance, future husband and that iconic, literary masterpiece gave a further popularity to those legendary vessels.

Since then the “Lucia” started to be more than a simple mean of transport used by locals inspiring a multitude of landscape painters immortalising them sailing across that superb waters basin or moored in different town harbours.

The exhibition is an extensive illustration of all the chronological periods of the naval industry of the Lario, it also includes different kinds of objects, utensils linked to fishing industry dated a long time ago explaining many interesting chapters century by century related to that activity which also played an important role in the local economy.

In addition to all that it is very interesting to know better the local culture admiring the development of the ship industry from its origin to the more recent times with a different use of materials, changes of size, hulls, prows, bows, engines with a special space devoted to the advent of technology with of a varied kinds of instruments.

After that great visit I suggest you a splendid excursion leading to an area called Tre Terre, the Three Lands. 

You will be enchanted by a spectacular environment , that name is due to to the presence of three old villages called Coslia, Scarpagiano and Rovezzano, all them situated in a wonderful scenery surrounded by an immaculate nature between mounts and forests with the chance to enjoy unforgettable panoramic views.

Along that spectacular route walking up from Calozzo you can also admire some artistic masterpieces as a Church dated the 16th century called La Madonna della Neve, the Virgin of the Snow. 

That Religious construction elevated on an irregular, rectangular plan was restored in the second half of the 18th century, today it is pretty well preserved containing beautiful frescoes and a relevant marble altar.

All that area offers stupendous landscapes with idyllic, panoramic view points overlooking the coastline, verdant, high plateaus with the spectacular presence of majestic peaks all around.

Since a long time ago the Tre Terre is an ideal destination for trekkers and of course for professional photographers who can create  wonderful albums as a great proposal able to capture the attention of anyone.

In another neighbourhood very recommended to visit called Nasina at an altitude of almost 1000, 0 metres you can admire another interesting, Sacred construction consisting in the Chiesa di San Bernardino, a  Church dated the 18th century but probably erected on a previous one elevated three centuries before.

The current structure is very charming, simple in its appearance but with fine outlines, refined architectural details, harmonious lines with a great symmetry of all its elements placed in the layout of the main facade.

Situated in its immediate proximity you will notice the presence of some typical Alpine houses called Baite, residences of farmers, shepherds, captivating structures highlighted by attractive stone and timber details. 

Some of them totally restored are nowadays chalets or including transformed in comfortable rural accommodations strategically located in the vicinity of picturesque paths with a unique view of the Alps and in some corners along their development offering striking panoramic sights overlooking the lake.

In that area is also celebrated a suggestive event linked to a local, cultural traditional appointment celebrated on 14th August "Ferragosto" Eve day consisting in a feast anticipating another the day after  with fires in proximity of those buildings illuminating that high plateau.

In the case you are spending holidays in that part of Italy during that period, you will be enchanted to admire at evening the lights of those fires, a very suggestive show certainly to remember for a long time.

Around the hamlet of Sant´Anna, St. Anne village you can find many old trails originally used by locals flanking some farms situated in picturesque, green pastures, sites which continue to host the old traditions linked to a secular dairy production with farmers preparing homemade, delicious cheeses, fresh butter, notable products very appreciated for their soft, delectable taste.

Once there you  can see the Chiesa di Sant´Anna elevated in the 17th century, a small, attractive Church dedicated to St. Anne with a nave highlighted by a splendid marble floor, a relevant attraction part of the historic patrimony of Pianello del Lario.

That territory is particularly captivating because you are not far from the lake shore but also in a land where you can admire an Alpine scenery.

The beautiful sensation which immediately capture the visitor is also that because from the coast with magnificent villas, splendid gardens with a lush Mediterranean vegetation with palm trees, cypresses, olive groves, the image of the local environment changes in a while when you are reaching the proximity of the summit of those nearest heights.

That contrast is impressive in a so short distance of just a few kilometres on the slopes of those high hills making the Lario an inimitable place in the world also for that.

A great option for Tour Operators which desire to enlarge their products inserting that destination in itineraries on request or also in tailor made tours as relevant stage thanks to its stunning historic, natural marvels ready to charm every tourist at first sight is undoubtedly a great idea.

Pianello del Lario is also one of those classic places more than appropriate for romantic people and couples who want to spend a stay surrounded by something of unique on a very appealing waters basin during a sweet honey moon or simply for a pleasant stay enjoying days full of inspiring times.

Those enchanting landscapes with incomparable views coast to coast in a morning, aftenoon, evening or night will fill your entire days of great feelings simply contemplating that sublime Eden, a great experience of tourism to try once in a life.

That municipality is historically famous for its Crotti structures developed in limestone rocks to conserve wine, cheeses, butter, sausages and other kinds of foods thanks to constant. cool temperatures around 8º-9°C.

That tradition disappeared in more recent times some of them still exist but the major part of those places  were transformed in traditional taverns or restaurants.

The local cuisine is excellent and it is another aspect delighting the visitors loyally reflecting the oldest gastronomic traditions for the use of local products highlighted by delicious plates linked to the most typical culinary art with protagonist lake fish. 

The iconic Lavarello, a kind of local whitefish and Pesce Persico, supreme perch simply more than great for their superb quality are prepared in different styles such as grilled, fried, baked or boiled seasoned with sauces or simply adding a touch of extra virgin olive oil, parsley, salt, lemon and aromatic herbs.

Very recommended are also the always delectable fried Alborelle, exquisite bleak next to a tastefully, superb Fritto Misto di Lago, a delicious mix of fried lake fish very appreciated by a multitude of people. 

If you  you want to try a 100% local speciality you can not miss the Missoltini also called in dialectal expression Misultitt, a gastronomic icon consisting in dried Agoni left over 12 hours under salt conserved in barrels with bay leaves under pressure. After that process they are placed in skewers, cleaned with warm water and served with Polenta.

Notable is also the wide variety of Risotti, the Risotto al Pesce Persico is certainly a  great highlight, since a long time ago elevated as a culinary emblem but also more than excelent are the Risotto ai Quattro Formaggi, four cheeses risotto, Risotto Funghi with fresh mushrooms or Risotto con Salsicce prepared with local homemade sausages.

The Polenta Concia is another distinctive plate with a secular tradition prepared with fresh butter and different kinds od delectable , cheeses or also cooked with Luganighe, a kind of exquisite pork sausages adding at the end of the preparation a delicious gravy sauce.

Very typical is the delicious Spezzatino in Umido, a beef or veal meat casserole seasoned with a fresh tomato sauce adding spices often accompanying the mentioned Polenta.

Considerable is the production of a delicious Salami next to excellent, iconic cheeses such as Taleggio, Gorgonzola,  Zincarlin with in addition a wide selection of different types of Formaggelle. 

All those dairy products are often served in starters, appetisers, assorted buffets apart to be used in a multitude of recipes.

Worth a special mention the homemade cakes prepared thanks to the production of a great butter, a very appreciated  honey and chestnuts, largely present in the local forests, the latter frequently used for delectable sweet jams or many bakery products. 

It is very easy to reach that picturesque town of the Alto Lario. From the city of Como it is enough to follow the National Road Strada Statale SS340 in direction Menaggio- Tremezzo continuing from there towards Gravedona, Dongo and in less than 1 hour driving from the major centre of that marvellous lake you will be at destination.

Milan Malpensa Airport is situated at approximately 80, 0 kilometres of distance and from there driving by E35 via Como you can reach that romantic resort in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

A brilliant, alternative option is also landing on Lugano Agno Airport in the nearest Southern Switzerland in the stunning Canton of Ticino located at 50, 0 kilometres from that resort, from there in approximately one hour driving via Porlezza and Menaggio you will be at destination. 

I added below some links, a pleasure to indicate you further suggestions some do not hesitate to contact me for every further information you need.

A stay in that lakeside resort is highly suggested to enjoy the captivating essence of a splendid place extremely rich of charm, a beautiful destination which shows with its stupendous image how Lake Como also in its Northern side is so wonderful, incomparable and magnificently unique.

That enchanting waters basin of Italy with its mild climate all year is an eternal Eden, a shining diamond in a magic coffer containing other pearls all to discover town by town, village by village, one of them is called Pianello del Lario where those romantic views coast to coast will delight you every day and anytime during your unforgettable stay.

Francesco Mari

Recommended Accommodations in Pianello del Lario

Agriturismo Tre Terre

B&B Breva e Tivan

Recommended Restaurants in Pianello del Lario

Veranda Beach Café

Useful links

www.comune.pianellodellario.co.it
www.lagodicomo.com 

www.brevaetivan.it

www.bed-and-breakfast.it

www.veranda-beach.com 

www.larioonline.it