Laglio-Lake Como-Italy | George Clooney´s Heavenly Choice of Residence.

Laglio is an enchanting small town on the shore of Lake Como one of the most classy and attractive destinations of Italy extremely loved by  a large number of prominent people since many centuries ago for the radiant fascination and appealing charm that unique and stupendous waters basin of Lombardy boasts and it is not a case that striking place also became George Clooney´s heavenly choice of residence.

Situated at just 16,0 kilometres north of the city of Como immediately after the splendid coastal towns of  Moltrasio and Carate Urio in a great geographic position inside a tiny picturesque bay on a sinuous curve in which starts one of the most panoramic and terrific views of that stunning marvel and facing on the opposite coast the charming municipality of Pognana Lario another small gem of the Lario as is also called that magnificent lake considered one of the great and top destination in the Italian Peninsula and occupying one of the highest positions in the ranking of the International tourism.

Crossed by the emblematic and historic Via Regina, the Queen Road corresponding to the coastal artery started by the ancient Romans and well known since the times of the Middle Ages when it was established to pay homage to the Royal figure of the Lombards the iconic Theodolinde it became since those times one of the most important and strategic links of communication between the Northern Italy and the Swiss territories representing in its kind one of the first great civil works in the entire European Continent and elevated as one of the most panoramic coastal hallways you can admire in the world.

That lakeside resort is located in a point in which that important axis starts to meet the highest mountains dominating the striking coastline and that image extremely suggestive and divine  part of a picturesque frame above that fairytale centre  absolutely unique bewitching everyone at first sight.

Before to come in the boundaries of the municipality you can stop to admire a stunning panoramic view overlooking the small but amazing local gulf and from that point you will be delighted by the charming silhouette of the bell tower of the Parish Church overlooking the entire fascinating  scenery flanking the banks of the captivating tiny local harbour all that along Via Regina Vecchia which is one of the oldest sections developed of that previously mentioned hallway.

Once there totally enchanted by those divine views of that sublime paradise you will understand in a while why that celebrated American star chose that place to live spending his pleasant times, no words to describe something which is simply extraordinary and unforgettable.

The small centre is mainly concentrated between two main arteries,in its north boundaries Via Regina Nuova corresponding to the National Road SS340 and the cited Via Regina Vecchia at south running along the shore of the municipal littoral while Via delle Frazioni is the main street crossing from north to south the core of that very attractive town embaced by an inspiring atmosphere all around its boundaries.

Another great attraction adding further enchantment to that heaven is undoubtedly the presence of the Monte Colmegnone, a mountain that with its scenic and towering silhouette is like a sort of guard of that fascinating site of approximately 950 inhabitants which was until 2002 a little oasis of peace in a picturesque location of that incredible and shining western shore of that diamond of Italy called Lario.

The mentioned before "until 2002" because was in that year when George Clooney met Laglio and that tranquil town met that popular American figure. It was certainly since the beginning an everlasting love story born at first sight transformed in a short time in a sort of happy marriage between that famous artist and that splendid and peaceful centre on Lake Como as something had to happen also for that the feeling enduring from more than a decade between them was something of extremely special and binding.

All that started in that famous date when the notorious Actor from Lexington, Kentucky decided to buy that beautiful villa directly erected on the western arm of that ravishing ad marvellous waters basin captivated in a while by the beauty, relaxing and fascinating air emanated by that stunning place in a period in which Mr. Clooney was also interested in Capri and Amalfi Coast but despite that without he purchased that superb mansion immediately when it saw it without hesitations.

That spectacular and stylish building was a property of the noble family Heinz and Laglio since the beginning was the perfect haven and choice for that famed Hollywood character, away from the medias, large cities, an ideal place to have his intimacy enjoying relaxation and calm times far from paparazzi and a mass of people.

For events, galas, invitations by Italian television the captivating Milan is just 50,0 kilometres away and the International Airport of Malpensa for his eventual trips returning to his motherland U.S.A is located at only 55,0 kilometres from that stupendous oasis of serenity with its unique charm able to conquer everyone. 

Villa Oleandra is the name of that impressive and magnificent mansion and George Clooney´s heavenly choice of residence consisting in a beautiful luxury three story villa elevated in the 18th century in a magnificent Tuscan style.The actor facing that outstanding architectural beauty never changed the former aspect of that wonderful construction,he extremely loved his new superb and magnificent refuge also for all what it represented for date of elevation and historic value, he totally respected that magnificent building which someone said he paid over 10 millions of Euros. 

Simply outstanding is the architectural image of that marvellous structure boasting a fine light cream tonality highlighting a sumptuous facade filled by two symmetrical lines of ample rectangular stylish windows perfectly adorned by charming green wooden shutters, an enchanting large balcony above a scenic portico formed by beautiful columns and great are the defined lines of the entire layout with a splendid choice of the spaces and placement of all the elements. 

The wonderful front side beneath a huge stoned gray roof completed by a series of picturesque chimneys adds further aesthetic appeal and just in front the main doorway starts a triumphant hallway crossing a stupendous garden filled by a wonderful lush Mediterranean vegetation leading to the private harbour highlighted by a captivating and charming  stoned step.

That choice was also due to the actor is also an enthusiast sailing lover and that villa provides that spectacular facility, so ideal to spend hours across the beautiful Lake Como, enjoying one of his favourite passion in an Eden showing during the navigation images absolutely magic and outstanding.

Laglio is an authentic Paradise for that kind of activity situated,a short distance from Menaggio and Cadenabbia gems of the Lake facing the diamond Bellagio, not far from the fascinating Tremezzo with its marvellous Villa Carlotta well known for its superb gardens and pretty close to the city of Como and the amazing Villa D´Este in the more than captivating Cernobbio, a heaven for that figure delighted every day by all those marvels all around him and his beloved stronghold.

Villa Oleandra was also protagonist of his blockbuster movie Oceans Twelve filmed in that building and worth a special mention the immense and stunning gardened area behind that marvellous structure partially visible by a marvellous decorated iron gate situated on the street running close to the local Church and from a corner of a bank of the local harbour.

  

The magnificent nearest lakeside promenade invites everyone to stay there hours or maybe days in contemplation admiring all what of striking there is immediately outside that outstanding construction transmitting in a simple walk something of highly romantic and radiant  facing the opposite marvellous coastline.

Sometimes the privacy of a renowned character is not easy but the local inhabitants, respectful, polite, hardworking and very kind has always respected the life of that notorious figure and also for that George Clooney loves them as they love him.

Strolling the tranquil streets of Laglio you will notice how the relaxing and incomparable environment is  something to immortalise in a large and endless number of pictures, lake and mountains together form in perfect harmony an extraordinary scenery with unforgettable landscapes.

All the area is a perfect place to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities such as cultural and historic tourism thanks to a vast presence of historic monuments of immense value, trekking, cycling, mountain bike, radial excursions and obviously waters sports.

 In addition as relevant detail you will find in the municipality excellent Hotels and accommodations for an enjoyable stay, great communications and a genuine and delectable cuisine reflecting the local spirit and gastronomic culture offering a varied list of delicious dishes.All those wonderful features and many others next to a mild climate all year are a wonderful cocktail to be immediately enjoyed to celebrate the brilliant choice to spend holidays in that stunning site.

The resort has a very important history to narrate since ancient times and the current town according to archaeological excavations was inhabited in the prehistoric era much before to be settled by Celtic populations who mainly lived of fishing and agriculture.

Those former settlers were probably tribes linked to the Cauni and the Insubri, the first originally living in the northern side of the lake and in the surroundings of Porlezza, a great place on the Italian shore of Lake Lugano while the second group was much more numerous occupying vast territories a including in other current provinces such as Varese, Novara and Verbania.

They also met the Ligurians other Celts coming from South from the current region of Liguria forming probably a unique ethnic group some centuries later and including those former inhabitants had several contacts with an Etruscans colony from Tuscany who founded some settlements in Lombardy also in the surrounding of Lake Como. All that happened before the colonisation of the Roman Empire with the total assimilation of those population who also started to speak the Latin and to serve the Imperial Consuls and Governors. established in that new domains entered in the sphere of the powerful Rome.  .

It was since then that Laglio became an important point of transit along a road which was mainly developed and arranged during the times of Julius Caesar running along the lake and suitable to connect Como through the high Lario, the Valtellina and Switzerland with a direct access to the Swiss Canton of Grisons.

Those operations furthermore were linked to create an easier connection between those Imperial territories and the ancient Mediolanum the current Milan which in that times occupied a relevant position inside the Empire, a project that had to link those lands to the current  Germany via the Swiss centre of  Chur, a relevant gate to several Alpine passes.

The former settlement thanks to all that was elevated as an important Castrum hosting legions and it is from the Roman times in which born its current name deriving from the denomination Lallius who was a relevant officer of high ranking leading a division established in that territory.

After the fall of Rome the Laglio was protagonist of several historic stages with different invasions and settled by the Lombards who developed furthermore that ancient road giving it the name Via Regina Teodolinda in honour of one of their emblematic Queen.

The new rulers established on Lake Como one of their most important strongholds not only for the strategic geographic advantages that area offered them but they also developed considerable activities such as a new system of trade, an organisation of the local borders with territories subdivided in sort of small sub counties. In addition they improved all the communications along that mentioned Via Regina which was furthermore completed with the presence of different check points and prolonged for many several kilometres more than the original traced by the Romans.

The Franks also played an important rule when replaced those predecessors and all the local area was integrated in the Sacred Roman Empire, a period very famous in which all the inhabitants embraced the Christian faith. During those times notable was the progress in terms of productive activities such as as agriculture and commerce and the Carolingian dynasties developed since then sort of pioneer maps which determined later the creation of the current municipalities with concrete recognitions of territorial boundaries.

In the Middle Ages, exactly in the 11th century Laglio was incorporated in the Pieve di Nesso, a kind of Religious network including different Parishes and the following periods in the Middle Ages were mainly highlighted by the continuous disputes between Milan and Como which fought for a long time for the local domains with the second often supported by the Swabians allied  during that war against the Dukes of the current capital of Lombardy.

The history continued under Spanish Aragonese rule for a short period and afterwards occupied by French Napoleon troops. In both cases Laglio as other villages and hamlets suffered a political organisation never changed and those occupations continued that previously established feudalistic system used by the predecessors with powerful landlords closely related to the highest nobility governing groups of communities, a situation which due a lack of autonomy generated several local riots.

Those years characterised by numerous revolts were the prelude to a new domination when the entire region fell in the sphere of the Austrian Empire for reasons closely linked to the notorious wars of succession and that site became a land of the powerful Hapsburg House who kept that territory until the 19th century loosing the influence with the defeat in the battle of San Fermo in proximity of Como.

That historic event took place in 1859 when Giuseppe Garibaldi and his division the Cacciatori delle Alpi supported by the Royal Army of the Kingdom of Piedmont and Sardinia conquered the local territories. Those times corresponded to the end of the rule of the Imperial Vienna and the dissolution of the former Reign of Lombardy and Veneto created by that central European Royalty with the integration of the territory in the new Kingdom of Italy ruled by the Savoy House.

In more contemporary times after two world wars and the the periods lived under that Monarchy and afterwards the new established Italian Republic, Laglio mainly lives of tourism, small factories and trades.

  

One of the historic local monuments and also the point where you can start the visit is definitely the Chiesa di San Giorgio e San Gaetano da Thiene the local Parish Church located very close to George Clooney´s heavenly choice of residence and the scenic small port of the municipality.

Erected in the early 17th century probably over the foundations of a previous Religious construction, it is dedicated to St. George and St. Caetan and that splendid Sacred building consists in a single nave with a stylish facade enriched and embellished in the 18th century with a beautiful portal.

Notable are the fine lines executed all around the perimeter of the Ecclesiastic complex and the balanced position of all the architectural elements inserted in the exterior layout and Inside a niche you can admire a carved statue of St George dating back the 19th century. Very charming is the contrast of the composition of colours with the cream tonality of the structure and a a light long gray roof which covers the entire nave and apse with sober but very well marked outlines in correspondence of the front side.

Inside you can admire several beautiful paintings by Lombard School and stuccoes dated the 18th century works by a talented local artist called Stefano Salterio native of Laglio very active in that area also with works in Dongo but also in other relevant Italian centres such as Brescia, Domodossola, Morbegno and Sabbioneta among others. Those magnificent decorations complete a relevant interior highlighted by beautiful arcades, a fine ceiling, a very charming long nave flanked by six chapels and notable is the presence of a beautiful wooden carved pulpit.

Extremely attractive are also the splendid architectural lines of the nearest imposing bell tower erected on a square plan with a beautiful  belfry beneath a a polygonal drum surmounted by a scenic dark dome and highlighting with its towering height the entire town, a local landmark also for its scenic position so close to the lake shore.  

At the end of that visit you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the spectacular lakeside promenade, a great occasion to take several panoramic pictures. Simply wonderful is the view towards a stunning curve towards south admiring the sharp and scenic promontory of Torno and in front of you the small agglomeration of Pognana Lario representing another splendid image which highlights the peninsula of Bellagio. 

In addition in a point you will notice as the waters basin just some kilometres further north is narrower, a view which in its kind is a further wonder all to enjoy admiring the sinuous and enchanting conformation of the lake from that perspective.Immediately after that concrete stunning panoramic place starts a long straight with some spectacular natural inlets at the foot of verdant mountains with many peaks over the 1000,0 metres overlooking that fabulous waters basin and that is another image you will not forget at all.

In the local cemetery very close to the Church you can see a peculiar huge construction consisting in the Piramide di Frank, an imposing pyramid erected in the 19th century, over 20,0 metres high and it has a very curious story.

It is a mausoleum containing the rest of Joseph Frank, an important Doctor well known in Milan and much more in Pavia a southern city of Lombardy where he was very popular as an eminent Medicine Professor of the prestigious local University and descendant of a noble Austrian family established in Italy and furthermore that character was a pupil of Alessandro Volta the famous inventor of the battery, famed scientist and physicist native from Como. 

In reality that burial temple had to be established in Como in the immediate surroundings of that one erected for that celebrated figure, the Tempio Voltiano, the Volta Mausoleum you can admire nowadays next to the lakeside promenade and gardens of the capital of the Lario but it was not possible that for a strong opposition of the local citizens who did not want another next to that elevated for that iconic figure. (I wrote a post about Como with something about that if you are interested)

That Italian-Austrian character in front of that veto commissioned the construction of that structure in Laglio and the inspiration came from Rome, concretely from the Pyramid of Cestius built in the Italian Capital close to Porta San Paolo, one of the gates of the ancient Aurelian Walls  established there in the 31 B.C in occasion of the conquest of Egypt.Frank who loved very much the history of that ancient Empire  took that idea and on that huge gray marble structure you will see a marble medallion depicting the effigy of that man.

On the slopes of the nearest Monte Colmegnone which boasts an altitude of 1383,0 metres  and considered for its silhouette and scenic position dominating that corner of Lake Como one of its most shining mountainous highlights and part of that magnificent frame around Laglio is situated the captivating hamlet of Torriggia I suggest you to visit.

That small centre has a very interesting history and its name derives from the word tower setting up of defence and protection as check point of that land since a long time ago. 

That hamlet was originally populated by colonists coming from the Magna Graecia settled in that area sent there by Emperor Julius Caesar to develop the cultivation of vineyards.The Romans and that new colony of Greeks thanks to the mild climate terraced the local slopes of the mountains descending towards the lake implanting apart that also olive groves which start to produce a very appreciated olive oil famous  for its soft and delicate taste despite it was not produced in large quantity.

Once there you can start a pleasant excursion reaching the Buca dell´Orso, the Bear Hole enjoying a very pleasant walk reaching that place at 600,0 metres of altitude offering you the further chance to admire a scenic natural environment from that height overlooking that stupendous waters basin with a large number of cliffs and rocky spurs of extreme beauty and uncontaminated forests which form a marvellous frame  of that site.

That spectacular place is a sort of ample cave which contains  three underground tiny lakes and other hidden environments largely unexplored. In addition it is packed by stalactites and another highlight is the presence of a spring water in which were found numerous fossil bones of Ursus spelaeus a kind of bear. From that great discovery derives the current denomination, the name Orso means Bear while the other word Buca is that cave which translated means hole. 

In Torriggia you can also visit the interesting Chiesa di San Bartolomeo, a Religious construction erected in the 18th in  honour of St. Bartholomew and also dedicated  to Our Lady of the Rosary.

The main body was developed on a large rectangular base and it is flanked by a high tower elevated on a square plan with a belfry immediately beneath the top. That Church with a nave contains notable artistic masterpieces as a beautiful wooden statue depicting St. Bartholomew the Apostle, a work by an artist coming from Ortisei a town in Val Gardena in Trentino Alto Adige and a Chapel dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario, the Virgin of the Rosary.

Apart the majestic Villa Oleandra inhabited by Mr. George Clooney, Laglio boasts in its boundaries other beautiful houses and mansions and worth a mention Villa Veronesi dated the 18th century and another one is that which hosted the famous Italian writer and poet Ada Negri during her frequent stays on Lake Como where she composed some of her famous works among therm the notorious Stella Mattutina published in 1921 which had a great success nine years later when it was written in English conquering many readers all around the world.

A spectacular place to visit I recommend you deserving a stop is approximately one kilometre north of the town in direction Brenno along the National Road Via Regina Nuova.You will reach a small promontory with an unique view towards Careno a neighbourhood of Nesso and that point is simply great with the image of the magnificent bay of that municipality beneath towering peaks immediately behind the inhabited centre very suggested for passionate photographers or for those who love to take artistic pictures in a place which is also chosen by some painters to immortalise that stunning image.(I wrote a post about Nesso in the case you are interested) 

Cernobbio is another recommended destination if you are spending holidays in Laglio, it is just 10 minutes away driving and you can stop for a coffee or a drink in the majestic and sumptuous Villa D´Este Hotel continuing the visit along its splendid lakeside promenade of absolute beauty flanking the charming historic centre and with the chance to admire other stunning villas among them Villa Erba.(I also wrote a post about that destination). That place in addition is also very suggested to have a marvellous panoramic view towards the height of Brunate called the balcony of the Alps and the beautiful and wide bay of Como with its port where the lake ends.

In opposite direction along the coastal road you can reach in approximately 10/15 minutes Argegno, a splendid place famous because Winston Churchill spent holidays there and dedicated that resort a watercolour depicting one of its Churches.

It is a great site, ideal to admire a fabulous opening of Lake Como and in that municipality you will have a fantastic chance to be delighted by the extraordinary change of scenery with higher mountains immediately alongside the lake shore with stunning vertical rocky walls and tiny agglomerations perched in very high cliffs.(I wrote a post in the case you are interested)

From there along the usual Strada Regina you can continue via Sala Comacina, other fabulous place to take thousands of pictures to the picturesque island Isola Comacina and the nearest stunning promontory of Lenno. In that concrete point you can have a superb frontal view of Bellagio peninsula from a magnificent perspective and after that continuing to  to Tremezzo visiting Villa Carlotta and its astonishing Gardens.

Very close it is absolutely a mandatory Menaggio another jewel of the lake and once there it is a must to take the ferry to the pearl of the lake Bellagio. (I wrote a post about those two enchanting resorts too)

For those who love cycling and mountain bike that area is a Mecca and immediately outside the boundaries of Laglio there are many routes and itineraries with great climbs in the immediate proximity in all the previously mentioned resorts and much more. 

For all those who love trekking that area is a Eden, all around Torriggia is spectacular but you can reach the top of the Monte Colmegnone also called Poncione di Laglio highlighted by its rugged scenery and a suggestive Cross on its summit and also the Monti di Germanello and Punta Forcoletta  reaching in that point an altitude of 1234,0 metres.Those heights will show you several scenic wild spurs along the paths, deep gorges and other towering peaks corresponding to the Swiss border.

 Continuing from there, absolutely stunning are also the Monti di Carate, another beautiful mountainous gropup  with at their feet fascinating verdant plateau, immaculate forests and high rocky walls overlooking the nearest municipality of Carate Urio and those all fantastic excursions and visits in a stunning natural scenery all to remember. 

Very suggested due also the vicinity also to visit Como with its medieval centre of immense charm and its superb Cathedral and a lot of attractions more, a fantastic occasion for all those love fine art, architecture and aritstic masterpieces. (In the case you are interested I wrote a post about that city too). Furthermore Milan, the second Italian city and a marvellous land as Switzerland are not far. 


All that is certainly a fabulous incentive more for tourists who desire to have holidays full of options visiting great places.I added some links below if you are thinking in unforgettable holidays indicating in addition some suggested accommodations for your very pleasant stay.

Stunning natural beauties, great mountains, a marvellous lake, art, culture, history, outdoor activities, George Clooney undoubtedly chose a magnificent heaven to fix his residence in Italy and in addition a site in which also the cuisine is more than delicious.

The local gastronomy in that corner of Lombardy is simply great and it reflects the pure  and true traditions of the lake with fish of excellent quality such asstefully. Alborelle ,small bleak absolutely delectable generally fried and served with a mixed salad but also Lavarello a kind of autochtone whitefish extremely tastefully. Do not miss to try the iconic Pesce Persico, perch prepared in different styles as the previous such as grilled, baked or fried and the latter is also combined in an exquisite Risotto.

A gastronomic mandatory is to taste the famed Missoltini or Misultin as are called in local dialect, small little fish which in a process of preparation are marinated and fried and also added in a great combination with the typical Polenta.

That latter plate is another relevant culinary highlight cooked in different styles such as with butter and fresh cheeses melted on the top but also with Luganighe, local sausages and a gravy sauce or including accompanying superb beef stews such as Brasato and  Spezzatino. The mushrooms with a notable presence of Porcini in the local forests are also used in a typical Risotto which is also prepared in different styles with sausages, cheeses, herbs and fish.

Notable are the local the cheeses in particular Formaggella and Zincarlin which are very appreciated for their quality and soft delicate taste often combined in starters or assorted buffets with local Salami and Pancetta, a kind of bacon of high quality.

Laglio is easily accessible coming from Milan and Switzerland taking the A9 Motorway Milano-Chiasso with exit at Como Nord ,North Como. From there partially crossing the centre of that city you have to follow the indications to Menaggio and you will reach Laglio in approximately 20/25 minutes driving.

The town is also connected to the stations of Como San Giovanni by  bus line C10/20 Como- Argegno managed by the network ASF. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa Airport located approximately at 55,0 kilometres from the resort.

If you decide to visit Lake Como spending holidays on that magnificent and shining waters basin, a stay in Laglio a little gem of that lake with its wonderful landscapes and unforgettable views will be an enjoyable experience also to admire that special George Clooney´s Heavenly Choice of Residence, an unforgettable and marvellous paradise of Italy you will remember forever.

Francesco Mari

.

Recommended Accommodations in Laglio

Hotel Plinio Au Lac

Relais Regina Teodolinda
Relais Villa Vittoria
Hotel San Marino

B&B Villa Albonico 

Useful links

 www.comune.laglio.co.it

  www.hotelplinioaulac.it

 www.reginaresidence.com
www.relaisvillavittoria.it
www.hotel-sanmarino.it 

www.villa-albonico.com

www.vacanzelago.com

 www.lakecomohomes.com
www.lakecomo.it
www.turismo.como.it