Cernobbio-Lake Como-Italy | Superb Bay Views Highlighted by Villa D´Este.

Cernobbio is a magnificent resort on Lake Como, that waters basin considered a shining and immense treasure of Italy, a wonderful Top Destination well known worldwide for its  superb bay views highlighted by Villa D´Este, that iconic luxury Hotel which was once an emblematic mansion among the most prestigious residences of prominent people landed on that shore of the Lario.

Reaching that fabulous town from the city of Como is very easy, it is just 6, 0 kilometres from the core of the most important entre driving along the ravishing coastline of that magnificent lake, it is enough to take Via Borgovico a street which runs close the famous Tempio Voltiano, the Mausoleum of Alessandro Volta continuing along the artery Via Cernobbio and  once there taking immediately the National Road, the old Via Regina you will be enchanted by an authentic ad astonishing paradise consisting in an unforgettable coast with memorable and unique images all to immortalise in la multitude of pictures which will delight your eyes and mind forever.

It is enough during that short journey of just a few of minutes to look at the horizon admiring the first metres of that Eden after an ample and pleasant curve to be delighted by a gorgeous and enchanting coastal stretch simply extraordinary with that picturesque and stunning road running north towards the Alto Lario, the High Lake Como and the start point of an stunning Paradise formed by a beautiful succession of several towns of different size all with a very captivating charm is Cernobbio, the first step to a heaven with all its splendour bewitches everyone..

Located on a small promontory of the western lake shore, that jewel lies in a stupendous corner embraced and kissed by inspiring calm and deep waters in the shade of the Monte Bisbino, a very scenic height which with its 1329,0 metres of altitude dominates that marvellous municipality of  approximately 7,500 inhabitants.

You can take a look to that marvellous peak to be in a while delighted by a gorgeous view with picturesque houses perched on the slopes of that mountain, an image simply astonishing part of a marvellous frame of a fairytale environment.

The entrance in the municipal boundaries is absolutely outstanding, the historic centre is small but very attractive highlighted by very appealing pedestrian narrow streets at a short distance from the fascinating Lungolago, the fabulous lakeside promenade and furthermore you will be enchanted by the stupendous presence of scattered majestic and aristocratic villas all surrounded by a splendid Mediterranean vegetation.

In addition you can also enjoy a beautifull and inspiring waterfront offering magnificent panoramic sights towards the opposite shore and looking at all around you such dreamland in a while you will immediately understand why that town conquered since a long time ago a large list of eminent artists, philosophers, aristocrats, actors, distinguished personalities of sport, entertainment and politic.

With a simple a stop for a coffee, a snack, a lunch or a visit it is so easy to fall in love with Cernobbio and very recommended is a wonderful stay in that magnificent site which is furthermore a great base for visiting with radial excursions all the other wonderful gems of that striking waters basin  such as Bellagio (I wrote a post about that magnificent resort) considered the Pearl of the Lario enjoying it by a fabulous cruise from Como or as alternative from that resort also easily reachable  taking the ferry at Tremezzo and after a visit of that other wonderful destination you will have the chance to admire the stunning Villa Carlotta so famous for its beauty and incomparable gardens.

Many other wonderful places situated at a short distance worth a visit, the list of jewels on Lake Como is very long. Very suggested are Laglio famous place to be the residence of George Clooney but also for its genuine charm, Menaggio, a wonder absolutely unique, Argegno ideal site to admire a spectacular opening of the lake with a large curve simply wonderful, a place which was extremely loved by Sir Winston Churchill, the romantic and scenic Ossuccio with the shining Isola Comacina, a tiny scenic island  absolutely marvellous. (I wrote posts about all those enchanting places in the case you want to know something more).

Other small pearls I recommend a lot during a stay in Cernobbio are  Moltrasio, Colonno, naturally the diamond Varenna but also other centres as Cadenabbia for its charm and  with the chance if you love to play Golf to enjoy in that more than appealing place an iconic 18 hole Golf Course established in a wonderful environment which will enchant you.

Other indicated visits are obviously the nearest city of Como with its important historic patrimony and a charming medieval centre in which a great protagonist is its stunning Cathedral continuing later to Brunate by funicular.

Once reached that charming municipality located at about 800, 0 metres of altitude over the Capital of the Lario you will be fascinated by another superb attraction called the Balcony of the Alps, an extraordinary view point in a spectacular position facing unforgettable Alpine peaks and you you will be furthermore enchanted by a great image consisting in a complete perspective of the magnificent silhouette of the elegant, luxury and noble Villa D´Este with its stunning small gulf and the outstanding picture of the fascinating coastal road.

Cernobbio is a splendid resort also ideal for several outdoor activities, sailing on Lake Como is something absolutely stunning but also very indicated for windsurfing, rowing and diving thanks to its deep and calm waters which permit that activity at very high level for the joy of experienced and enthusiast divers.

The local territory is also a Mecca for trekking, mountain bike and for cyclists who can enjoy all around that geographic area very challenging climbs and mixed routes ascending to relevant heights and descending along roads coming on the striking lake coast, you are there in a land of cycling, habitat of the notorious Classic Race Giro di Lombardia with the great climb of the Ghisallo, and many others. (I wrote a post about that place if you are interested).

In addition it is is an Eden for photographers who can combine great sets of pictures in a stunning combination mountains-lake-valleys immortalising a territory which is a mine of picturesque and inspiring landscapes thanks to the presence of the Val d´Intelvi, Val Menaggio, Val Cavargna, Valassina and Val Perlasca, some of them great gateways to the nearest Switzerland coming in the appealing Canton of Ticino.

The history of Cernobbio is long as long is all the history of the Lario. Populated since prehistoric times according to some excavations with the found of relevant artifacts in its boundaries and immediate.surroundings. The the first settlers were inhabitants of Celtic origin living along the slopes Monte Bisbino in an area crossed by a group of streams such as the Colletta, Cosio, Colletta, Cosio, Cosera and Garrovo, all them descending towards that enchanting waters basin and favouring the formation of that magnificent verdant vegetation you can admire encircling the town.

The local climate offers mild temperatures all year, it is never cold and also for that the Romans who assimilated those Celtic settlers during their campaign of colonisation found in that place one of their pleasant destinations establishing there one of their favourite sites for relevant colonies of high ranking who moved in that land of Northern Italy.

The Imperial Rome developed in that place an important Castrum in proximity of the current historic centre, a camp with a marked social and politic life,  residence of relevant officers of legions and later a golden haven for Patrician families of  notable relevance who started to populate that magnificent corner of Lombardy.

After the fall of that powerful Empire with a brief return during the Byzantine period, Cernobbio suffered several invasions and one of them pretty significant for its destiny was that by the Lombard who established in its current boundaries one of their strongholds.

Those settlers developed the Via Regina partially designed in previous times by the Romans and they were replaced later by the Franks who during their domain gave that area a further growth mainly highlighted by a more organised politic life with also defined marks of borders and specific territorial subdivisions.

The middle Ages are also linked to the name of the municipality which took the current denomination from an ancient convent elevated in the 12th century called Canoebium. Around that Ecclesiastic complex occupied by monks arouse a small borgo, an inhabited medieval borough consisting in a group of houses which corresponded to the former local core and in part visible today.

The town since those times historically has always been strongly related for proximity and with a secular alliance to Como and for many centuries it suffered that notorious war with the eternal enemy Milan.That famous and long duel between those two cities endured a long time including with a Swabian occupation due to the support of that important Germanic House given the major centre of the Lario during those numerous disputes and clashes against the Milanese Duchy.

As distinctive stronghold of of Como, Cernobbio started to have a relevant aristocratic noble aspect since the 16th century when many superb and luxury villas were erected to host prominent families and the highest ranking class of Lombardy. The presence of the magnificent Villa D´Este is linked to that and it is definitely the top highlight of the resort but we have not to forget other magnificent examples such as Villa Erba, Villa Fontanelle, and Villa Pizzo among others.

The noble society chose that place for the wonderful climatic conditions, the beauty and splendour of the lake and much more for that mesmerising bay which could be described with all the most wonderful adjectives existing in a vocabulary, a gulf which can inspire apart every poet or writer also ordinary people for its outstanding beauty and appeal. 

In the following centuries, the land was also occupied for a short time by Spaniards and French, the latter domain highlighted by the Campaign led by Napoleon Bonaparte.All that happened before the incorporation in the Kingdom of Lombardy and Veneto, that Reign which became part of the Austrian -Hungarian Empire and later joining as all the Italic Peninsula the reunification in the 19th century when the current town was integrated in the new Kingdom of Italy ruled by the Savoy House.

The centre of the town is mainly developed behind the famous Via Regina which runs from north to south parallel to the lake side promenade and Piazza Castello, Castle Square adjacent to that road with two important streets consisting in Via Monte Grappa and Via della Libertà which are two relevant axes entering in the core of the municipality.

Both streets are crossed by the long Via Plinio which in its northeastern point reaches the border of Parco Villa D´Este, that stupendous park situated just behind the famed magnificent villa erected in the 16th century and currently hosting that mentioned luxury Hotel.

You can start the visit from there having a coffee or a cool drink in its bar admiring that unique and inimitable architectural masterpiece of immense beauty erected in 1568 over of a former ancient convent erected by a prominent religious figure, the Como Bishop Monsignor Gerardo Landriani in the 15th century and demolished to develop such elegant and stylish marvel.

The former name was originally Villa del Garrovo a denomination took by one of the streams flowing in the boundaries of the resort.and its construction was commissioned by the Cardinal of Como, Tolomeo Gallio who called the talented artist Pellegrino Tibaldi, a notorious mannerist architect from Valsolda but very active also in in Emilia Romagna. That genius  elevated an impressive and majestic mansion in Renaissance style which was later  embellished by several neoclassic details and Patrician halls.

That stunning Villa became the summer residence of that influential character who often invited prominent figures of culture, politic and high exponents of other relevant bishoprics of Italy.

Unfortunately after the death of that eminent Ecclesiastic leader that sumptuous residence fell in a sort of decay and it was used for a period by the Jesuits order.After that Religious presence the building was occupied by some aristocratic families such as the Counts Odescalchi and Marliani later who fixed there their golden haven continuing to consolidate that site as one of the most affirmed noble residences on the entire lake.

A new owner the Marquis Calderari from Milan purchased that sumptuous building deciding to give it a new aspect mainly focused to the development of the garden, adding grottoes and stunning neoclassical details. Furthermore he commissioned some allegoric and mythological sculptures among them one depicting the Greek Hero Hercules to increase much more charm to that fabulous environment.

After the death of that man Villa D´Este was inhabited  by the new husband of the widow, the Napoleonic General Pino who elevated a small fortress and in addition many halls were greatly decorated by beautiful frescoes, wonderful works by a distinguished painter called Appiani who was in that period one of the favourite artists of Napoleon Bonaporte.

Apart all those former owners the villa was also for a period in 1815 a property of Caroline of Brunswick wife of George IV of England and it had an important restoration in 1873 when was re arranged the facade, the interiors and with a largely reorganisation of the gardened layout. That year is also the date corresponding to the opening as Luxury Hotel and the current name was taken by the famed and fascinating Villa D' Este well known for its magnificent gardens in Tivoli, a town situated in the province of Roma.

The former mansion you can see today is that so famed Top Class Hotel of a unique charm  highlighted by a superb natural inlet of that striking waters basin from which every visitor can enjoy wonderful views of a wide section of the western Lake Como arm, a magic image immediately visible from its huge garden facing a superb bay.

That site is a distinctive symbol of the resort providing the maximum comfort, magnificent facilities and services. The global accommodation consists in 154 full equipped and accessorised rooms, 14 of them arranged as suites with lake view and highlighted by magnificent decorations and refined details reminiscent the times of the old nobility and aristocracy of the 18th century.

The guests can enjoy three heated pools and a wide variety of Wellness, Spa and beauty treatments in its great equipped Centre which provides all the most modern and trendy services such as sauna, massages, Turkish bath and beauty therapies.

Sporting activities such as squash, the presence of a very well equipped gym and also of a fitness centre are other superb highlights and in addition there is also the opportunity to enjoy tennis courts. Another brilliant chance is the fabulous option that Hotel offers in terms of water sports such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and water skiing in one of the most scenic corners of that idyllic waters basin.

An elegant restaurant, a stylish bar and many other classy features ready to satisfy the most demanding requests are also part of that hospitality paradise. Surrounded by gardens, flower beds and sculptures, the current majestic mansion totally reflects the luxury aspect and image of its historic and classy golden ages.

Definitely Villa D´Este is  a very high class accommodation providing all the top comforts and its image is much more characterised facing an appealing harbour flanked by beautiful gardens which greatly complete the front side of that superb structure.

The Hotel is also a distinguished and great seat hosting International Events, Conferences and Congresses of International prestige and fame historically chosen for several and relevant politic meetings and since 1928 that iconic building continues to be protagonist of an important appointment dedicated to an exhibition of stylish and elegant vintage cars in the notorious appointment called Concours D'  Elegance.

Venerated by the most demanding customers, Villa D´Este was awarded in several occasions with titles and honours. The notorious Forbes Magazine named it in the list of Best Hotels in the World and a famous American Magazine included it in the Top 15 in Europe and Top 70 in the World.

An excellent geographic location and great communications are also other fantastic features which elevated that structure as one of the most appreciated worldwide to enjoy an unforgettable stay.The proximity of the city of Como and at just 56, 0 kilometres from the city of Milan Capital of Design and Fashion are further incentives for big Institutions,  Companies and Tour Operators to choose that accommodation as place and headquarter for top events, especially suggested for all the Specialists in that popular Tourism Branch called MICE.

Thanks to its environment, the presence of wide spaces as large and accessorised halls the Hotel is perfectly designed to celebrate the most important meeting an enterprise of high ranking wants to plan. The presence of huge lounges which can be arranged for a specific event providing modern system of audiovisuals, equipments and devices in a great environment which boasts a large surface offer the great chance more than appropriate fto manage susuccessful operations thanks also to a site which is simply perfect in terms of capacity.

Obviously another important detail to combine to all that with magnificent results satisfying the participants is the chance to enjoy a mild climate all year which is definitely another relevant and primary aspect making that accommodation an ideal place more than recommended also for superb Travel Incentive. Apart all that naturally that Hotel is a great choice for individuals looking for something of extremely charming in a paradise as Lake Como which is eternally a Top Destination able to conquer a multitude of people.

Another fascinating mansion elevated in the boundaries of Cernobbio is definitely Villa Erba, a further architectural local pearl o consisting in a marvellous masterpiece of Italian Art Nouveau completed by a beautiful huge garden.

Younger than Villa D´Este, it was built in the 18th century over a former aristocratic mansion which previously replaced an old Monastery. Also that site hosts several events and it provides a very important Exhibition and Congress Centre often hosting important cultural appointments and dedicated to exhibitions of vintage and classic cars and in addition it is also a favourite seat for the creation of video clips of famed Cinema stars and notorious singers.

Refined lines with a front side and lateral walls greatly decorated, a perfect symmetry of doors, windows and all the elements present in its stunning layout including a scenic tower on its roof are notable artistic features next to its magnificent position offering a wide panoramic view overlooking the lake bay. A wonderful and huge gardened space with a large parking area are other outstanding facilities which are undoubtedly superb details giving that classy building a very special appeal.

Also historically that stylish villa has a notable relevance, it was for long time residence of the famous Cinema Director Luchino Visconti, that unforgettable master awarded with the Golden Lion in the Venice Film Festival and achieving the Palm D´Or, the Golden Palm, prestigious tribute received at the iconic Festival of Cannes.

That famous character was also Count of Modrone, descendant of the powerful family Visconti former Lords of Milan since the medieval times and worth a mention  that acclaimed Filmmaker used that mansion for one of his prestigious works the movie: Ludwig.

Due to all that the full denomination of that spectacular construction is Villa Erba Visconti di Modrone with the name Erba deriving from one of the former owners corresponding to a family leader of a notorious Italian Pharmaceutical Company, Luigi Erba brother of the Magnate Carlo who bought the Villa by the family Peluso who was the first owner of that beautiful building and since then was added that other surname.

Apart those two Top Villas, Cernobbio has others very attractive and splendid examples erected in different historic periods. Next to the lakeside promenade there are some elevated in the 16th century as Villa Bernasconi, a property of one of the most important Como family linked to the Silk industry.

Another one of considerable value is certainly Villa Pizzo dated the same century particularly charming for its fine and stylish architectural lines and marked outlines but also for its environment. Surrounded by a magnificent natural space boasting a lush vegetation consisting of several species of plants and trees it is certainly a great attraction and in its interior it contains a series of paintings and frescoes dated the 17th century.

Regarding historic monuments that stupendous resort also has a very rich patrimony. The Chiesa di San Michele in Rovenna is a magnificent expression of Lombard Baroque style, a Church dedicated to St. Michael built in the 18th century and during its history it had some restorations approximately one century after its construction.Developed on a rectangular plan it is highlighted by a splendid high gable facade and inside you can admire a relevant Baroque altarpiece by Barberini and a Romanesque Medieval Cross dated the 11th century.

Yuo can continue the visit reaching Piazza Castello, Castle Square where you will notice the presence of one of the rests of a medieval fortress consisting in a tower dominating the entire local space.That is also why that specific area has that denomination and you will see one of the remains of the old fortification erected in the Middle Ages to protect the town.

Its position close to the lake shore explains the strategic choice of that construction defending the core of Cernobbio from a possible attack by lake but also situated close to the Via Regina along which was developed the main access to the historic centre.

The Lake promenade of Cernobbio is another magnificent highlight really fantastic all day, at evening and night, a place particularly indicated for long walks enjoying the eternal, sublime cool breeze of the Lario and particularly fascinating for its stunning panoramic views towards  Brunate, the City of Como. Including at night with artificial lights a walk along that magnificent walkway is simply great and spectacular, extremely romantic and unique in its kind.

During your pleasant stay you can enjoy several panoramic view points along the Lungolago you can be delighted by a stunning view towards the other shore in correspondence to the road leading to Bellagio with a magnificent image of Blevio (I wrote a post about that place if you are interested) a charming lakeside resort of an absolute beauty for its image, with its scenic houses perched along a ravishing coastal stretch before to reach the unforgettable sharp headland of Torno.

I suggest you in addition to move approximately one kilometre south outside the inhabited centre and you will be extremely fascinated by another stunning image of the bay of Como with the city and its harbour and including the charming panoramic picture of the scenic promontory on the opposite coast on which is situated another outstanding and iconic mansion called Villa Geno.

A very recommended excursion in proximity of the municipality is the nearest Monte Bisbino. From the top of that mountain at over 1300, 0 metres of altitude you can enjoy a unique and unforgettable view of the surrounding valleys with wonderful wild green landscapes offering you images to remember to forever.That mount area was also very important for historic events because along its slopes were built defencive fortifications in occasion of the 1st War reused during the 2nd War.

For who is an enthusiastic trekker many are the chances from Cernobbio you can easily reach some of the charming mountainous neighbourhoods as the Alpe Garzegallo at 1100,0 metres of altitude along the path leading to the Monte Bisbino, a place highlighted by a small and picturesque hamlet and from there you can continue towards a refuge called Bugone.That scenic trail is simply great for its uncontaminated nature between verdant forests and a steep ascent with fantastic views towards Alpine peaks of immense beauty.

If you want to enjoy something more relaxing at 823, 0 metres of altitude you can stop at Madrona another tiny agglomeration part of the municipal boundaries and from there you can admire striking Lake Como images with a spectacular image of the Via Regina and the harbour, very suggested if you love photography and you want to immortalise something absolutely striking.

If you want to take home something of very fine quality, the town is pretty famous for famed artisans linked to silver, a great occasion to buy during shopping some articles or items of high level.

Cernobbio apart the several events hosted in the previously mentioned villas hosted during all year is also a place also offers other important appointments.At Christmas time there are always special events linking the lake to that special date and it is really beautiful to admire the atmosphere with the promenade adorned by scenic lights.

The Municipality also organises in collaboration with other Institutions the Festival di Cernobbio which every year has prominent protagonists.The town calls and called for that unique appointment several distinguished Orchestras in its different editions some of the main protagonists were Orchestra Filarmonica di Verona, Orchestra del Teatro  Regio Parma, the Stuttgarter Philarmoniker  Orchestra and many others of considerable fame and prestige delighting with their great performances a myriad of people and fans of that kind of music.

Some artists well known worldwide as the violinists Uto Ughi but also Nikolaj Madoyev and  eminent Directors as Salvatore Accardo and Gabriel Feltz were some of the stars who delighted many people in occasion of that important event certifying the extreme relevance of that very distinctive festival.

Since 1975 in the municipality is also celebrated in September the notorious Ambrosetti Forum,  a relevant conference of International fame linked to economy held at Villa D' Este and that renowned Hotel since 1928 also hosts the prestigious

Also the local Cuisine plays an important role in that town satisfying all the most exigent palates and respecting in all its spirit the traditional gastronomy of the Lario.

You will have the excellent opportunity to taste excellent lake fish, such as Missoltini,  Pesce Persico, Lavarello, Fritture Miste di Lago, the latter consisting in a delicious mixed fried combination of fish and do not miss to try the tastefully Risotto con Pesce Persico, another traditional plate very suggested.

The Pesce in Carpione is a further gastronomic highlight, the fish generally used for that recipe could be Lavarello bur also Agone which during the preparation are grilled and then marinated adding vinegar, capers, garlic, anchovies, breadcrumbs, egg yolk, salt, olive oil and a good quantity of fresh parsley.

You can find in several restaurants superb beef and veal stews such as the great Spezzatino, Brasato often accompanied by the traditional Polenta which is a Queen of the local culinary art prepared in different styles with cheese, butter, mushrooms and in a style named Tocch, very popular in Bellagio which with pride wants to be considered the cradle of that recipe. In addition it can be combined with the mentioned missoltini or also with the Luganighe, special delicious pork sausages or also with a delectable gravy sauce.

Of high level is the quality of homemade salami and worth a special mention the Brianzetta, an exquisite pancetta. Both are often served in starters or appetisers next to very delectable local cheeses such as the Caprino, a supreme goat cheese, the iconic Formaggella, the famed Zincarlin and the typical Semuda.

The Minestrone di Verdure is a famous local a vegetable soup, another dish with a long and old tradition and in some places you can taste the Filascetta, a kind of focaccia flavoured by onions similar a little bit to the popular Genoese.

There are some cakes which boast a long tradition as the Miascia and the Masigott prepared with eggs, sugar and different kinds of fruit fruit such as pears, apples and raisin.

The nearest Airport is Milan Malpensa which is situated at just 59, 0 kilometres from the resort and in less than 45 minutes from there driving by A9 Motorway in direction Como you will be at destination, taking the exit indicating that city and following the indications Menaggio.

Cernobbio is something special and a destination in Italy you can not miss if you are planning to visit Lake Como which is always a superb choice to plan holidays in a place which is eternally trendy and fascination. If you have the brilliant idea of trip to that marvel of Italy with Cernobbio as main destination I added below some links which could be useful for your plans and stay, including I inserted some suggested accommodations.

Travelling along the emblematic Via Regina towards other towns on the western coast of the Lario that magnificent first stage will conquer you and it is a must simply for those unforgettable views of its superb bay taking a look to the charming Villa d´Este which always transmits a desire to stay hours and hours in sublime contemplation.

The image of that unique resort is something of extremely special and it is very easy at first sight facing such enchantment to appreciate all the splendour of a site with it’s relaxing and romantic atmosphere which will be part of a fabulous experience to live and repeat without hesitations.

Simply the view of all that and a mild climate you will breathe there 365 days a year delighted by those blue waters of a unique lake born to donate joys and more than pleasurable times is something you have to try once in a lifetime because Cernobbio in its kind is absolutely stupendous and simply unforgettable.

Francesco Mari

Recommended Hotels in Cernobbio

Hotel Villa D´Este

Hotel Asnigo

Hotel Regina Olga

Hotel Miralago

Useful links

www.comune.cernobbio.co.it

www.villadeste.com

hotelcomolakecernobbio.it

www.hotelreginaolga.it

hotelmiralago.it
www.lakecomo.it 
www.lagodicomo.org 
www.lagodicomo.com