Bellagio

Bellagio is an Italian city, nestled along the banks of picturesque Lake Como. Though the entire area is renowned for its intrinsic ambiance, Bellagio in particular has always stood out due to its unique location. Situated on the edge of a peninsula that juts into the lake, Bellagio has magnificent views and plentiful access to the crystal blue waters. With a backdrop of vast lake waters on one side and tree-lined hills on the other, Bellagio's views alone make it a popular destination with visitors from around the world.

Historically, Bellagio has been a place of interest since before the days of the Roman Empire. Even in those days, Bellagio was attractive as a place of refuge, making it one of the oldest tourist towns in all of Italy. Over the years, Bellagio saw much growth, and, throughout the Middle Ages, efforts were made to fortify the city. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Bellagio served a military purpose, becoming an important stronghold due to its strategic position on the peninsula.

This colorful history only makes Bellagio more attractive for modern visitors, who have the chance to explore such history during a stay in this lakeside retreat. Of particular note include two historic villas, which both capture the essence of Bellagio. Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi d'Eril are both prime examples of classic Italian architecture, and they both house various artwork and relics. In addition to the spectacular interiors, both villas have opulent grounds, with magnificent views and luscious gardens, making them popular with tourists.

While these villas are fantastic day trips, much of the appeal of Bellagio is the unique feeling of the town itself. This ambiance is created by the old world streets, which are embodied best in Bellagio's main square, the Piazza San Giacomo. This bustling plaza has plenty of noteworthy buildings, including the Basilica di San Giacomo, which is the town's historic church. Beyond the square, the area is well developed with quaint cafes and novelty shops, making it the perfect area for a day on the town.

These features are all certainly lovely, but nothing in Bellagio compares to the waterfront. There are numerous rambling walks around town that lead to the promenade, which stretches along the lake. The walkway along the water is well shaded and features some of the best views to be found of the lake, as well as some excellent restaurants with stunning views. There are opportunities for water ventures, including ferries to and from the town. This area is well loved among couples who fancy the romantic feel.

Clearly, though the years have changed Bellagio along with the rest of the world, the town has always retained that quintessential something that has made it an alluring destination for centuries.