Essays, field notes and travel stories from the lake and its surroundings. Authentic experiences that stay with you, long after the journey ends.
Madonna del Ghisallo above Bellagio: the church with Coppi's, Bartali's and Casartelli's bikes, the Lombardia climb and the museum. Hours and directions.
The Resegone in Full Detail: its name, the rock formation, the four routes to the summit, the Piani d'Erna cable car, the Azzoni Mountain Hut, Morterone, and the best times to climb.
Above Montano Lucino stand the ruins of Villa Gonzaga in Grisonno: the princes of Vescovato, summers spent with horses and cricket, abandonment, and looting.
St. Francis and Lake Como, 800 Years Later: The Bell Towers of Balbianello, the Convent of Fra Cristoforo, Como, Ossuccio, and Dongo. What to See.
Forte Montecchio Nord in Colico, on Lake Como: four cannons from World War I still in place and five shots fired in 1945. Hours and tickets.
Villa Giulini (formerly Odescalchi) in Lazzago (Como): the history of the village—from the Ca' Morta cart to the Giulini family—the villa, the park, and how to get there.
The Abbey of San Pietro al Monte above Civate can only be reached on foot: a mule trail, 11th-century frescoes, hours, and directions from Lake Como.
What to See in Lecco: San Nicolò, the Visconti Bridge, Pescarenico, and the Grigne Mountains. And the story no one tells: iron, the Ragni family, and Vassena’s bathyscaphe.
Gravedona ed Uniti, the ancient capital of the Tre Pievi: Santa Maria del Tiglio, Palazzo Gallio, the convent, the surrounding valleys, and the wind.
What to See in Varenna: the village, Villa Monastero, Vezio Castle, Fiumelatte, updated hours and prices, and the new rules for 2026.
Villa Olmo in Como: The villa is closed for restoration, but the park is open daily and free of charge. Hours, rules, how to get there, and its true history.
What to See in Como: Two Pagans on the Cathedral’s Facade, Terragni’s Rationalism, Volta, Silk, and the Funicular.