Bellagio lies 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 across the crystal blue
waters. Bellagio has been a place of interest throughout history,
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 Italy.
Historic Bellagio
Over the years, Bellagio saw much growth; throughout the
Middle Ages, efforts were made to fortify the city. During the 18th
and 19th centuries, Bellagio was a vital town for the military and
became an important stronghold due to its strategic position on the
peninsula. Buildings of particular note in Bellagio 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 both house various artwork and
relics. In addition to the spectacular interiors, both villas have
opulent grounds, with magnificent views and luscious gardens.