Page 62 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

60 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

ª From Como, head north on SS340,
the lakeside road signposted for
Cernobbio. Through the village and
past the luxury hotel Villa d’Este,
branch off onto the SP71 or Via
Vecchia Regina.
2 Vecchia Regina: the SP71
Como, Lombardia
This narrow, winding road shows Lake
Como in all its splendour. Running
along the water’s edge, the route
weaves past private jetties, glorious
retreats and splendid gardens built
by European aristocrats and wealthy
industrialists over the last few hundred
Above View from behind Bellagio out over Lake years. Villa owners have included opera
Como to Varenna Below left Church of the 1 Como composer Vincenzo Bellini, fashionista
Madonna del Soccorso overlooking Menaggio Como, Lombardia; 22100 Gianni Versace and, recently, Hollywood
Below right Inside the Church of the Madonna The comfortable provincial town of film star George Clooney. Most of the
del Soccorso at the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio Como sits on the southern tip of the traffic takes the faster SS340, away
western arm of Lake Como. It is best from the lake, so drivers on this road
VISITING COMO enjoyed by wandering the cobbled, are free to enjoy the views, stop to
Parking criss-crossing grid of narrow lanes, explore the little hamlets or peek
Follow signs to a central multi-storey car a reminder of its Roman origins, and into the celebrity-owned gardens.
park rather than look for an expensive by taking in the lake vistas from ª Rejoin SS340, just before Brienno,
roadside space with jacketed attendant. the promenade or on the hill above and continue north to Ossuccio. Turn
Tourist Information town in Brunate (see p63). An ancient left to the Santuario just after a bend
Via Pretorio, 22100; 031 304137; www. silk-producing town, Como is a good in the centre of the village. Park at the
visitcomo.eu; closed Mon
place to shop for silk products. end of the road in the little square at
In the main piazza, close to the the bottom of the grassy footpath.
WHERE TO STAY harbour, the Duomo is a pleasing mix
of Gothic and Renaissance styles with 3 Sacro Monte di Ossuccio
COMO a Baroque dome. Next door is the Como, Lombardia; 22016
Del Duca moderate medieval broletto (market hall) built Set in the folds of the hills above
This comfortable three-star hotel has in striped marble. Around the corner, the lake, the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio
en suite air-conditioned rooms and a the strong lines and functional style is one of a series of UNESCO-
good-value restaurant, Le Colonne.
Piazza Mazzini 12, 22100; 031 264 859; of the Casa del Fascio, completed in recognized Sacred Mountains built
www.albergodelduca.it; closed Jan 1936 by architect Giuseppe Terragni, across Northern Italy in the 17th cen-
is one of the finest examples of tury. Climb up through olive groves,
AROUND MENAGGIO Rationalist architecture in the country. past 14 chapels – each containing
La Marianna inexpensive-moderate
This inviting family-run hotel has eight
traditional rooms, most with lake views.
Via Regina 57, Cadenabbia di Griante,
22011 (on SS340, 3 km/2 miles south
of Menaggio); 0344 43 095;
www.la-marianna.com
Regina Teodolinda expensive
Set in lovely grounds, this carefully
restored villa is serene, luxurious and
has its own small swimming pool.
Via Vecchia Regina 58, Laglio,
22010 (on SS340, 21 km/13 miles south
of Menaggio); 031 400 031;
www.villareginateodolinda.com
BELLAGIO
Belvedere expensive
This hotel offers lake views, gardens, a
pool, spacious rooms and parking too.
Via Valassina 31, 22021; 031 950 410;
www.belvederebellagio.com; closed
Nov–Easter
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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