Menaggio- The perfect location:
Menaggio is about half way up the western side of Lago Como, an attractive and thriving town in the summer months and little more quiet in the winter! Accessible by car from Como at the south end of the lake, or Lugano in Switzerland, across the pass via Porlezza (340) above Menaggio but also by ferry from Bellagio and Varenna (where there is a train from Milan). The heart of the 'old' town gathered around Piazza Garibaldi close to Menaggio's harbour features mostly 19th century buildings in the Italian alpine style painted in muted tones. The higher part of the town has a more medieval aspect featuring narrow alleys, steep stairs and stone buildings. The old and 'new', the shops, restaurants, cafes, public squares and alleyways, the tree shaded lakeshore promenades bordered by flowers, and the well-kept villas form a wonderful and serene place to holiday.
Menaggio, although peaceful and relaxing (sit in the square and watch the pace of life) there's is still lots to do.
Historically Significant:
Historically this area was originally settled during the Bronze Age by the Gauls, but subsequently conquered by the Romans who established a defensive fort and colony where Menaggio now sits. The town was linked to by a major Roman highway, the Via Regina, to other parts of the Empire over the Alps and the Southern territories.
Because of Menaggios' strategic location on the Via Regina, during medieval times, Menaggio was surrounded by walls (remnants of which still exist),towers, castles and various other fortifications, which historians visit this region of Lake Como to explore.
Centuries later citizens of Menaggio were actively involved in a process (the Risorgimento) a process that in 1805 culminated in the annexation of the region of Lombardia by the Kingdom of Sardegna.
Walks, Talks and Guides :
Menaggio has numerous local guides who will take you out on the lake (the northern stretches of Lake Como are spectacular). The Menaggio-Cadenabbia Golf Club is about 5km from the town and quite a wonderful place to play a round. Its hard to believe that a Golf course of such excellence can be built in such a mountainous region. Visit the information centre on the square for lots of information on local walks.
As Menaggio is linked by ferry to all parts of the Lake and Varenna has a train service, cars are not necessary and the wonders of traveling by water transport can be thoroughly enjoyed.
marks the location of the property in Lake Como
