Today we want to take you to a magical place. While we believe that the entire area of Porlezza and the whole of the Lombrady region for that matter is magical, there is one place that you simply must not miss on any trip to Northern Italy – Bellagio.
Bellagio is a small town (population: 2,945) situated on the extreme cape of the region that divides the Lake Como in two “arms”. The town is known for its rich history and beauty. It is also called “The pearl of lake Como” for a reason.
Its strategic location overlooking all banks of the lake has dictated its history and it has been of importance since before the days of the Roman Empire.
Villas of Bellagio
Bellagio is home to some of the most famous villas in Italy – Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi.
Villa Melzi, built between 1808 and 1815 by the architect Giocondo Albertolli for the duke of Lodi, Francesco Melzi. The villa is one of major focal points of Bellagio with its English style gardens evolving around and along the lake shores.
Villa Melzi in Bellagio
The Magic of the Pearl
But the villas are only a part of the beauty of Bellagio. The real magic happens in the narrow alleyways and the covered passages between buildings. You see Bellagio is a Heaven for art lovers, shopping lovers and anyone who loves classic Italian architecture, beauty and style.
To the tourist staying at Porlezza, lake Como is only 12km away. The best way to reach Bellagio is to drive to Mennagio (and make sure you stop for Gelato there!) and then take the ferry to Bellagio.
The view from the ferry to Bellagio
First of all, the ferry ride is beautiful! The views of the lake side villas, the seagulls accompanying the ferry, the majestic mountains all around will just astound you and it is not uncommon to find most of the passengers standing along the banisters on the outer decks and filming all through the short ferry ride.
Once you get to Bellagio, start by walking to the right along the promenade and soak in the views of the villas, the lake and the flowers all around.
 Bellagio |  Bellagio |  Bellagio Promenade |
Then go back to the main piazza and select any of the little alleyways going up. Bellagio is built on a hill so all the alleyways are full of stairs going up and down and sideways. Along all these alleys and little covered passages between the buildings that connect them are full of little shops with the most colorful and amazing items. From fashion and accessories to home decor and art, specialty jewelry and especially Murano glass items – both decorations and special jewels. There are also lots of antique shops there.
 Murano Glass home decor shop in Bellagio |  Murano Glass in Bellagio |  Murano Glass in Bellagio |  Murano Glass in Bellagio |
From every alley you can see all the way down to the lake and everywhere you look you will find more and more of these little shops, restaurants, bars and sheer beauty.
 A Bellagio alley |  Bellagio |
So when you come to Porlezza and stay at our apartments, be sure to plan at least one day trip to Mennagio and Bellagio.
More pictures of Bellagio can be found on our Pinterest account – follow us there too!
