Top 12 Natural Monuments around Lago di Como
Best natural monuments around Lago di Como include a variety of geological formations and protected areas. Lago di Como is a deep, glacial lake with a distinctive "Y" shape, resulting from fluvial erosion and glacial scouring. Its geological origins trace back to repeated glaciations, which modified a pre-existing river valley system. The lake is over 400 meters deep in some parts, making it one of the deepest in Europe.
Best natural monuments around Lago di Como
- The most popular natural…
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Nesso Gorge
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Villa Olmo
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The name of the villa goes back to a huge elm tree (Olmo), which according to legend was planted by Pliny the Younger and once adorned …
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Park and Villa del Balbianello
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Lake Como
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Lake Como, with a depth of no less than 410 meters, is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. During the Ice …
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Life Electric by Daniel Libeskind
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Some facts about Como and its beautiful lake: Lake Como, with a depth of no less than 410 meters, is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. During the Ice Age, the basin was carved out so deeply by glaciers that the lake bed lies more than 200 meters below sea level. In antiquity and the Middle Ages, the lake was a crucial, but dangerous, transport route. Archaeologists still regularly find Roman amphorae and shipwrecks on the bottom, which were used at the time to illegally smuggle goods and silk past customs posts. Isola Comacina, the only island in the lake, was completely destroyed in 1169 after a bloody war. The bishop of Como pronounced a curse: anyone who built or ate there would die a horrible death. Only in 1947 was the "curse" ritually broken by a restaurant owner, whose restaurant still operates successfully today. Does a secret Nazi treasure lie in the waters of Lake Como? Shortly before his arrest in 1945, Benito Mussolini tried to flee to Switzerland with a column of German army vehicles. According to legend, the "Treasure of Dongo" – millions in gold, jewels, and government money – was thrown into Lake Como at the time and has never been fully recovered. Finally, the world-famous physicist Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery (volt), was born and raised in Como. The iconic neoclassical temple Tempio Voltiano on the shore in Como was built specifically to protect his earliest scientific instruments.
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Artwork by Daniel Libeskind. The work brings together the elements – light, wind, and water. It is an installation and an ideal and physical gateway.
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Lake Como, or "Il Lago di Como" in Italian, is the third-largest lake in northern Italy, with a surface area of 146 km². It is surrounded by the peaks of the Alps, including the highest mountain, Monte Legnone, on the northwestern shore at 2,615 meters.
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At the end of the beach promenade there is "suddenly" a huge building: Villa Olmo. Imposing park with a panoramic view of Como. The bike has to be pushed.
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Beautiful road on the lake, from Nesso you take the famous climb towards Colma di Sormano, and there is also a very beautiful ravine.
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The monument “The Life Electric”, in honor of Alessandro Volta, will be erected in the middle of the first basin of Lake Como, on the last circular part of the breakwater opposite Cavour Square. Star architect Daniel Libeskind is the man behind the work: sleek, linear and deeply context-driven. At approximately 16.50 m tall, it resembles two sine waves opposing each other as they play on reciprocating curves and movements. The work itself interweaves energetic and scientific elements with natural elements. It marks the third pole of the area, as it is located between the Brunate Lighthouse and the Temple with Public Gardens, two other works dedicated, not coincidentally, to Volta. "Life Electric is inspired by the electrical voltage that occurs between the two poles of a battery, Volta's great gift to humanity. The form of this work emerged from my in-depth research into the representation of architectural energy. The piece combines the natural elements of light, wind and water. An installation, a physical and ideal gateway to the 21st century. Source: https://www.visitcomo.eu/en/discover/monuments/monuments-from-900/life-electric/index.html
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Villa Olmo is a perfect example of Italian neoclassical style. Its elegance and charm didn’t go unnoticed by Napoleon Bonaparte and Giuseppe Garibaldi, who were two of the most notable guests of the villa. The villa began restoration work in early 2024, so its interior will not be open to visitors for about a couple of years. The gardens that surround it are open all throughout the year. Learn more here: https://lakecomotravel.com/villa-olmo-lake-como/
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments around Lago di Como?
Visitors frequently enjoy the dramatic Nesso Gorge, where two streams meet and cascade into the lake. The elegant Park and Villa del Balbianello, with its terraced gardens and stunning lake views, is also highly regarded. Additionally, the historic Villa Olmo offers a beautiful park setting with a neoclassical temple and fountain.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit near Lago di Como?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The parks of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Olmo offer pleasant walks and open spaces. The Villa Melzi d'Eril Gardens are also a great option for a relaxed family outing amidst beautiful scenery.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Lago di Como?
Lago di Como is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore deep gorges like the Orrido di Bellano with its dramatic rock formations and waterfalls, vast wetlands such as the Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Natural Reserve, and imposing mountain peaks like Monte San Primo and Monte Palanzone offering panoramic views. The lake itself, with its distinctive 'Y' shape and glacial origins, is a significant natural monument.
Do any natural monuments around Lago di Como also have historical significance?
Absolutely. Many sites blend natural beauty with rich history. The Park and Villa del Balbianello, for instance, was once a Franciscan monastery and has been featured in major films. Villa Olmo, a neoclassical masterpiece, has hosted historical figures like Napoleon. The Spina Verde Regional Park also combines ancient forests with historical sites like Baradello Castle.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of Lago di Como?
For unparalleled panoramic views, consider hiking up Monte San Primo, the highest mountain in the Larian Triangle, which offers clear observations of the lake's distinctive 'Y' shape. Monte Palanzone also provides rewarding hikes with excellent vistas, recognizable by its unique summit chapel. Monte Generoso offers expansive views not only of Lake Como's northern reaches but also the broader Alpine landscape and neighboring Lake Lugano.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments of Lago di Como?
The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging climbs, particularly in areas like the Northern Grigna Regional Park or Spina Verde Regional Park. For more specific routes, check out the Hiking around Lago di Como guide. The Albano Valley Park is popular for trekking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. You can also find running and gravel biking routes; explore the Running Trails around Lago di Como or Gravel biking around Lago di Como guides for options.
Are there hiking trails near these natural monuments?
Yes, many natural monuments are surrounded by or accessible via hiking trails. For example, the Spina Verde Regional Park offers well-maintained paths through forests and meadows. The Northern Grigna Regional Park provides rugged landscapes with routes leading to mountain refuges. You can find detailed information on trails like the 'Lake Como Greenway' or 'Sentiero del Viandante' in the Hiking around Lago di Como guide.
What is the Orrido di Bellano and why is it worth visiting?
The Orrido di Bellano is a 15-million-year-old gorge carved by the Pioverna River, featuring dramatic rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and a mystical atmosphere. It's worth visiting for its unique and immersive natural experience, distinct from the lake's calm elegance. Wooden walkways, tunnels, and bridges allow visitors to explore its depths, and its accessibility from Bellano town makes it a convenient and memorable excursion.
What is the significance of the Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Natural Reserve?
The Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Natural Reserve is a significant wetland area located between Lake Como and Val Chiavenna. It is a paradise for birdwatchers, serving as a crucial stopover for numerous migratory species. As a Site of Community Importance within the European Ecological Network 'Natura 2000,' it plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and offers a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts.
Can I find natural monuments that are suitable for birdwatching?
Yes, the Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Natural Reserve is an excellent destination for birdwatching. This significant wetland area is a crucial stopover for numerous migratory species, offering a tranquil and immersive experience for ornithology enthusiasts.
What is the best season to visit the natural monuments around Lago di Como?
The best seasons to visit are generally spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these times, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, the landscapes are vibrant, and the crowds are typically smaller than in peak summer. Summer (July and August) is also popular, but can be hot and more crowded.
Are there any natural monuments that are also protected areas?
Yes, several natural monuments around Lago di Como are protected areas. These include the Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Natural Reserve, the Spina Verde Regional Park, the Albano Valley Park and Adda River Natural Reserve, and the Northern Grigna Regional Park. These areas are dedicated to preserving the region's unique biodiversity and natural landscapes.
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