2009 05 23 Bellagio - Touring the Hamlets

This morning we visited Bellagio's local Tourist Information office for advice on walking tours. They were happy to provide us with a map for a self-guided walk. Our tour was of the Hamlets on the Eastern side of Bellagio. Temps were pleasant and cool when we started the day and it took us a little over 3 hours to complete our walk. By the time we were finished the temperature was plenty hot. Funny how that happens.
















The first area we visited was Pescallo and Oliverio. The areas of the Oliveria and Grena offered stunning views of the Lecco Branch of Lake Como and the olive plantings of Villa Guilia. Next we walked through the hamlets of Regatola and Martino. Then it was on to view the Villa Guilla, built in 1624 for a proto-physicist Eudemio Camozio. By the end of the 18th Century the property was acquired by Count Pietro Venini, a native of Bellagio, and was completely reconstructed in honor of his wife. After viewing the villa we hiked up a narrow cobbled path (the Via Cavada.) Then we headed further up the mountain to a point called Localita Pino in the hamlet of Visgnola.













We wander down cobblestone walkways, make our way through overgrown treking paths on the hillside and cross busy streets - up steep hills and down again to view some of the old peasant homes where the original structures are still intact. We passed through the hamlets of Casate, Suira and Taronico. We visited the Church of San Martino (dating from the 15th Century - well 1510 precisely) and to the Church of San Vito which dates from 1593. As we continue we pass more homes, gardens and beautiful views of Bellagio's promontory.












Our trek took us to places that from outward appearances haven't seen foot traffic for some time. The views were very lovely and enjoyable.

Another significant church was the Church of S. Maria Annunciata in Breno dating to the 16th century.

As we made our way down the mountain we viewed the ancient "wash house" which has recently been restored. This was where local housewives did their washing. The water in the huge stone tubs is the same that flows from the Avelli fountain in the church square (reputed to have powerful healing powers.)













Our next hamlet was Taronico where we passed by the Latteria di Bellagio - the Dairy Shop. The shop was built in 1933 and the produce from here is made from milok supplied from about a dozen farmers from the Larian Triangle. They graze their cows high in the mountains during summertime, guaranteeing top-quality milk.









The final chuch we viewed was the church of San Carlo Borromeo dating from the 17th Century.

In closing we made our way through the final hamlet of Aureggio, down the mountain into the town square of Bellagio.