Did you know that Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe? It’s also one of the oldest lakes, dating back around two million years. And it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy because of beautiful hotels with lake views, such as the newly renovated Lake Como mandarin oriental.
But there are some things about Lake Como that most locals don’t know. Here are some facts about Lake Como that are interesting and weird:
- There are more than 50 lakes in the area, but there is only one Lake Como
Lake Como is the deepest and most significant of the Italian lakes, measuring more than 400 meters deep in some parts. Located at the foothills of the Alps, the lake is also one of the clearest in all of Europe.The surrounding mountains make it a very popular destination tourists worldwide. There are a few different theories about how Lake Como got its name. One is that it was named after the city of Como, which is located on its shores. Another theory is that it was named after the Roman god Mercury, who was said to have had a temple on the lake’s shore.
- The lake is shaped like an inverted Y
The two arms of which reach up into the Alpine foothills while the center of the lake lies in a deep basin. Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times and a very popular tourist destination for much longer. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Europe, and its shores are dotted with attractive villas and towns.
- It’s fed by several rivers, including the river Adda
Also, Prealps water, which forms an effluent that flows south for about 45 km before reaching the Po River delta. The lake has several different climates, from continental to alpine, thanks to its location between two mountain chains. As a result, it experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year. Lake Como also has several different types of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and marshlands.
- The lake is home to some of the world’s rarest fish, including the albino trout
The albino trout is a truly unique fish. It is believed to be one of the rarest fish in the world, and it is a sight to behold. The albino trout is native to the lake Como region in Italy and is truly a beauty. The albino trout has a white body with pink eyes, and it is a stunning fish. It is a rare find, and it is worth checking out if you are ever in the area.
- Lake Como was once part of the Roman Empire
The emperor Claudius had a villa built here, soon becoming a popular spot for the wealthy to make their own homes. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Lombards ruled Lake Como. In the 12th century, Como became a free commune, and in 1169 it was conquered by Frederick Barbarossa. The city then became a part of the Duchy of Milan. In 1797, Napoleon invaded Italy and conquered Lombardy. Como was annexed to the French Empire, but after Napoleon’s defeat in 1815, it became part of the Austrian-ruled Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. When Italy was unified in 1861, Como became part of the new kingdom.
It has been a popular spot for aristocrats and celebrities since the 18th century. The Lake Como area is home to many beautiful villas, some of which are open to the public. The most famous Villa on Lake Como is Villa Carlotta, built in the 17th century. Other notable villas include Villa Balbianello, Villa d’Este, and Villa Melzi.
- Lake Como was the setting for the movie “Ocean’s Eleven”
In the movie “Ocean’s Eleven,” Danny Ocean and his eleven accomplices attempt to rob three casinos simultaneously. The casinos are all located in Las Vegas, but the group decides to scope out their targets from Lake Como in Italy. During their time in Lake Como, the group comes up with an intricate plan to pull off the heist. Although the movie is set in Lake Como, it was filmed in California. Some locations used were The Mirage, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace. The crew also shot some scenes in Italy, but most of the film was in California.
- The lake is also home to some of the world’s most expensive real estate
In fact, the average price of a house in Como is around $2 million. The Lake Como area is also home to some of the world’s most famous celebrities. George Clooney, for example, owns Villa Oleandra, a manificant 18th century palace in the small city of Laglio.
These are some of the things worth knowing when visiting the beautiful Lake Como region. Whether you will be accommodated in Varenna, Como or Tremezzo, be sure to take long walks near the lake, and take in the unique atmosphere. What are other things you personally didn’t know about Lake Como and found out about them when you visited the region?
