Bellagio (Comasco: Belàs) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Como in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is situated on Lake Como, known also by its Latin name Lario, where the lake’s two southern arms branch, creating the Triangolo lariano. Bellagio’s location at the tip of this promontory, looking out across the lake’s northern arm towards the Alps, has long been noted for its scenic beauty. Bellagio is part of the Comunità montana del Triangolo lariano, headquartered in Canzo.
Bellagio, often called the Pearl of Lake Como, is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance as a tourist destination. Tourism is fundamental to Bellagio’s economy, supporting local businesses and contributing to the preservation of its cultural heritage. The town’s historic center and villas like Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi d’Eril attract visitors throughout the year. Bellagio’s recognition extends beyond Italy and inspired the name of the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Bellagio’s historic center, known as the Borgo, is situated 350 meters (1,150 ft) southwest of the promontory’s tip, between Villa Serbelloni and the Como arm of the lake. A park and marina occupy the promontory’s furthest point. Three streets, Mazzini, Centrale, and Garibaldi, run parallel to the shore in ascending order. Seven medieval stone stairways (“salite”) intersect these streets, climbing uphill. The Basilica of San Giacomo and the Torre delle Arti Bellagio, a medieval tower, are located in a piazza at the top of the Borgo.
The traditional dish of Bellagio is Tóch, a polenta dish mixed with butter and cheese, eaten with a wooden spoon and accompanied by dried lake fish, cold stuffed chicken, or homemade salami. Red wine is typically shared from a communal jug. Desserts include miasca, a cornflour and dried fruit cake; Pan meino, made with white and yellow flour, eggs, butter, milk, and elderflowers; and paradèl, a wafer made of white flour, milk, and sugar.
