Seven Books about Lake Como to Buy on Amazon

111 places to visit on Lake Como

This book is a perfect find for those who wish to travel like a local. Apart from must-visit places, there are hidden gems that could be difficult to find. The curious thing is that it talks not only about the places but also about the people who live and work on Lake Como. With the help of the book, one can easily find small shops, botteghe, and understand the local traditions. This guide will reveal new places to first-time travellers, but also to frequent visitors of Lake Como.

Available in Italian.

Discovering the secret of Lake Como and its neighbouring

This book is written by the Italian journalist Franco Bartolini, who worked for the daily “Corriere di Como”. Together with his Canon camera, he has discovered many hidden places and treasures of lake Como which he illustrates in his book. The book is full of beautiful photos, legends and stories about art, nature and history. For example, there is the story of the witches and the inquisitions on Lake Como, Villa Pliniana and Villa Olmo, where the dramatic love story between Garibaldi and the young marchioness Giuseppina Raimondi began. The author is a real master of the written word, and his way of telling stories arouses in readers curiosity and interest. The book will definitely be interesting for both tourists and locals alike.

Available both in Italian and in English.

50 Villas of Lake Como

This book is written by Francesca Trabella, a freelance journalist and writer, and answers the key W-questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why? There are a lot of curiosities about the architecture and the history behind the charming residences. This book can be a perfect guide during a boat ride, as most villas are best seen from the lake’s waters. The book includes the most famous villas such as Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlota as well as some less known.

Available in English.

Italian gardens of Lake Como

This book is written by Lucia Impelluso, an architectural historian, winner of different awards in Italy and France. The study of historical gardens became her lifework. In this book, the author describes Lake Como’s most charming villas and gardens and explains why the noble families chose to move their residence to the Lake.
Panoramic photographs immerse readers in the atmosphere and the beauty of fourteen of Lake Como’s charming villas and gardens.
This is a must-have book for those who love landscapes, design, and architecture.

Available in English.

The green side of Lake Como

This book invites you to explore the green parks and gardens that decorate the historic villas of Lake Como. The author takes the readers on a voyage through the green alchemy of the gardens, unseen panoramas, depicting the history of the green spaces of the lake. The book contains unique photos from the gardens of 14 villas on Lake Como. Some of the parks covered in the book are privately owned and not accessible to the public.

Available in both English and Italian. 

Grand interiors of Lake Como

This book opens the doors to some of the fascinating villas of Lake Como. With charming photos and brief narratives, the book tells the history of the architecture, ornamentation and furnishings of 9 magnificent villas such as Villa Pizzo, Villa Pliniana, Villa Balbiano, Villa Monastero and others.

Available in English and Italian.

History of Como from the origins to the present day

This book is written by Ettore Maria Peron, author, editor and touristic guide, who also owns a small hotel on the lake.
Como is a small city: yet, since ancient times, it dared to stand up first to barbarians, then to its uncomfortable neighbour, the overbearing Milan, and even to Spanish, French and Austrian occupations. There are intrigues and alliances, betrayals and struggles, destruction and rebirth, which Como had to go through. With this book, the author tried to condense the long history of Como and Lake Como’s city and put it in a way that captivates the reader’s imagination.

Available in Italian.

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