It was left inhabited until it was discovered in the 20th century and went under the responsibility of Brera Academy which had three houses built for artists in a Rationalist style.
TOWARDS THE JETTY OF LENNO
The bridge is on Perlana and we can step back in time to Campo di Lenno: the narrow streets slope down to the lake where there is the entrance of Vila Monastero and Dosso di Lavedo on the right and the camping on the left, all sights of the third stop. Look out for a little deviation to Villa Balbianello. The most diligent ones will follow the Greenway to the Lido of Lenno, walking along the lake among the historical villas, the church of Santo Stefano and the baptistery of San Giovanni before arriving at the jetty for boats and hydrofoils.
THE VILLA THAT ENCHANTED HOLLYWOOD
It is well known that Lake Como is able to enchant Hollywood, in particular, Villa Balbianello of Lenno which featured in two multimillion-dollar American film productions. Let’s step back in time. The villa is now owned by FAI, Fondo Ambiente Italiano, and is located on the top of the peninsula of Lavedo and it was built at the beginning of the 18th century. Afterwards, it was attended by intellectuals and representatives of the Italian Risorgimento. Now it is open from March to November.
The architecture is simple, there is a unique terrace overlooking the lake and dominated by an umbrella-shaped oak tree and a lodge from which you can enjoy a breath-taking sight. It is something unique where you can find aspects of the Italian gardens, English gardens and French gardens. Recently the charm of villa Balbianello has not escaped from the attention of George Lucas. The father of star wars wanted to locate the residence of the Senator Padme Amidala on the “Planet of the lakes” Naboo, in the episode II. The attack of the clones released in 2002. From here even James Bond played by Daniel Craig in Casino Royale stopped at villa Balbianello for a recovery period after having been tortured.
LOOKING FOR TREMEZZO
There is a promenade on the stream Pola connecting Lenno to Tremezzo which is marginally included in this itinerary, whereas going up on a narrow street you can reach Mezzegra. Te parvis of church Sant’ Abbondio offers the pedestrians an idyllic show on the lake and on the promontory of Bellagio.
End of part 3, continued part 4
Italian Lakes: The Greenway Walks - Part 3
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