Como Lakeshore Walking Tour (Self Guided), Como

English novelist Mary Shelley declared visitors to Italy are in danger of becoming: "enjoyers of the beauties of nature, the elegance of art, the delights of climate, the recollections of the past, and the pleasures of society." All this she found on the shores of Lake Como. From Roman writer Pliny the Younger onward, visitors and natives of Como would have agreed.

The alpine lake is shaped like the Chinese symbol "person" or an inverted letter "Y." Como nestles in the toe of the left leg. The city of Lecco is at the bottom of the right leg. The Como lakeshore is famous for the handsome villas and mansions that line its shores.

The lakeshore has an international ambiance. Along the shore promenade, one encounters an upscale marina and a hydroplane "airport." Swimming and water sports are great, and numerous wayside paths invite hiking in the hills. A lakeshore walk is best starting from the Piazza Cavour, a great meeting place and convenient to the promenade.

Among the grand villas, palaces, and monuments on the shore is the Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical monument honoring Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery and a native of Como. The modernistic Life Electric monument also honors Volta. At one end of the harbor are the lush gardens of Villa Olmo, a palace and museum.

One can visit attractions around the lake by hopping on and off any of the many boats and ferries. The neoclassical Volta Museum is on the shore near the futurist War Memorial to the Fallen. Near the museums are the lakeside gardens, a popular place for strolling. The gardens are a venue for festivals and musical events.

Mary Shelly wrote about her "Rambles" in Italy. She maintained nothing lifted her spirits more than hearing Italian and descending the alpine slopes to Lake Como.