Bellagio I, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

Bellagio, also known as "the pearl of Lake Como", is a town located on Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. It is well known for its location on the intersection of the three branches of the Y-shaped lake - with Bellagio located on the tip of the peninsula which separates the lake's two southern arms.

There is evidence which suggests that there was a human presence in Bellagio and surrounding areas in the Paleolithic Period (about 30,000 years ago), in the 7th to 5th centuries BC there was a place of worship and trade for the many small villages along the side of the lake.

During Roman times, Lake Como took on an important role. Olive trees and the laurel were introduced to the area by the Romans, which are still found in abundance on the shores of Lake Como.


The Romans were responsible for the town's development as a holiday resort which has continued to this day. In letters by Pliny the Younger (c61AD - 112AD), he describes the time he spent in his Bellagio villa where he enjoyed the pleasures of hunting and fishing.

Bellagio I, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy by OldeWorldGifts

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Vintage photomechanical print of Bellagio on Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy, which was taken at the end of the 19th century. Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-06439). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this beautiful vintage photochrom.