• Lakes
    • Art & Culture
    • Active & Green

Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

Visit the "Balcony on the Alps".

It is hard to look away from Lake Como and its shores, but trust us, it is quite worth the trouble.

Just head to De Gasperi square, where since 1894 a funicular goes above rocky cliffs to reach Brunate, located at a 700 meters altitude, providing an astonishing view of Lake Como.

Brunate is best known as "the lake's balcony" due to the splendid scenery that it proposes. It used to be a preferred holiday destination for Como and Milan's aristocracy, which built Liberty style houses here. You can watch them all during a relaxing walk: start with the former Hotel Brunate, then go through via Roma to reach the Chalet Sonzogno, a wooden building given as a third prize to the readers of the newspaper Il Secolo in 1904.

Not far from there is Villa Cantaluppi Giuliani, with its Liberty style furnishings and the distinct bow-windows of Villa Crespi Bianchioco. At the funicular square spires the Grand Hotel Milano, designed by architect Enea Manfredini. This can be the perfect starting point for beautiful itineraries. Several trekking and hiking routes that lead to Pissarottino or Como, passing by the San Donato Hermitage.

You can also make a trip to Monte Piatto and see the ancient boulder-tombs excavated in glacial rocks, plus the curious monument of Pietra Pendula, which looks like a massive mushroom. Take the chance to visit Torno, where the church of San Giovanni can be seen and you can get on a boat to explore the lake.

Take me here: Brunate a view on the Belle Époque

On the same topic

Lake Iseo From Shore to Shore by Boat

  • Lakes
Lake Iseo From Shore to Shore by Boat

The Lombardy Shore of Lake Maggiore — Exploring historic villages

Discovering the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore, a region characterised by hills, dense reeds, archaeological finds and enchanting villages for you to visit.
  • Lakes
The Lombardy Shore of Lake Maggiore — Exploring historic villages

Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes
  • Lakes
 Immersioni sui laghi lombardia @inlombardia - istockphoto

5 Thing-to-do in Gravedona

Visit Gravedona ed Uniti, a cozy town in North Lake Como
  • Lakes
gravedona

5 Thing-to-do in Colico

The perfect place for your outdoor holiday on Lake Como
  • Lakes
colico cose da fare

3 LAKES TRAVEL CARD

Through Italy and Switzerland discovering the lakes area.
  • Lakes
3 LAKES TRAVEL CARD

Lecco in Spring

In the spring Lake Lecco offers many landscape, historical and architectural ideas, come and visit them!
  • Lakes
Walking among villas, parks and botanic gardens

Vacation at Lombardy Lakes

The Lombardy lakes offer quality services and accommodation for every type of holiday.
  • Lakes
Vacation at Lombardy lakes, ideas for planning

Lake Como in 5 Villas

Como, Varenna, Bellagio. Go for Villas on Lake Como, discovering enchanted gardens and work of art
  • Lakes
Lake Como in 5 Villas

Lake Como in spring

Discovering Lake Como, among blooming wisteria, idyllic landscapes and crystal clear waters.
  • Lakes
Visiting the Villas by boat

Discover Alto Garda bresciano

Towns perched on cliffs over the water, with dizzy views. And roads dug out of the rock, as harsh as…
  • Lakes
www.livelagodigarda.it

Angling

If you like fishing, in Lombardy you will be spoiled for choice on where to launch the hook.
  • Lakes
Angling

Lago Maggiore Artist’s brushstrokes

Trompe l’oeil frescos, five centuries of pictorial cycles, spontaneous and organised murals: colour is everywhere in and around Laveno Mombello
  • Lakes
Lago Maggiore Pennellate d'artista

Guide to the seven lakes of Varese province

  • Lakes
Panorama del Lago di Varese e Comabbio dal Forte d'Orino

Discover the lakes of Brianza - Greenland

  • Lakes
Laghi Brianza (Ph: shutterstock)

the archaelogical palimpsest of Comacina

We explore the island of Comacina on Lake Como.
  • Lakes
Comacina Island, Lake Como

Lake Maggiore

The Doll Museum. The villages and the districts. Trekking, horse riding and water sports. Advice for experiencing Lake Maggiore
  • Lakes
Vivere il Lago Maggiore

Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Centomiglia: the most important sailing event in Garda and known throughout Europe.
  • Lakes
Centomiglia, sailing challenge on the Garda

Como Photo Gallery

Ideas and ideas for your holiday on the lake.
  • Lakes
Como and its Lake from a to Z hits for an unforgettable vacation

5 Thing-to-do in Domaso

An amazing place for your active holiday on Lake Como
  • Lakes
domaso cose fare