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Last Updated: Sep 14th, 2008 - 22:35:57 |
Italy's Lake Como could be the destination for star-struck lovers this year, as rumours grow of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's imminent wedding.
Gossip spread after locals noticed significant movement around Syirana-star George Clooney's home in the region. Neither the ex-ER celeb, Mr Pitt or Ms Jolie have acknowledged the rumours.
The megastars aren't the first to head for the region. Gwen Stefani decided to shoot the video for single Cool on the lake in last year, while other celebrities such as Sylvester Stallone and Madonna have the boosted its profile through buying houses there.
If Brad and Angelina do choose to use George's home, then they're in for a treat. Lake Como and the nearby town of the same name are places of architectural and geographic beauty - the ideal place to spend a honeymoon in a peace and tranquillity, paparazzi notwithstanding.
Lake Como itself is somewhat of an oddity, being shaped like an upside down Y. It is the third largest lake in the country and one of Europe's deepest.
The body of water is banked by three major towns - Colico in the north and Como and Lecco in the southwest and southeast respectively. They are surrounded by a gorgeous Alpine landscape, lining the water's banks.
The best way to see the lake would be to stay in one of the areas which sit alongside the lake. Como itself offers many attractions and beautiful views of the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the landscape while accompanied by the creature comforts of the town.
A cablecar, or "funivia", is available uphill from Como to Brunate, offering fantastic views of the town and the lake. Those who want to work for their view may prefer to take the footpath to Monte Boletto.
But the town is as picturesque on the ground as it is in the sky. At the centre of Como is Piazza San Fedele. Contained within the old city walls, the piazza includes many 400-year-old buildings such as the basilica and the impressive standing tower Porta Vittoria.
Como's cathedral is also worth visiting, said to be one of the best examples of transitional architecture, mixing 18th century and gothic styles. All these buildings stand in great contrast to the Casa del Fascio, an office block which also doubles as one of the earliest examples of modern architectural styles in Europe.
Once you've seen everything in Como, it would be well worth renting a car to visit the other settlements located across the banks of the lake. Up the western side of the lake is the Tempio Voltiano - a temple built with marble pillars and floors, which doubles up as a museum dedicated to the inventor of the battery, Alessandro Volta.
If you're in Italy during July then you may want to visit Lake Como's only island, Isola Comacina. On July 24th St John's Day is noted on the island with a colourful costume parade and night-time fireworks.
Another popular resort is Menaggio. The town features an array of outdoor activities such as 18-hole golf course and great opportunities for mountain biking, walking, swimming and riding.
On the southern shore of the lake is Bellaggio, a town considered by some to be one of the most attractive on the continent. It features winding cobbled passages, beautiful villas, gardens and great views of the surrounding area.
Nearby Varenna is similarly beautiful with gorgeous winding alleyways. Visitors can get superior views of the lake from here, at the Castello de Vezio.
For those looking for a great Italian get-away this year, then Lake Como is a must.
Call Global Holidays on 0870 1999038 for details of holidays to Lake Como or the rest of Italy.
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