Santa Maria Rezzonico

The picturesque town of Santa Maria Rezzonico is clustered along the lake shore at the food of Mt Bregagno. In the "middle section" of Lake Como, it's a small former fishing village that enjoys a pretty setting. The laid-back atmosphere and beach make it a relaxing place.

Roman origins marked the area, and an ancient stone marker dedicated to the god Neptune was found here. The church of Santa Maria Assunta was built in the 14th century and has Gothic arches on its ornate facade. There are some beautiful paintings and altarpiece inside.

The profile of Santa Maria Rezzonico is punctuated by the prominent castle that sits above it. The heavy stone construction, tower and crenellated roofline give an impressive view. Just below it is the Giardino del Merlo, a botanic garden precariously perched on the side of the cliff. It was built by the wealthy and influential Manzi family in the 1800s. Nearby is the Villa Camilla, a stately villa with manicured park in a panoramic position that was built in the 1800s.

The town is a cluster of stone buildings and narrow lanes with colonnades, archways, and stairways meandering among them. There are a handful of stores, coffee bars and restaurants to enjoy, with other services and shops in neighboring towns like San Siro and Menaggio. There is even a golf course in Menaggio!