Lake Como
| Lake Como | |
|---|---|
Bathymetric map | |
| Location | Lombardy, Italy |
| Coordinates | 46°00′N 9°16′E / 46.000°N 9.267°E |
| Type | Glacial lake |
| Primary inflows | Adda, Mera |
| Primary outflows | Adda |
| Catchment area | 4,509 km2 (1,741 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Italy, Switzerland |
| Max. length | 46 km (29 mi) |
| Max. width | 4.5 km (2.8 mi) |
| Surface area | 146 km2 (56 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 154 m (505 ft) |
| Max. depth | 425 m (1,394 ft) |
| Water volume | 22.5 km3 (18.2 million acre⋅ft) |
| Residence time | 5.5 years |
| Shore length1 | 160 km (99 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 198 m (650 ft) |
| Islands | Isola Comacina |
| Settlements | Como, Lecco (see section) |
| References | |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
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Lake Como (Italian: Lago di Como [ˈlaːɡo di ˈkɔːmo], locally [ˈkoːmo]) also known as Lario, is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 km2 (56 sq mi), making it the third-largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. At over 400 metres (1,300 ft) deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. Its characteristic "Y" shape resulted from the movement of the ancient Adda glacier, which was diverted by the mountainous terrain and carved the three branches.
Located at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocracy and the wealthy since Roman times, and a major tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. Its shores are dotted with numerous villas and palaces, such as Villa Olmo, Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Carlotta, known for their historic architecture and elaborate gardens. The mild, humid climate, influenced by the lake, supports a diverse range of subtropical plants as well as traditional Mediterranean crops like olives. The surrounding mountains host typical Alpine flora and fauna. A significant religious site is the Sacro Monte di Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Como's strategic location facilitated trade during the Roman era and subsequent periods, but also made it a site of conflict through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The area became renowned for its silk industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, contributing to the region's prosperity. Today, the economy relies heavily on tourism, manufacturing, and craftsmanship. However, the lake's popularity has led to significant challenges related to overtourism, impacting local infrastructure, environment, and communities. Lake Como remains an important cultural reference, featuring in literature, film, and music.