Cernobbio is one of the most famous and elegant resorts on our lake, well known for its splendid old mansions such as Villa d'Este and the congress and exhibition center Villa Erba.
It lies at the foot of Mount Bisbino and is the starting point for the suggestive Via dei Monti Lariani, a highly recommended hike stretching halfway along the entire western shore of the lake.
One theory about its toponym is related to an old monastery of the Benedictine nuns, whose convent was named cenobio (Coenobium).
In medieval times Cernobbio was a thriving fishing center with legislative autonomy.
It’s however a town with a troubled past: in the 1500s it was totally sacked by the very powerful enemy town of Torno; not even the plague of 1630 was lenient, as Cernobbio was among the hardest damaged towns so that the population was reduced to only 190 souls.
In the 18th century residents witnessed the re-flourishing to fishing activity, but the big change came in the early 19th century. In those years, in fact, both the boom of tourism and the birth of the Weaving Mills Bernasconi transformed the urban planning and the social aspect of Cernobbio: finally the cittadella della seta - silk little city - was born, providing factories and housing for employees.
During World War II, Cernobbio was a strategic foothold for the German armies: Villa Erba became their military depot, the hotel Regina Olga was their headquarters, while Villa d'Este was used as a military hospital
What to see, to visit and things to do in Cernobbio Lake Como
Visit Giardino della Valle
A simple sight-seeing walk passing by the many Art Nouveau Style Villas, which are characteristic of this area, will lead you to the magic Giardino della Valle (the valley garden) which you’ll reach in about 10 minutes’ walk.
The garden was created by Nonna Pupa 30 years ago. She turned a rubbish tip into a wonderful botanical garden, along the banks of the stream Gàrrovo.
It is a real paradise, an oasis of peace and tranquillity with ponds, little bridges, and benches plunged into flowers and decorated with stone and wood carvings.
The garden is set right at the border with the famous park of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este which, at times, is possible to visit.
Read Here about this stunning botanic gardens
Museum, villas, monuments and sights
Events, festivals and music in Cernobbio
Beaches and lidos, where to swim in Cernobbio
Lido of Cernobbio. Official Website HERE
Best treks and scenic hiking trails in Cernobbio
If you want to go trekking, hiking or nordic-walling on Lake Como and discover trails above the Cernobbio mountains, we recommend the team HIKING LAKE COMO. Francesca and Mario are professional and passionate certified guides, as well as enthusiastic local people. Contact here
Come arrivare a Cernobbio
Curiosity and further deepening
Villa Pizzo, in Cernobbio, one of the most fascinating and historically rich residences on Lake Como. Available for guided tours and private events.