Lake Garda, Lake Como and Lake Maggiore

The people of Milan have a destination in mind at the weekend. They either head for the Riviera or one of the lakes: Lake Maggiore and Lake Como are the coveted ‘places to be’ for Milanese high society, as are Lake Lugano and Lake Iseo. Those who can afford it own a cottage there, or at least a flat, or are the proud owners of one of the time-honoured villas. But it is not only in the Italian metropolis that people appreciate the charm of the lakes of northern Italy. The people of Munich also know what they’re getting out of it: their favourite lake is Lago di Garda, Lake Garda.

Since the 16th century, Lake Como has attracted aristocrats, celebrities and famous artists. More than one of its picturesque villages has also inspired the odd author to dream. The great Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni set his novel *The Betrothed* on Lake Como. The ‘Prince of German Poets’

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe paid tribute to Lake Garda in his *Italian Journey*. And in 2016, art-loving audiences around the world gazed spellbound for 16 days at Lake Iseo and Christo’s installation *The Floating Piers*.