Italy in Photos

Passeggiata Lino Gelpi

Situated along the serene western shore of Lake Como, the Passeggiata Lino Gelpi is a highly prized lakeside promenade that gracefully connects the heart of Como’s city center to the elegant Villa Olmo. Stretching approximately a kilometer, this pedestrian-friendly pathway offers stunning views, historical architecture, and delightful tranquility. The promenade takes its name from Lino Gelpi, the courageous mayor of Como from 1956 to 1970. In 1959, he spearheaded the creation of this “romantic walk” by expropriating strips of lakeside gardens from villa landowners, an initiative that, despite local resistance, ultimately gifted residents and visitors alike with public access to a scenic and culturally rich waterfront

As you meander along the promenade, you’re treated to a panorama of graceful neoclassical and 18th-century villas, each with lush gardens and architecture that narrates centuries of Como’s cultural evolution. Among them:

Villa Scacchi-Carminati, adorned with a double loggia and cherubic statuary, built between 1790 and 1793
Villa Saporiti, also called “La Rotonda,” recognized for its Doric columns and elegant circular façade, dating from the late 18th century.
Villa Gallia, standing since the early 17th century, whose lakeside position and well-kept grounds offer peaceful respite.
Villa Parravicini Revel, noteworthy for its neoclassical grandeur and rare private dock.
Villa Volonté, charming with its inviting veranda style.

The walk culminates at Villa Olmo, a grand neoclassical residence designed by Simone Cantoni and set within expansive botanical gardens, this villa and its lakeside lido offer sweeping views and seasonal exhibitions that enrich the promenade’s cultural allure.

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Passeggiata Lino Gelpi is celebrated as one of Como’s most scenic and romantic routes. Reviewers praise its year-round charm, from the fragrant spring wisteria blooms to peaceful winter strolls, finding it both evocatively scenic and refreshingly calm compared to the city’s bustling streets. Families, tourists, and locals alike appreciate the well-kept walkways, resting benches, drinking fountains, and occasional ice cream stands.

Passeggiata Lino Gelpi** is more than a scenic route, it’s a testament to visionary civic planning, romantic vistas, and architectural heritage. Whether you’re longing for reflection, beauty, or simply a memorable stroll, it stands as an incomparable vantage point over Lake Como and the city’s soul.