As of autumn 1998, Bellagio will be found in the U.S. "No way," you say? Well, anything's possible in Las Vegas, where they're just completing the ambitious "transfer". 83 hectares of land along The Strip is being devoted to a second Bellagio, including a replica of Lake Como, complete with waves and "Lucie", those typical lake barges. All this is just the icing on the cake for a new37-floor, 3000 room hotel-casino decorated with Italian antiques. Costs for the project have been estimated at 1,25 billion dollars. Bellagio is one of Lake Como's best-loved and best-known spots. And so it should be! This beautiful promontory extending from the center shoreline dominates all on either side. (Como side and Lecco side equally) Fascination with the area began in Roman times, as evidenced by Roman writer Pliny the Younger (Plinio il Giovane) who had a villa there in the first century AD. More recently, some 200 year's ago, Lombardian nobles such as the Serbelloni and the Melzi d'Eril built incredible villas here, with even more incredible gardens (now open to the public). Many an illustrious guest found their way to an invitation to these lovely homes, among them the writers Parini, Manzoni, Stendhal and Flaubert, several crowned heads of Europe and the composer Liszt, who became involved in a rather passionate affair during an extended stay... Tourism exploded in Bellagio upon the opening of the Hotel Grande Bretagne in 1861 and the Grand Hotel Bellagio in 1872. The area quickly became a focal point for the Belle Epoque's "beautiful people" , particularly among the English lords and Russian princes. It's name was later changed to the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, where JFK was guest in 1963. Bellagio is truly unique! Where else do you find such a lively little village with such elegant shops, so many restaurants and cafes, scenic strolls and a chance to get out on the lake? The hotels and gardens are open from Easter to October. In winter, restaurants and shops are open on weekends. Villa Serbelloni (Rockefeller Foundation NYC) Originally built as a rather noble country residence, the villa passed into the hands of the Conti Serbelloni, who commissioned the splendid park in the early 1800's. The villa was sold to the Gran Hotel Bellagio (now the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni) in the early 1900's and was then turned over to Canadian whisky heiress Ella Walker in 1929. Upon her death, the hotel was passed on to the Rockefeller Foundation in New York which has since turned it into a scientific study center. Its gracious garden, open to the public, occupies a full 70% of the Bellagio promontory. It offers an extraordinary view of both shores of Lake Como. Guided tours are available from Apr.-Oct. at 10:30 and 16:00. Closed Mondays. Villa Melzi At the beginnning of the 1800's, the eminent Milanese Duke Francesco Melzi d'Eril, closely associated with Napoleon, wanted to have a villa built in keeping with his high standing. The resulting neoclassical structure is preceded by the astounding sight of a staircase covered in azaleas. A choice strech of land on the west side of the promontory was transformed into a grand park, facing onto the lake. The lovely grounds, full of statues and exotic plants, are open to the public from March to October. Bellagio Tourist Information: Piazza della Chiesa 14, Ph: 031/950204. Internet: www.fromitaly.it/bellagio/ Hotels, Restaurants and Shopping in Bellagio Back to Cover Page

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