Origines du lac de Come

As with most subalpine lakes of Italy, the geological origin of the Lake of Como is of a glacial sort. During the quaternary era the whole of the basin was covered by a grand glacier which reached as far as Brianza beyond the lake branches of Como and Lecco forming the existing morenic hills. The lake was formed in the cavity dug out by the glacier. Evidence of its slow passage is shown by the rocks which still bear signs of erosion and by numerous erratic boulders which are present, mainly on the high plains of the Larian Triangle (the centre part of the Lake). The Lake of Como, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times, has always been an important passageway between the northern regions and the Po Valley. After the Gauls came the Romans who made it their strategic outpost opening the route on the western bank which connected the "Larius" with the Rhaetia region. Later, during the lombard rule, this pathway still named "Regina", was reopened and restored by Queen Teodolinda. Because of the important and strategic position of the lake which allowed one to reach the mountain passes of Maloja and Stelvio, the area was for centuries subject to invasions and domination. After the Francs, around the year 1000, the city of Como which had become an independant Commune had to continuously fight for its autonomy. It later was subjected to the signory of the Viscontis and of the Sforzas. These Lordships thought of widening the bed of the Adda in order to have a river link with the Duchy of Milan; for this reason they decided firstly to open the Paderno waterway. Then came foreign rule; first the Spanish then the Austrians and for a brief period even the French.