Along the eastern shore of Lake Como runs the old military road to Stelvio, beside which is the new SS. 36 motorway. These roads link old and picturesque villages and sites: Abbadia Lariana, with the remarkable Silk Museum, a rare contribution to the Italian industrial archaeology; Mandello Lario, with its religious monuments and Moto Guzzi Museum; Varenna, with its historical centre, Villa Monastero, the Castle in Vezio and the tumultuous torrent stream of Fiume Latte (Milk River - named for the colour of the thundering water); Bellano, with its church in elegant gothic shape; Corenno Plinio, where is the beautiful fourteen-century castle; and Piona, where the old Abbey faces the homonymous small lake. The most important mountains of the Lake Como territory form a backdrop to the eastern shore - the highest peaks are the Grigne - while fascinating valleys such as Valsassina and Valvarrone offer many chances for winter sports.

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