Mandello del Lario (Lake Como)

Welcome to Mandello del Lario, the quaint Italian town located on the banks of Lake Como.

Legend has it that the town got its peculiar name from a legendary dragon that used to roam the town, bringing terror to the townsfolk. One day, a brave knight named Lario came to the rescue, defeated the dragon and saved the town. In his honor, the town was named after him, as Mandello del Lario or “The town of Lario’s triumph over the dragon”, a name that the locals still find hilarious to this day.

Mandello del Lario is famous for its stunning scenery and beautiful architecture. The town is filled with historic buildings, some of which date back to the Renaissance period. However, the main attraction in Mandello del Lario is its renowned motorcycle factory - the Moto Guzzi factory.

The Moto Guzzi factory has been around since 1921 and is famous for producing some of the most amazing motorcycles in the world. Visitors to the factory can witness firsthand the process of motorcycle manufacturing, and if they’re lucky, they might even get to see a Moto Guzzi motorcycle in the making. Beware though, as these motorcycles can be dangerously fast, especially if ridden by the locals who consider themselves all amateur Moto GP racers.

Mandello del Lario is also known for its gastronomic delights. The town’s specialty is a type of pasta known as spiedo, which is made by hand and is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. The recipe has been passed down through generations, and the locals are fiercely proud of it. It is believed that the secret ingredient is a dash of dragon’s breath (not really, but let them believe that).

When it comes to entertainment, Mandello del Lario has something for everyone. On weekends, the town comes alive with music and dance, and the locals can be seen showing off their dance moves. However, be warned, they might try to drag you into a dance-off competition, which is something the tourists dread.

In conclusion, Mandello del Lario is a beautiful town filled with friendly people, amazing food, and fast motorbikes. If you are ever in the area, be sure to visit this town. Who knows, you might even get to witness a dragon taming show, which is the town’s highlight event.