COMO, LAKE OF, in Lombardy, north Italy, due north of Milan (its ancient name was Lacus Larius and it is still some times called Lario, though already termed Lacus Comacinus in the 4th century). It is formed by the Adda, flowing through the Valtelline to the north end of the lake (here falls into the Mera, see CHIAVENNA) and flows out of it at the south-east end. The area is 5 5 1sq.m. ; it is about 3om. from end to end, 2 to 2 1-m. in breadth, surface 65oft. above the sea, greatest depth 1,345ft. A railway runs along its eastern shore from Colico to Lecco (241m.), while on its western shore Menaggio is reached by rail from Por lezza on the Lake of Lugano (8 miles) . Colico, at the northern extremity, is by rail i7m. from Chiavenna and 42m. from Tirano, while at its southern end Como is 32m. from Milan, and Lecco the same distance. The lake fills a remarkable depression cut through the limestone ranges that enclose it, and once doubtless extended as far as Chiavenna, the Lake of Mezzola being a witness of its ancient bed. The Bellagio promontory divides the south-east arm, the true exit ending at Lecco, from the enclosed south-west arm ending at Como. The north, Tivano, wind blows during the morn ing, the south, Breva, in the afternoon. Violent storms occur sud denly. Virgil and Claudian sang Como's beauty and the two Plinys are associated with the lake. The shores are bordered by splendid villas, while perhaps the most lovely spot on it is Bellagio. Va renna, to the east, and Menaggio, to the west, are nearly opposite each other, while Cadenabbia, to the west, faces Bellagio.