Stories from Lake Como
Lierna and Riva Bianca: a beach between history and villas
Between Mandello and Varenna, Lierna is made up of small hamlets overlooking the lake. The most photographed is Castello, next to Riva Bianca beach.
Riva Bianca and the village of Castello
Riva Bianca owes its name to the light pebbles that contrast with the water. It is one of the best-known beaches on the eastern branch and is located at the foot of the fortified promontory of Castello.
The village retains a compact structure and traces of a long defensive history. In the Middle Ages, it was involved in the struggles between Como and Milan; the Sentiero del Viandante still crosses the territory today.
Villa Aurelia and the Clooney rumor
In Lierna, there is Villa Aurelia, an Art Nouveau building also known as Villa Besana. For years, newspapers and local stories have linked the property to a possible interest from George Clooney.
However, there is no authoritative confirmation of the purchase or the often-repeated figure online. Clooney has remained the owner of Villa Oleandra in Laglio: the story of Lierna should therefore be presented as an indiscretion, not as a completed transaction.
