Maggio 8, 2024
In every season, strolling through the narrow streets of villages where history and traditions breathe life is an experience to cherish. The Lake Como region is one of the best places to wander through captivating villages, and that’s why we’ve selected seven of its most enchanting spots for you.
1. Brienno
A true gem of the past, Brienno is a quaint village known for its intertwining arches and alleyways, narrow streets, and steep stairs winding through the old vertical houses. If you’re in search of history, this is the village for you: here you’ll find the Parish Church of Saints Nazaro and Celso, rebuilt in the 17th century but originally from the 13th century; the Church of San Vittore from the 16th century; and the Mina Gallery, a project created as part of the Northwest Defense Line, later called the Cadorna Line.
2. Corenno Plinio
Known as “the village of a thousand steps,” Corenno Plinio is characterized by long, steep staircases. You will find 493 steps carved into the stone that lead from the medieval square down to the lake, connecting the village to the ancient pier. Corenno Plinio offers hours of peace and tranquility. While wandering through its narrow streets, you’ll encounter some gems worth a visit: the gardens carved into the rock, the medieval castle, the old pier, and the Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury.
3. Mezzegra
Mezzegra holds strong historical references: here in the village of Giulino, on April 28, 1945, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his lover Claretta Petacci were executed. A plaque still commemorates the event in front of a grand villa. Walking through the alleys of Mezzegra, a fraction of the municipality of Tremezzina, you can also admire a fabulous landscape of the lake.
4. Palanzo
Palanzo is the only village not directly on the lake in this selection; it sits at a higher elevation and deserves a visit to see its monumental press. The press for pomace, considered a national monument, dates back to 1572 and is still in perfect working order. It is operated during the annual festival held on the first Sunday of October. On your tour of Palanzo, you’ll also find an old washhouse behind the Church of Saint Ambrogio and the castle with the medieval tower.
5. Soldino
Soldino is one of the five fractions of the municipality of Laglio, a place famous worldwide since George Clooney bought his Villa Oleandra there. In Soldino, you can go VIP spotting as you wander the typical narrow streets, houses that bear the mark of time, and low passages opening up to small squares. This small village on Lake Como has everything it takes to be called so.
6. Pognana
Pognana is a village composed of five clusters (Canzaga, Rovasco, Quarzano, Riva, and Pognana) and has recently gained attention. Chiara Ferragni and Fedez have recently purchased their new villa here. However, apart from the current glamour, there’s much to see in this area with its old-world atmospheres and breathtaking views from the splendid churches located in panoramic positions overlooking Lake Como.
7. Lenno
“Venus’s Gulf” was the name chosen by Cardinal Durini in the 17th century to describe Lenno and the beauty of its promontory. This village of Roman origin hosts numerous buildings of great charm, such as Villa Balbianello (only reachable on foot or by boat), Villa Monastero, and Villa Aureggi.
