Location
Abbadia Lariana lies on the eastern shore of the lake (Lecco branch), along the historic route linking the Po Valley to the Alpine passes. The municipal territory extends to include part of the Piani dei Resinelli, at the foot of the Grigna Meridionale.
History
The name comes from a Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century under the reign of Desiderius, originally dedicated to Saint Peter: locally the town is still called “la Badia” (the Abbey). The earliest traces of human presence date back to the Iron Age, with Gallo-Roman era finds — two “alla cappuccina” tombs and an altar dedicated to Hercules. In the Middle Ages the territory was protected by watchtowers at Crebbio, Maggiana and Rongio, and was caught up in the Ten Years’ War between Como and Milan (1118-1127). In 1272 the monastery passed to the Servite friars, who founded the town’s first school there and rededicated it to Saints Vincent and Anastasius; in 1398 Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti granted Abbadia its own local statutes, and in 1495 the parish dedicated to Saint Lawrence was established. Today’s municipality was formed in 1928 from the merger of Abbadia sopr’Adda and Linzanico.
What to see
- Civic Silk Museum (Setificio Monti): in a restored 19th-century silk mill, open since 1998, telling the story of silk-working on Lake Como around an 11-metre circular twisting mill.
- Church of San Lorenzo: on the lakefront, with 16th-century frescoes and an antique organ.
- Church of San Bartolomeo: in the Castello district, among the oldest religious buildings in town, today an exhibition and museum space.
- La Torraccia: remains of a 12th-century fortification.
- Zucco della Rocca: remains of a medieval fortification with a cistern, in a panoramic position above the town.
- Oratorio di San Martino: a late-Romanesque building.
- Cascata Cenghen (Val Monastero): a waterfall about 50 metres high, fed by the Zerbo stream.
What to do
The lakefront offers about 2 km of beaches with public parks. It is also the starting point of the first official stage of the Sentiero del Viandante: about 5-6 km to Lierna, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours of walking, connecting the two railway stations directly with no need to change trains. From the hamlet of Linzanico, the route instead climbs towards Piano dei Resinelli.
Getting there
The train is the most practical option: Abbadia Lariana station, on the Trenord Milan-Lecco-Sondrio line (change at Lecco), comes out almost in the town centre, while parking in town is limited. Drivers exit the Lecco-Colico road (SS36).
Festivities
10 August — Saint Lawrence, patron saint of Abbadia Lariana.
When to go
Recommended period: April-May and September-October, for mild weather and less crowded trails.