Location
Argegno lies on the western shore of Lake Como, at the mouth of Val d’Intelvi, about twenty kilometres from Como on the state road to Menaggio.
History
Of ancient Roman origin, the village was once fortified with two medieval castles (no longer visible today, except in the foundations of one house). Between the 13th and 14th centuries it was a stronghold of the Vittani family; in the 16th century it came under Spanish rule; from 1640 it passed to the Gallio family, lords of the entire coast between Laglio and Ossuccio. In the waters facing Argegno the lake reaches its deepest point: 416 metres.
What to see
- Historic village centre: crossed by the Telo stream, with old fishermen’s houses linked by a pointed-arch medieval stone bridge.
- Church of the Santissima Trinità: a 20th-century neo-Romanesque parish church.
- Sanctuary of Sant’Anna: 18th-century, with fine stuccoes and frescoes.
- Church of San Sisinnio: in a panoramic spot with a view over the lake.
What to do
From Argegno a cable car climbs to Pigra (880 m), with a wide view over the lake. The provincial road into Val d’Intelvi leads towards the Sighignola (“Italy’s balcony”, with views of both Lake Como and Lake Lugano) and Monte Generoso. The valley — described as a “bridge between the two lakes” — offers trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, swimming, golf, climbing and paragliding.
Getting there
The SS340 Regina, which follows the entire western shore from Como, is the most direct route by car. Those who prefer the lake can take a Navigazione ferry, with connections to Sala Comacina and the other Centro Lago landings.
Festivities
16 August — Saint Roch, patron saint of Argegno.