Location
Brienno lies on the western shore of the lake, seventeen kilometres from Como.
History
Of Celtic origin, with settlements documented from the 4th century, in the Middle Ages it was an ally of Barbarossa in the ten years’ war against Milan. It later became a fief of the Bishop of Como and the Gallio family under Spanish rule. In 1927 it was merged with Laglio, becoming an independent municipality again in 1948. In July 2011 a severe flood caused damage that is still partly visible today.
What to see
- The village: among the most beautiful in the lower Lario, with very vertical buildings, arcades, stairways and underpasses — a true “maze village” between road, lake and woods.
- Church of Sant’Anna: 11th century, among the oldest in the whole Lario area, along the state road before entering the village.
- Church of Santi Nazaro e Celso (parish church): paintings by Gian Paolo Recchi, 16th-century stained glass, a churchyard with a panoramic view over the lake.
- Church of the Madonna dell’Immacolata: in a panoramic spot near the cemetery.
- Linea Cadorna tunnel: a well-preserved First World War military tunnel, with bunkers and service rooms near the Immacolata church.
- Old silk mill: a historic chimney near the ferry landing.
What to do
From the village you can climb up to the Monti di Brienno, or continue towards Alpe Comana and Schignano along the steep mule track known as the “scala santa” (holy stairway).
Getting there
Brienno’s ferry landing is served by Navigazione Lago di Como; by car, follow the SS340 Regina along the western shore.
Festivities
28 July — Saints Nazarius and Celsus, patron saints of Brienno.