Location
Colico is the northernmost village on the eastern shore of the lake, a strategic gateway to Valtellina and the Splügen Pass.
History
Inhabited since pre-Roman times, it suffered repeated raids in the 15th-16th centuries and was long considered unhealthy due to flooding from the Adda river. The Spanish reclaimed the area (today’s Pian di Spagna) and built the Forte di Fuentes, which was never actually used in battle. The Austrians channelled the Adda and opened roads toward Sondrio and Chiavenna.
What to see
- Abbey of Piona: a priory run by Cistercian monks (who distil herbs here according to an ancient art), on a rocky promontory overlooking a small lake: the Church of San Nicola built on the remains of a 7th-century oratory, and a cloister from 1252-1257.
- Forte di Fuentes: a Spanish fortification from 1603, today ruins immersed in vegetation on the Montecchio hill, with the remains of the “Tenaglia” and the chapel.
- Forte Montecchio Nord: 1911-1914, the only Italian fort from the First World War to survive intact with its original armaments.
- Village of Fontanedo: the Church of Santa Elena with a white marble baptismal font and a tower from 1357.
What to do
Excursions to Monte Legnone or, more accessible, to Monte Legnoncino. Steady winds make the waters of Colico among the best on the lake for windsurfing and sailing.
Getting there
Colico is the northern terminus of the Navigazione Lago di Como; by train, the Trenord Milano-Lecco-Sondrio-Tirano line connects it to Milano Centrale in about an hour and a half, with services also from Chiavenna (25 minutes).
Festivities
20 May — Saint Bernardine, patron saint of Colico.