Location
Colonno lies on the western shore of the lake, between Argegno and Punta Balbianello, in the area known as the “Zoca de l’oli”.
History
The name derives from “colonus”: the first colony settled here by order of Julius Caesar. In the Middle Ages it was part of the Pieve dell’Isola Comacina, sharing its fate in the war between Como and Milan; it later belonged to the Alberti and Gallio families. In the early 20th century the flooding of the Pessetta stream caused casualties among the population.
What to see
- Medieval village: its original layout preserved, with narrow lanes, closely-set houses, a distinctive house-bridge over the Pessetta stream, and the Palazzo Pretura with a 16th-century wooden doorway.
- Church of San Michele Arcangelo: Romanesque in origin (remains of the bell tower), with 15th-century frescoes, on the only square facing the lake.
- Waterfalls: one of the two is crossed by a bridge of Roman origin.
What to do
“Zoca de l’oli”: a bay with a particularly mild climate that has allowed olive cultivation since Roman times. From Colonno starts the Greenway del Lago di Como (about 10 km, along the historic Via Regina) toward Sala Comacina, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo and Cadenabbia. By car you can reach the Alpe di Colonno by taking the road to Valle Intelvi from Argegno.
Getting there
The Navigazione Lago di Como stops at Colonno along the centro lago route; bus line C10 connects the village to Como, also reachable by car along the SS340 Regina.
Festivities
29 September — Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Colonno.