Location
Cremia is one of the comuni of the western Alto Lario, further along the shore beyond San Siro.
History
The place name is probably of pre-Latin origin (“Carra”, meaning rock). The area has been inhabited since ancient times: fragments of Roman vases and tools have been found near the church of San Vito. Fortified as early as the early second millennium, with a lakeside castle, it belonged to the pieve of Dongo, to various feudal families (Crivelli, de’ Medici) and to the Contado delle Tre Pievi.
What to see
- Church of San Michele (Vignola hamlet): 16th century, with an altarpiece attributed to Paolo Caliari (Veronese) depicting the Archangel Gabriel.
- Church of San Vito (hamlet of the same name): Romanesque origins from the 11th century, renovated but with its original bell tower.
- San Vito beach: a pebble beach with bars and facilities.
What to do
Some hamlets lie on the slopes of Monte Bregagno (2,107 m), which offers views over the Alps, the Grigne, Valtellina and Valchiavenna, and can be walked year-round along a broad ridge. A recently built lakeside promenade leads towards Pianello del Lario.
Getting there
The C10 Como-Menaggio-Colico bus line stops at San Vito, a hamlet of Cremia which is also a stop for the Lake Como Navigation ferries. By car, take the SS340 Regina.
Festivities
29 September, Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Cremia.