Location
Faggeto Lario lies along the inland road of the Como branch, between Como and Bellagio.
History
At Palanzo, traces remain of a tower from a castle of the communal era. Between the 15th and 17th centuries the land was a fief of the Crivelli, Corio and Casnedi families. The municipality was formed in 1928 from the merger of Molina, Lemna and Palanzo (historically linked by the Strada Regia), later joined by Riva di Faggeto, on the lake.
What to see
- Palanzo: a characteristic village with a press dating from 1572, carved from a single 12-metre chestnut trunk and declared a national monument; remains of a medieval tower; Church of the Addolorata (or del Soldo), 16th century.
- Molina: Church of Santa Margherita, the oldest, with a Romanesque bell tower.
- Lemna: a church dedicated to San Giorgio; the “massi avelli” (ancient rock tombs).
- Lido di Faggeto (Riva): a small, well-liked lido.
What to do
Stretches of the Strada Regia, the old route from Brunate to Bellagio along the hillside. From Palanzo, a short path leads to the Chiesa della Madonna del Soldo (panoramic view). More demanding hikes head to Monte Bolettone (1,317 m), Pizzo dell’Asino (1,272 m) and Monte Palanzone (1,436 m), near the Grotta di Guglielmo.
Getting there
Navigazione Lago di Como boats stop at the Riva hamlet; by train, travel to Como San Giovanni and continue by bus (C30 or C32). By car, take the Strada Regia between Como and Bellagio.
Festivities
23 April — Saint George, patron saint of Faggeto Lario.