Location
Gera Lario lies in the western Alto Lario, the last municipality before Sorico.
History
The name comes from the dialect word “gera” (gravel). An ancient Roman settlement (a stele and a mosaic have been found here), it was part of the pieve of Olonio in the Middle Ages. In 1580 it was ceded by the King of Spain to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, becoming a base for Spanish troops in the campaigns against the Grisons in Valtellina.
What to see
- Church of San Vincenzo: 12th century, renovated in the 15th century.
- Church of Nostra Signora di Fatima: 1634, damaged by a flood in the 20th century, today a sanctuary for fishermen.
- Votive lighthouse: erected in 1957 in memory of the 1951 flood, which caused numerous victims.
- Ponte del Passo (1938): links Sorico and Gera Lario over the Mera river, at the level of the Pian di Spagna.
What to do
The Pian di Spagna e Lago di Mezzola Nature Reserve (shared with Sorico and municipalities in the province of Sondrio) is an important wetland with 268 bird species that can be observed, making it ideal for birdwatching. The Monte Berlinghera hiking loop is well regarded. The waters of Gera Lario, stirred by the “breva”, are well suited to windsurfing and sailing.
Getting there
The C10 Como–Colico bus line stops at Gera Lario; by car, exit the A9 motorway at Como Nord and continue on the SS340 Regina.
Festivities
22 January — Saint Vincent, patron saint of Gera Lario.