Location
Moltrasio lies on the western shore of the Como branch, between Cernobbio and Carate Urio.
History
It officially became a “borgo” at the end of the 13th century, acquiring citizenship of Como from 1405. A historic rival of Torno, it suffered several sackings, the worst in 1522. The Moltrasio stone remains famous, the pride of the Maestri Comacini, whose quarries are still visible along the “Sentee di Sort” above the village. It was also an area of importance for the partisan Resistance.
What to see
- Villa Passalacqua, one of the largest residences on the lake (almost 30,000 sqm): built by the Odescalchi on the remains of a monastery and transformed by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua with the architect Felice Soave, it preserves Baroque and neoclassical frescoes by Andrea Appiani, Italianate gardens, citrus trees and a two-century-old greenhouse. It has hosted Napoleon, Churchill and Carlo Porta; recently reopened as a luxury hotel.
- Villa Fontanella, which belonged to Gianni Versace.
- The Church of San Martino, which holds a relic of the Holy Thorn.
- The Church of Sant’Agata, from the 11th century, with an imposing bell tower.
- The waterfall of the Pizzallo stream, which runs through the village.
- The monument to Vincenzo Bellini, opposite the Grande Hotel Imperiale, where the composer stayed.
What to do and excursions
The Sentee di Sort, a scenic trail linking Moltrasio to Rovenna, a hamlet of Cernobbio, passes by the Moltrasio stone quarries mentioned in the village’s history: about 2.5 km and an hour’s walk, with views over the lake and the Triangolo Lariano.
Getting there
The C10 bus line from Como stops at Moltrasio-Lido, where in summer a direct boat connection also calls (about 20 minutes). By car, take the SS340 and then the SP72.
Festivities
11 November, San Martino and Sant’Agata, patron saints of Moltrasio.