Location
Pianello del Lario is one of the comuni of the western Alto Lario, immediately after Cremia.
History
The area has been inhabited since ancient times and in the early Middle Ages was part of the court of Musso. The Lombard king Liutprando donated the territory to the monastery of San Carpoforo in Como, which had an abbatial palace built there with defensive walls and a moat. Pianello became an autonomous parish in 1472, separating from the plebana of Dongo. In the 19th century silk processing facilities arose; Blessed Don Luigi Guanella was parish priest from 1881 to 1890 and opened a home for the elderly here, still active today.
What to see
- The Church of San Martino, 16th century, on the lakeside, with remarkable frescoes.
- The Museum of the Larian Boat, housed in a 19th-century former silk mill: it holds over 400 historic boats (oars, sails, Riva speedboats, Larian work boats) and more than 300 motors, with a library of 2,500 volumes. Founded in 1982 by Gian Alberto Zanoletti, it reopened in 2018 after 18 years of closure.
What to do
Pleasant walks between the lake and the hamlets towards the mountains. The wide beach is suited to windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing.
Getting there
A stop on the San Vito-Musso ferry route also serves Pianello del Lario, also served by the C10 bus line (formerly C110) Como-Menaggio-Colico. By car follow the SS340 Regina.
Festivities
11 November, Saint Martin, patron saint of Pianello del Lario.