Location
Pognana Lario lies on the Como shoreline of the lake, on the internal branch between Como and Bellagio.
History
The name derives from the Latin “Apponius”, a landed property. Inhabited as far back as Roman times, it was fortified in the Middle Ages as part of the fief of Nesso, then passed to the Visconti and finally to the Gallio family under Spanish occupation. It was simply called “Pognana” until 1938. It was once known for its quarries of moltrasina stone and the skill of its stonemasons.
What to see
- The Church of San Miro, in Rovasco: 12th century, with frescoes of Byzantine tradition (Saint Christopher, Madonna and Child), reachable by scenic trails.
- The Church of San Rocco, in Canzaga, with 15th-century frescoes.
- The Belvedere of Pognana, with views of the lake from various angles.
- The Palomar Foundation, a space dedicated to contemporary art on the lake shore.
What to do
Panoramic walks connect the various hamlets; a section of the Strada Regia joins Torno and Pognana.
Getting there
The C30 bus line Como-Bellagio stops at Pognana Lario; by car follow the SS583, while on foot the historic Strada Regia connects the village to Torno and Nesso.
Festivities and festivals
16 August, Saint Rock, patron saint of Pognana Lario, celebrated with the traditional Sagra degli gnocchi. In June the Sagra delle alborelle takes place in Quarzano, while the Sunday after Easter is dedicated to the Sagra delle Torte.