Location
Proserpio is located in the Triangolo Lariano, about 13 km east of Como, at 450 metres altitude.
History
Its origins date back to a Celtic-Etruscan-Ligurian substrate, colonized by the Romans from the end of the 3rd century BC: a Roman tomb discovered in 1976 near the chapel of Madonna della Valle contained an urn, a ceramic vessel and a plough share. The earliest certain documentary records date back to the Middle Ages.
What to see
The Church of San Donnino, which depicts the saint in a gilded mosaic above the entrance dressed as a Roman official with the palm of martyrdom and a soldier’s shield; the bell tower dates to 1597, with altars dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and the Madonna.
What to do
The hilly territory offers excursions with views of Lakes Segrino and Pusiano and, on clear days, as far as the Apennines; trails connect the village to the Prealps of the Triangolo Lariano.
Getting there
Local bus connections pass through Erba; by car follow the SP41 between Erba and Canzo.
Festivities
9 October, Saint Donninus the Martyr, patron saint of Proserpio.
Practical information
Comune member of the Comunità Montana del Triangolo Lariano.