Location
Valbrona occupies a broad valley of the Triangolo Lariano, facing the Grigne massif.
History
Its origins are Celtic, and later Roman. Valbrona and Visino were for a long time separate comuni sharing a common history, under the Visconti, Dal Verme and Sfrondrati. In the mid-17th century the hamlets of Maisano, Osigo and Candalino formed their own comune and their own parish; the territory was later governed by a podestà based in Asso.
What to see
- The church of San Michele in Visino (14th century), with frescoes by Borgognone, Appiani and Morazzone.
- The church of Santi Materno e Apollinare in Maisano, which preserves the Bull of Pardon.
- The oratory of San Rocco, with a carved wooden altar; nearby, the Madonna delle Febbre recalls the plagues of the 16th century.
What to do and excursions
From Valbrona you can reach the Corni di Canzo, with a scenic starting point at the church of San Rocco towards the Alpe Oneda — one of the alternative approach routes to the dedicated itinerary linked to this page. Other destinations include the small lake of Crezzo, Monte Megna with its alpine pasture, and the Valcerina; on the lake, the beach of Liscione. The territory is rich in caves, including the Grotta del Socio, the Grotta del Maiale and the Pulpito del Re.
Getting there
By car from Como: SS342, then SS639 towards Erba, then SP41 for Ponte Lambro and Canzo. By bus, line C49 connects Como to Asso, from where line C35 reaches Valbrona.
Festivities
16 August, Saint Roch, patron saint of Valbrona.