Colico

Colico on lake Como

Colico is the final village that we encounter along Lake Como's eastern shore, behind the village rises mount Legnone (2609 metres) Lake Como's highest mountain.

Colico was inhabited until the Pre-Roman age, the area has always been a strategic passage for connections to the Valtellina, the Valchiavenna and the Passo dello Spluga (Splügen Pass). During the 15th century it suffered destruction and pillages by the armies in transit, it became an unhealthy territory infested with malaria, the frequent floodings of the Adda river worsened things. Only after the Spanish land reclamation of the Piani, and the opening of the roads for the various passes carried out by the Spaniards in the 17th century, Colico became an important town once again.

Testimony to the period of Spanish domination is the Forte de Fuentes (Fuentes Fortress), built in the 1600's on the hill of Monteggiolo and endowed with accommodations, hospital, and chapel; today it is possible to see its remains, a very fascinating visit. Colico is a very important tourist centre, and proven by the optimal accommodation resources presented throughout its territory.

The winds that characterize this area render the waters of Colico an excellent regatta site - both for sail boats and windsurfing. Among the sacred buildings stands out the famous Piona Abbey (Abbazia di Piona), commissioned by Vescovo (Bishop) Agrippino, dating back to the 7th century. Entering into the abbey you can visit, the Church, the Cloister and the Chapter House. Inside of the building that houses the products of the Piona monks, we can find medicinal herbs, honey and the famous liquors wisely distilled according to the most ancient traditions, all natural products made by the hard-working monks.