Onno

Onno - Oliveto Lario

The village of Onno is situated in the municipality of Oliveto Lario at the foot of a rocky outcrop known locally as the "sasso di Onno" (rock of Onno). The centre of the village was originally located close to the ancient church of Sant'Anna, but most of its houses were destroyed in 1896, after heavy rainfall caused a small lake in nearby Madonna del Castagno to burst its banks, and the village was subsequently rebuilt a little further to the north.

Thought to have been built in or around the 11th century, the small church of Sant'Anna was up until 1651 dedicated to Saint Fidelis, but its name was changed following the arrival of an altarpiece depicting the birth of the Virgin Mary. The church, which has undergone a number of modifications over the centuries, contains a number of interesting 14th century frescoes depicting the Holy Trinity, as well as three figures of saints.

Close to the waters of the lake is the parish church of San Pietro Martire. Not to be confused with Saint Peter the apostle, Saint Peter Martyr (also known as Saint Peter of Verona) was a member of the inquisition who was murdered near Barlassina in 1252. The single nave church of Romanesque origin was rebuilt in the Late Baroque style in 1785. The church houses 17th century paintings, sculptures, gilt wood reliquaries, and a fresco from 1432 depicting a crucifixion attributed to Cristoforo da Seregno.

There are numerous possibilities for walking in Onno, including the path up to Madonna del Ghisallo, via Conca di Crezzo and Alpetto. This three-hour walk, offering splendid views, through a landscape of waterfalls and deep gullies, is medium to hard in difficulty and includes some sections with chains anchored to rock for support. Walkers should exercise caution and always treat the countryside with respect.