The Piona Abbey

The Abbey of Piona in Colico

The Piona Abbey stands at the feet of Mount Legnone, on the hill of Olgiasca, a stone's throw from the shore of Lake Como in the town of Colico. The first sources attesting to the presence of a monastic community in this territory date back to the 7th century. Documents have been found from the 7th century demonstrating the Piona Abbey's vitality, even economic, at that time. Entering the Abbey you can visit the Church, the Cloister, the Capitulate Room and the building hosting the products made by the Piona monks.

The Piona Church, which faces east, is 27 m. long, 8 m. wide and 9 m. high, and was built as a single nave. The frescoes of the apsidal basin from an unknown period were brought to light in 1906, as was the presbytery vault, and the cross vault, frescoed with scenes of Christ's ascension into heaven and the apostles.

The Cloister with its quadrangular shape, is the reference point of the entire Piona Abbey. The Cloister is a place of silence and meditation, its structure evokes the symbolic form of the number 4: the 4 elements of the universe, the 4 cardinal directions, etc. Prior Bonaccorso de Canova had the Cloister built between 1252 and 1257.

The Capitulate Room is a place where the monks meet and read, where they elect (by secret vote) the Superior, discuss problems, and admit novices. The wooden benches and chairs come from the sacristy of Saint Zeno in Verona.

In the building used for selling the Monks' products we find medicinal herbs, cosmetic creams, honey and the famous liquors skilfully distilled by observing the most antique traditions, all products are naturally produced by the monks. More information: Piona Abbey 23823 Colico, LC - Tel. +39 0341 940331.