The Torre di Fontanedo in Colico sits atop a promontory at the foot of Mount Legnone, just a few hundred meters from the village of Fontanedo in the direction of the mountain and less than a kilometer from Robustello in the valley. Built in 1357 by order of Bernabò Visconti (1323 - 1385) Lord of Milan, the tower was almost certainly built on top of a previous twelfth century defensive structure. In the 17th century, during the Spanish domination, the fortification around the tower was expanded, new buildings were created to house a prominent garrison of soldiers, and in this same period it became an integral part of the defensive system of the Fort of Fuentes.
The Tower of Fontanedo had a defensive and sighting function, and thanks to its position it monitored the area of the upper Lario and the roads leading from Lecco to Valtellina, such as the ancient mule track "Scalottola" that arrived in Valtellina from Valvarrone and going along Mount Legnone. Today this path is called "Sentiero del Viandante" a suggestive route completed in stages that, going from Abbadia Lariana, eventually brings you to Morbegno, passing halfway up to the eastern towns of Lake Como.
The Tower of Fontanedo is developed on a square plan, and each side has a length of 7.5 meters and reaches a height of 15 meters, built with stone blocks with of over a meter of thickness at the bottom. The entrance doors are symmetrical and positioned on the first floor, and they were accessed with the help of retractable stairs to increase defensive capacities and prevent enemy incursions. The tower still remains in good condition, and some of the supporting buildings have been recovered while others are in ruins. The increase in vegetation on the promontory has considerably diminished the view towards Colico and Piani di Spagna. The tower, the village of Fontando and the church of Sant'Elena can all be reached on foot, starting from Robustello and going along the Ring of Fontando, a breeze of a hike on well-marked pathways.
The Piona Peninsula
Sentiero del Viandante
The mountains surrounding Dervio offer plenty of opportunity to take excursions and walks, like those which lead to the Bellano and Nogara shelters, or those which climb Legnone mountain and Legnoncino mountain.
Dervio
Various theme cruises are organized by the Lake Navigation Management, besides the normal lake navigation service, in July and August, it is possible to take a cruise on the Concordia with restaurant service.
Navigation
Sorico is today a renowned tourist destination, the Pian di Spagna natural reserve is partly situated in the Sorico municipality and with its great variety of flora and fauna offers yet another reason to visit the town.
Sorico