Pognana Lario on Lake Como: Churches, Lake Views and Old Paths

Pognana Lario lies on Lake Como, on the eastern shore of the Como branch. The hamlets of the municipality are located along the provincial road from Como to Bellagio. By car, Pognana Lario can be reached via the SP583 road, which runs from Como towards Bellagio.

Historic Stone Villagescape

The historic center of Pognana Lario features historic houses made of Moltrasina stone, as well as numerous houses with granite elements handcrafted by master stonemasons. The lanes in the historic centers of the hamlets also feature frescoes, granite portals and wrought-iron balconies. Those who take a close look at the architecture and local building styles will find a villagescape in which different stone and handcrafted details stand directly alongside one another. During a walk through the hamlets, attention is drawn to the facades, portals and balconies along the lanes. Moltrasina stone, granite elements, frescoes and wrought iron emerge at various points throughout the historic villagescape. Those who deliberately view these architectural elements side by side remain close to the houses and lanes of the individual historic centers and can see their craftsmanship up close on site.

Churches and Art in the Hamlets

In Rovasco, the Chiesa di San Miro was built around the 13th century. The Chiesetta di San Miro in Rovasco preserves a depiction of Saint Christopher and a nursing Madonna, both rare works dating from the 13th century. In Canzaga, the Chiesa di San Rocco is the former parish church of Pognana Lario. The frescoes on the church's cross-vault are attributed to the Tuscan painter Bartolomeo De' Benzio.

The Parrocchia della SS. Trinità was built around 1740. Its churchyard is elevated and serves as a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Como.

Old Paths and Lake Views

The footpath from Pognana to Palanzo offers lake views and views of old farmhouses. The walking path from the Chiesa di San Rocco to Palanzo is part of the Strada Regia, the old connecting road from Como to Bellagio. The Strada Regia hiking route from Torno to Pognana Lario leads, after the center of Pognana, to the Chiesetta di San Miro in Rovasco. The Cappella di Nera can also be reached via the Strada Regia, the old road that connected Como with Bellagio. The chapel houses a painting of the Madonna del Rosario.

Sculptures, Summer and Village Festival

In Pognana Lario, you can also view the sculptures created as part of the “Primo Simposio Internazionale di Scultura su Pietra Dorata.” The symposium took place in Quarzano from August 29 to September 7, 1986. For a summer break, the Spiaggetta di San Fedele is used for cooling off and sunbathing. Local festival culture includes the Sagra degli gnocchi, one of Pognana Lario's village festivals.

Other Destinations

For further orientation, you can also discover Germasino, Carimate, Tavernola, Cavallasca, Valbrona, Olgiate Comasco, Plesio and Faggeto Lario.

For the higher-level travel overview: Como.