Colico

Colico

Nature has been very generous with Lake Como area. Since ancient times, its surprisingly favourable climate has had a highly positive impact on both residents and visitors.
Each town on Lake Como has its own long and rich history, unique finds, and magnificent panoramas of the lake, mountains and lush vegetation. This combination makes the entire territory a patrimony of remarkable value.
Colico is one of the three main cities on Lake Como. It is the last urban center of the northeastern shore of the lake, and not far from the Swiss border. Colico is at the intersection of several main roads connecting Milan with the Brianza area, Lake Como, the Valchiavenna and the Stelvio, as well as, of course, various Italian and Swiss territories. Colico’s natural patrimony includes: the tallest mountain in all the lake Area (the Legnone), its hills, several rivers flowing into the lake, the valley and the lake itself, ideal set for sailing sports. Its touristic infrastructures are well developed, making it very popular especially among German and Dutch tourists. In 2006, Colico has also been the Italian stage of the kite-surfing World Cup.
Apparently, Colico was originally established by the Celts, who gave it its name. During the Roman Empire, the strategic importance of Lake Como increased because the region became the main arterial connection between the Italian Plains (the Pianura Padana) and the important territories beyond the Alps. Colico was also the base of Rome’s third imperial fleet in strategic importance, as well as a crossroads for logical construction of the “Strada Regia”, a high-quality road over which large carriages could transit the mountains, promoting prosperous commerce and agricultural trade.
Later, in the 8th and 9th centuries, the Franks gained power, followed by the Longobards in the 12th century. The ruins of several forts and the stone walls protecting the city still provide testimony to the many wars that took place in the lake area. Starting in the 16th century, also because of its considerable size, Colico became a theatre and arena for multiple battles between Spain and France for the conquest of Europe, a conflict eventually won by Spain which then reigned until 1714. Then, with the beginning of Austrian rule, a period of large expansion and development took place throughout the region, especially in the sectors of agriculture and silk production. In 1818, with the further construction of roads and ports, Colico reinforced its key role as an important crossroads between the territories across the Alps and the main peninsula. Economic development, along with the improvement of overall social conditions are key factors in favoring the development of tourism in the area of Lake Como. During World Wars I and II, Colico took on an important role as the center of border territory, while at the same time suffering from economic stagnation. It is only from the beginning of the 1950’s that the relaunch of industry has significantly improved the economic situation.
With its wealth of history, Colico has many important architectural, cultural and artistic monuments. It is an important touristic destination connected to both Como and Lecco by freeway, railway and by the lake itself, and has a network of excursion paths dedicated to both the natural resources of the region and to its cultural patrimony.
As a traditional border and transit location, there are still two forts standing in Colico. One of them is not particularly well conserved, but is still worth a visit.
We can strongly suggest a visit to the Forte di Fuentes, built on a strategic location in 1609 by the Spanish governor Pedro Acevedo, Count of Fuentes. The construction of this 300 meter long and 125 meter wide fortress went on over a period of several years under the supervision of the well-known military architect, Gabrio Brusca. Inside the fortress were the military barracks, the Governor’s Palace, a church, a mill with bakery, water reservoirs and various warehouses. With the arrival of the Austrians, it was deemed useless from a military point of view, and the Forte de Fuentes was basically destroyed in 1782. During World War I a heavy artillery placement was built on its ruins, a reinforced concrete building, well-preserved up to present times. Today, the fort is property of the Lecco district. A visit here is an unexpectedly interesting tour which will remain in your memory, as much as the magical panorama and view of the lake.
Equally important and interesting is the Forte Montecchio Nord. Its construction began in 1913 and took just one year. During World War I this fortress – which had thick walls but thin ceilings – was destroyed by Austrian attacks, and was replaced by a traditional defence line called the Linea Cadorna. However, this new fortress was never attacked by the Austrians, and therefore Forte Montecchio Nord is the only local fortress that has remained intact and can still be visited in its original construction.
There are also a number of churches here that are worth visiting: the 11th century church of San Bernardino Villatico, close to the lake; the ancient church of S. Elena Fontanedo; the church of San Fedele Laghetto, built by the residents when the town was going through difficult times; the church of San Rocco, located in the woods uphill. And, of course, Colico’s flagship church, the Abbazia di Piona, a monastery which was standing already back in the 7th century. Located on a hill called Olgiasca at the foot of Monte Legnone, the abbey’s most interesting sites are its church, its cloister, and the monks’ cells, where visitors today can buy various artisanal products made at the Piona monastery. This is a very peaceful and tranquil site.
And of course, it is the enchanting natural beauty of this zone that is one of its leading attractions, offering a range of outdoor activity options: climbing the tallest mountain among the Lake Como Alps; trying a new water sport – kitesurfing; walking along the lake and through the local hills. Beautiful atmosphere, genuine people, and the pleasant breezes which refresh the warmest days.

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