Abbazia di Piona
Cistercian abbey overlooking Lake Como, featuring a Romanesque cloister and an olive garden. Unique atmosphere and panoramic view of the lake.
What to see
The Abbey of Piona is located in Colico, on the Olgiasca peninsula, a spot that seems made for disconnecting the mind from noise. It is an ancient medieval priory, born around the church of San Nicola, with an atmosphere that envelops you as soon as you cross the entrance. The heart is the Romanesque cloister: columns, small arches, living stone, and true silence (the kind that is rare today). Here, history has weighed heavily, but the place has remained surprisingly intact and intimate. Since February 13, 1938, it has been inhabited and cared for by a community of Cistercian monks. Alongside the visit, there is daily life: prayer, work, slow, essential rhythms. Outside, the lake and the mountains do the rest: a spectacular panorama without the need for filters. Piona is not "a beautiful place": it is one of those locations that lowers your internal volume.
Don't miss
- 1Chiesa di San Rocco
A small panoramic chapel along the Path of the Wayfarer, above Dorio, at about 487 meters above sea level. It stands on a natural balcony with a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains of upper Lario, and it is a peaceful and quiet stop, more for genuine discovery than for standardized tourism.
- 2Corenno Plinio
Overlooking the lake and gathered around its castle, Corenno Plinio is one of the most charming villages of the upper Lario. Stone alleys, staircases, and ancient arches give it a cozy and timeless character. It is a small but very picturesque stop, perfect for those seeking an authentic place full of charm.
- 3Spiaggia di Piona
Wide and sunny, Piona Beach is one of the most pleasant spots on the upper Lake Como for a lakeside break. Surrounded by meadows, trees, and open waters, it offers a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful view towards Colico and the surrounding mountains. It’s perfect for walking, taking a moment to unwind, or enjoying the lake just a few steps from the Abbey of Piona.
Getting there
By car from Colico in 10 minutes, then 2 minutes on foot.
On a boat sailing on Lake Como.