Art and Culture – Die Weinrose

Arts & Culture

Upper Lario is a land full of treasures to be discovered

Lake Como holds historic villages, ancient churches and stately villas full of charm.
Local museums and small craft workshops tell the story of the area’s traditions and crafts.
Cultural events and seasonal happenings enliven villages and squares.
A journey through art, history and culture surrounded by unique views.

Villa Carlotta

Villa Carlotta is a beautiful historic residence overlooking Lake Como, famous for its botanical gardens. Inside, the villa holds an important collection of neoclassical and romantic art, with works by artists such as Hayez, Canova, and Thorvaldsen. It is a place where nature, art and history come together, offering breathtaking views and an elegant and evocative atmosphere.

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Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is one of the most scenic residences on Lake Como, overlooking a scenic promontory with spectacular views of the lake and mountains.
The villa has been a film set for movies such as Star Wars and holds valuable art and travel collections from the exploration of the North Pole.

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Corenno Plinio - Dervio

Small medieval village set on a rocky promontory along the eastern shore of Lake Como. Narrow alleys and ancient stairways lead from the heart of the village to the small lake port, offering striking views. The heart of the visit is the 14th-century Corenno Plinio Castle and the church of St. Thomas of Canterbury with historic frescoes. The timeless atmosphere and views of the lake make it one of the most picturesque villages on the Lario.

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Santa Maria Rezzonico

Santa Maria Rezzonico is an ancient village overlooking Lake Como, dominated by the medieval castle . The narrow stone streets and leaning houses preserve an authentic and collected atmosphere, typical of less touristy lake villages. From the small port you can enjoy very picturesque views, ideal for a peaceful walk between history and landscape.

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St. Vincent Church

The Church of St. Vincent is an ancient house of worship built in the 11th century on the remains of an ancient Roman villa. Inside are frescoes and valuable sacred works along with archaeological finds such as a Roman mosaic.

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Abbey of Piona - Colico

Piona Abbey is a striking Romanesque complex overlooking the tranquil Olgiasca Bay, in a panoramic position on Lake Como. Founded in the 12th century, it preserves a perfectly harmonious cloister with sculpted capitals and frescoes of great spiritual and artistic value. It is still inhabited by Cistercian monks who produce medicinal herbs and liqueurs, keeping the contemplative tradition of the place alive.

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Larian Beard Museum

The Larian Boat Museum preserves a unique collection of historic hulls, boats, gondolas, motorboats and other vessels. The museum offers a fascinating tour of the history of Larian and Italian boating. It is an ideal place for history and tradition enthusiasts.

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St. Martin's Church

The 15th-century Church of San Martino in Montemezzo contains beautiful Renaissance frescoes, including a “Last Judgment” attributed to Aurelio Luini, making it an important artistic and cultural stop in the village.

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Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio

The Church of Santa Maria del Tiglio is the Romanesque jewel of Gravedona, famous for its sober and harmonious facade and the medieval frescoes that decorate the interior, which are among the oldest and best preserved in the region. Strolling through the village, these churches offer a unique cultural journey through history, art and spirituality, with striking views of Lake Como.

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Upper Lake Como between art and history

Discover its secrets

Upper Lake Como is an area rich in history and religious and civic monuments. Less crowded than the famous Bellagio and Varenna, but well worth a visit, are the villages of Corenno Plino and Santa Maria Rezzonico described above. Then there’s the Lariana Boat Museum in Pianello, and the museum dedicated to the end of World War II in Dongo. All the churches, starting from San Martino in Montemezzo, San Vincenzo (with its Roman mosaics) in Gera Lario and finally all the churches on the lakeside in Gravedona are worth a visit.