Brienno on Lake Como

Brienno lies on the northwestern shore of Lake Como, 17 km from Como. The town brings together a medieval centre, historic terraces on the hillsides, church art and traces of its military and craft history. These different aspects of Brienno may influence your choice of destination: the lakeside townscape, its different historical layers or a circular route that starts and ends in town.

Townscape and lakeside landscape

Narrow lanes, porticoes, stairways and underpasses define the medieval centre. There are also very small squares, junctions and covered passageways with views stretching to the shores of Lake Como. Some of the houses are made of stone and extend down to the lakeshore. The townscape is therefore shaped not only by individual buildings, but also by the transitions between lanes, passageways and water.

Remains of historic terraces can be found on the hillsides above Brienno. They were once planted with grapevines, olive trees and laurel. The slopes are therefore also part of the town’s history: the terraces point to earlier agricultural use and add a different landscape perspective to the impressions of the lanes and lakeshore.

Churches, fortifications and silk history

The Chiesetta di San Vittore, also known as the Chiesetta di Sant’Anna, brings together several building phases. Its bell tower dates from the 11th century; the present-day church was built in the 16th century and remodelled in the 17th century. These dates distinguish the older tower from the church, which was built and altered later.

The Chiesa dei Santi Nazaro e Celso contains works by various artists: paintings by Gian Paolo Recchi, two valuable 16th-century stained-glass windows and an altarpiece by Andrea de’Passeri. The stained-glass windows provide a distinct point of reference in time among the artworks. Unlike the building phases of the Chiesetta, the focus here is on specific paintings, windows and an altarpiece.

La Torrazza reveals another aspect of the town’s history. Classified as a fortified structure and tower, it stands in an isolated, elevated position outside the built-up centre and historically served a defensive purpose. It is privately owned. The Antica Filanda, meanwhile, was built in the first half of the 19th century for silk production. Together, these buildings point to different uses and periods, though they do not share the same function or date of construction.

The Galleria di Mina, also known as the Galleria di demolizione and Galleria del Puncett, is a tunnel beneath the churchyard of the Chiesa della Madonna del Ronco. It was constructed for military purposes during the First World War and formed part of the so-called Cadorna Line. Today, the Galleria houses a small museum with historic war relics. Advance booking is required to visit; alternatively, access may be available during special openings throughout the year. Check current visiting options before your trip.

Plan your circular walk and journey

The Via della Poesia – Sentiero Elsa Somalvico circular route starts and ends in Brienno. This makes it different from the individual buildings and churches: it is a loop with its starting and finishing point in town. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Como is an important reference point for your journey: Brienno is 17 km away and can be reached via the scenic SS340 along the northwestern shore of Lake Como. The town is also accessible by bus from Como and Colico on the SPT C10/C20 Como–Argegno line. If you plan to travel by bus, check the timetable before your trip. This will help you factor both the journey and the places of interest on site—from the historic townscape to the circular route—into your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Peglio, Erba, Veleso, Albavilla, Valmorea, Brunate, Monguzzo, Torno.

For the main travel overview: Como.