Erbonne: Stone Paths and Border History

Erbonne combines a small rural village with a rich border history. A bridge for cyclists and pedestrians leads from Erbonne into Switzerland to Scudellate, about one kilometer away. Both the village layout and its cross-border and historical connections are therefore interesting when choosing a destination.

Stone Buildings and Paths in the Village

Erbonne consists of 52 stone buildings. Old paths, still paved with stone, connect the village. A short educational trail with five stations takes visitors through Erbonne and introduces them to the village’s distinctive features. The buildings, paving, and stations offer different perspectives on the village: some focus on construction and paths, while others highlight the special features presented along the trail. If you are interested in rural settlement patterns, these details are as much a part of the village landscape as its individual historic buildings.

Fountain, Washhouse, and Church

The Chiesa del Sacro Cuore was built in 1922. Erbonne’s fountain is made of granite, has a single basin, and also served as a watering trough for livestock. It is supplied by a more than one-kilometer-long pipeline from the Erada spring. The washhouse was restored in 2004. These three places represent different aspects of village life: a religious building, water supply, and a washing place. The fountain in particular combines a distinctive material with a practical function and a long water supply line.

Smuggling History and Historical Connections

The Piccolo Museo della Guardia di Finanza e del Contrabbando collects relics and objects from the local smuggling era. It is housed in a former Guardia di Finanza barracks, which closed in November 1977. The collection and the former barracks give the history of smuggling its own place in the village. Scudellate is also part of the area’s historical connections: until 1918, coffins were carried from Erbonne through the woods to the cemetery in Scudellate. A road suitable for vehicles did not reach Erbonne until 1954; automobiles arrived in the hamlet that year. These milestones trace different chapters in the village’s history, from earlier connections through the woods to the arrival of automobiles.

Archaeology and Landscape

Various flint artifacts were found and studied during Mesolithic excavations by the Museo di Como near Erbonne and on Monte Cornizzolo. They include scrapers, points, triangular and trapezoidal blades, and microdrills. Alongside the village and smuggling history, these finds offer a glimpse into a much earlier era.

The Mulattiera per Erbonne is a highlight of the landscape. It begins in La Bolla in Centro Valle Intelvi. On the outward route, it is initially level and then descends gently. The Mulattiera offers views of Lake Como and Monte San Zeno. Unlike the educational trail through Erbonne, which introduces visitors to the village’s distinctive features, this route focuses on the path and the views. These offer two distinct interests to consider when planning your trip: the village’s history and the landscape views along the Mulattiera.

Discover more destinations: Brienno, Acquaseria, Fino Mornasco, Lomazzo, Locate Varesino, Anzano Del Parco, Orsenigo, Civenna.

Return to the main travel overview: Como.