Naggio: Sacred Art, History and Trails

Naggio offers beautiful views of Lake Como. In the central piazzetta stands a fountain with statues, described as a unique example in the Grandola area. Traces of art on building portals, along with frescoes on houses and in the lanes, complement the town’s religious and historical features.

Churches, Art and Local History

The origins of the Chiesa di S. Antonio Abate date back to the 15th century, as evidenced, among other things, by rediscovered frescoes. A Crucifixion fresco was restored in 1988. The church became a parish church in 1629 and was consecrated in 1683.

The apse contains a triptych from the late 16th century. The three-part altarpiece depicts scenes from the lives of Saint Anthony, Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch. It is by the painter Giovan Antonio de Rossi. The Chiesa della Madonna Addolorata houses another collection of religious art: its 17th-century paintings depict Our Lady of Sorrows, the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and the Virgin Mary.

The Cappella di San Rocco is in the locality of “La Comuna”, above the village of Naggio. It was built in the mid-19th century during the cholera epidemics that swept the Italian peninsula and Europe from 1830 onwards. Its statue follows the traditional iconography of the saint who protects against plague: Saint Roch is depicted with a pilgrim’s staff, a gourd bottle and a bread bag; at his feet, a dog carries a piece of bread in its mouth.

The history of local music is also part of Naggio’s cultural heritage. The Società Filarmonica di Naggio provided music for the village’s feast days and remained active until the outbreak of the Second World War. Traces of the artistic tradition, meanwhile, can be seen directly on building portals and in frescoes on houses and in the lanes.

Trails from Naggio and their different highlights

The Percorso delle Calchere e degli Orridi runs from Naggio, Località S. Rocco, to Sass Corbèe. After about half an hour on foot, you reach the first calchere, or lime-burning facilities. The route thus combines a specific walking distance with an insight into lime production. Check local trail conditions before setting off.

The Percorso dell’alpigiano (Alpeggi e Pascoli) offers a different focus. It starts in Naggio and climbs uphill to pastures and alpine meadows linked by well-signposted, easy-to-walk trails. While the Percorso delle Calchere e degli Orridi leads to lime-burning facilities, this route focuses on pastures and alpine meadows. Trail conditions may vary; check them before your hike.

Naggio is also on the 26 km circular route “Dal Lario al Ceresio”. The route runs from Menaggio through Grandola ed Uniti, Codogna, Velzo, Naggio, Gottro, Carlazzo, Corrido and Porlezza, and back to Menaggio. This makes Naggio one of the stops along this longer route.

Discover more destinations: Musso, Brienno, Cavargna, Santa Maria Rezzonico, Mariano Comense, Plesio, Anzano Del Parco, Maslianico.

For the overarching travel guide: Como.