Nesso on Lake Como: Water, Paths and Local History

When looking for a hotel in Nesso, it may help to consider which aspects of the village you would most like to experience: its waterways, historic churches and fortification remains, or paths through its old quarters. Nesso lies on Lake Como; the Orrido, bridges and religious buildings offer different ways to shape your stay. You can plan your time around the waterside landscape, walking paths or local history.

Waterways and Pools

The Orrido di Nesso is formed where the Tuf and Nosè streams meet. You can view it from Piazza Castello or from the medieval Ponte della Civera on the shore of Lake Como. This gives you two specific viewpoints to choose from: the piazza and the bridge right by the lakeshore.

Water also shapes the landscape in Nosée. Beneath a distinctive stone bridge with two arches, the valley forms a large pool. A second pool lies among the stones and is known as the Pozzo dei Ladri. Alongside the Orrido at the streams’ confluence, you can therefore find two pools with different connections to Nosée’s landscape.

Paths through Nesso

The route “Itinerari Nesso: avventura tra acqua e storia” leads from the lakeshore through old quarters, along sections of the Strada Regia and past viewpoints, all the way to the Budanchen waterfall. For the return, a stepped path leads to the centre; the loop passes through historic lanes and over bridges with views of the Tüff and Nosè streams. This route thus combines the waterfall with a return through the lanes and views of the streams.

Another route, “Borghi, mulattiere e ponti storici sul Lago di Como,” is designed for exploring Nesso. It follows sections of the Strada Regia and crosses the Ponte della Civera, the Ponte Tuf and the Ponte Noseè. The ancient Strada Regia connects Como and Bellagio; in Nesso, walking paths follow its course. When choosing between the routes, you can use their stated highlights as a guide: the first leads to the Budanchen waterfall and describes a loop back to the centre, while the second mentions historic paths and several bridges.

Churches and local history

The churches in Nesso tell different chapters of local history. According to tradition, the Chiesa arcipretale SS. Pietro e Paolo – Borgo was founded in the 11th century by Bishop Rainaldo. It was the parish church of the Pieve di Nesso; its importance is attested to by its richly decorated interior.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria – Vico was founded by the Order of the Humiliati, which was devoted to charitable and hospital work. The church has exposed stonework. A portico provides access and links it to some civic buildings and the façade. The Chiesa di San Martino – Careno is documented as having been built before 1184. It was the parish church of the hamlet of Careno until a new church was built in the mid-17th century.

The Chiesa di San Lorenzo – Castello also has a long building history: it was first mentioned in 1184 in a document written by Pope Lucius III. The present building replaced an earlier church in the 16th century. These dates offer a reference point if you would like to consider the buildings in terms of their history rather than just their names.

Fortification and getting there

The surviving wall of the Castello di San Lorenzo is up to 15 metres high. It forms part of a fortification built by the people of Como in 1449 on the remains of an earlier building. The Castello is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside.

Nesso is served by the C30 Como–Bellagio and C32 Como–Piano del Tivano bus routes. Some boats on the Como–Colico route also call at Nesso. Check the latest bus and boat operating details before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Carlazzo, Lurago D'erba, Pognana Lario, Gera Lario, Moltrasio, Cavargna, Mezzegra, Merone.

For the main travel overview: Como.