Discover Zelbio

Zelbio combines scenic landscapes and local history, with two possible starting points for your journey: Como or Erba. The Triangolo Lariano, Pian del Tivano, the Big Sunset Bench and several churches offer different points of interest for your trip. If you are looking for a hotel in Zelbio, these features can help you get a sense of the destination and choose a focus for your stay.

Landscapes, Trails and Views

Zelbio lies in the Triangolo Lariano, whose hiking trails and paths offer striking views between the lake and the mountains. Pian del Tivano is also part of the surrounding landscape: a broad plain that stretches across the municipalities of Zelbio, Nesso and Sormano. The plain is therefore a point of reference shared by several municipalities, rather than belonging to Zelbio alone. When putting the place names in context as you plan your trip, it is worth keeping this broader geographic setting in mind.

The Big Sunset Bench is located on the Pian del Tivano plain in Zelbio. From there, you can see the Como Triangle and Monte San Primo. Fracia is also in the hamlet of Pian del Tivano: a public pasture that serves as a starting point for walks and outdoor events. These two places offer different ways to experience the landscape: the bench foregrounds the views of named landmarks, while Fracia highlights the pasture and its use for walks and events. If you are planning your trip around a particular event, check the dates in advance.

The Ponte di Ferro offers a different kind of scenery: this historic pedestrian bridge crosses a wooded gorge carved out by a stream. It lies on a mule track above Zelbio. While Pian del Tivano is described as a broad plain, the gorge, stream and bridge define the setting around Ponte di Ferro. The surrounding area thus includes a variety of landscapes, from open pastureland to wooded gorges.

Churches and Local History

The churches of Zelbio represent different periods in history. The Chiesa dell’Addolorata e dei Santi Primo e Feliciano has medieval origins. The Church of the Conversione di San Paolo was built between 1593 and 1617 and became an independent parish in 1617. The construction period and the church’s status as a parish thus coincide in the same year: 1617 marks both the end of the stated construction period and its elevation to parish status.

The Chiesa Della Madonna Immacolata was built much later, between 1952 and 1954. Inside, it preserves a fresco by Carlo Morgari. Together, the three churches offer different historical points of interest: medieval origins, a history of construction and parish status at the turn of the 17th century, and a church built in the mid-20th century. If you are interested in the history of the area, this span of time brings out the differences between the churches.

Local Initiative and Getting There

The Sagra dei sapori e del pizzocchero is also part of the area’s local character—a Zelbio initiative that has become established over the years. Its name adds a culinary touch to the area’s landscape and historical attractions. If you would like to include the Sagra in your travel plans, check the event dates for your chosen travel period.

There are two described ways to get to Zelbio. From Como, the route follows the SS583 to Nesso and then the SP44 towards Zelbio–Pian del Tivano. From Erba, an alternative route follows the SP41 and SP44. The main difference between the two directions is the starting point: the route from Como first mentions Nesso, while the route from Erba mentions the SP41. You can choose the directions that match your starting point.

Discover more destinations: Cima Di Porlezza, Castiglione Dʼintelvi, Mozzate, Pusiano, Dosso del Liro, Lomazzo, Lucino, San Nazzaro Val Cavargna

For the main travel overview: Como.