Olgiasca: Piona Abbey, Strada Vegia and Hiking Trails

Trail markers also differ: markers 7/7A lead to the abbey; to reach the Falesia, take CAI Trail 7 from Olgiasca and then a roughly 15-minute access path.

Piona Abbey: History and Architecture

Piona Abbey, more precisely the Priory of Piona, is located within the municipality of Colico, at the tip of the small Olgiasca peninsula. A monastic community was already living here in the 7th century AD. The priory is considered a rare gem of Lombard Romanesque architecture. These details offer different perspectives on the place: its monastic history and the art-historical context of its architecture.

CAI trail markers 7/7A lead to Piona Abbey. The CAI trail passes near the old Lourdes Grotto, which is next to the abbey. The abbey is accessible by car, and free parking is available. Check the parking information before you set off.

Hiking Trails, Views and Climbing

The trail to the abbey passes a natural viewing terrace overlooking Lake Como and also includes a viewpoint with a view of Monte Legnone. This combines a cultural destination with two distinct landscape views: one of the lake and one of the named mountain.

Falesia Sass Negher is a granite climbing crag in the Olgiasca peninsula area. From Olgiasca, you can reach it via CAI Trail 7 and a roughly 15-minute access path. The crag offers impressive views of Baia di Piona. The bay features clear blue water, beaches and coves. The Olgiasca peninsula (370 m) also helps form the small, picturesque Laghetto di Piona gulf.

The return route to Olgiasca follows marker 7A and a beautifully paved road, while access to the Falesia is via CAI Trail 7 and a roughly 15-minute access path. Check trail conditions locally. Another option for a nature outing is the highest part of the Piona peninsula: the trail is easy and suitable for children too.

Strada Vegia: A Historic Trail

Strada Vegia is an old route that connected Olgiasca with Colico while avoiding the lower area, which was very marshy at the time. As an old passage, it also connected villages on the eastern shore of the lake with Colico, Valtellina and Valchiavenna. Old stone trail markers point to the year 1755. The history of the route therefore encompasses both the direct connection between Olgiasca and Colico and its broader role linking the lakeside villages with the regions mentioned.

Strada Vegia and the trails to the abbey or the Falesia suit different travel interests: one is a historic route and its trail markers, while the others lead to destinations, viewpoints and outdoor activities. When planning your stay in Olgiasca, you can consider local history and hiking separately or together.

Discover more destinations: Gisazio, Introbio, Dorio, Rovagnate, Dervio, Merate, Civate, Bosisio Parini.

For the full travel overview: Lecco.