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Strada Provinciale 583, 22025 Lezzeno, Italy (June 2018)
Lezzeno
Lezzeno’s history can be traced back to Roman times, when the area served as a modest settlement along Lake Como’s eastern route. Over the centuries, it remained largely rural, shaped by the rhythms of the lake and the surrounding mountains. This relative isolation helped preserve its traditional identity, even as tourism expanded elsewhere on the lake. Today, Lezzeno continues to reflect this heritage, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of a lakeside community that has evolved gradually rather than dramatically.
The natural setting is one of Lezzeno’s defining features. The mountains rise sharply behind the village, creating dramatic scenery and a sense of seclusion. The lakefront, with its small pebble beaches and clear waters, provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and relaxation. From the shoreline, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the lake toward the western shore, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the light transforms the landscape into a palette of soft colours.
Outdoor activities play an important role in Lezzeno’s appeal. Hiking trails lead from the village into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic viewpoints and access to quieter, less-travelled areas of Lake Como. These paths reveal forests, small chapels, and rural landscapes that highlight the region’s natural diversity. For those who prefer the water, ferry connections and boat rentals make it easy to explore nearby towns and villas from a different perspective.
Local culture in Lezzeno is closely tied to tradition and seasonal rhythms. Small family-run restaurants and trattorias serve dishes inspired by Lombard cuisine, often featuring freshwater fish, polenta, and simple, flavourful ingredients. Meals are typically unhurried, reflecting the relaxed lifestyle of the village. Local festivals and religious celebrations, though modest in scale, provide opportunities for community gathering and offer visitors insight into local customs.
Despite its growing popularity among travellers seeking quieter destinations, Lezzeno has managed to retain its authenticity. Tourism here is low-key and respectful, blending into the existing fabric of village life rather than overwhelming it. This balance allows Lezzeno to remain a place where residents and visitors coexist naturally.
Lezzeno stands as a serene and understated destination on Lake Como. Its beauty is subtle rather than grand, found in its landscapes, its traditions, and its calm atmosphere. For those looking to experience the lake beyond its most famous landmarks, Lezzeno offers a genuine and refreshing introduction to the region’s quieter side.
Worth a Visit
The Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta in Lezzeno, overlooking the cool waters of Lake Como, is a parish church steeped in local history and artistic richness. Situated in Piazza Roma, it originated before 1453 and was reconstructed in 1520 on the site of an earlier chapel. Over the centuries the church has evolved through restorations and enlargements, especially in the 1600s when the presbytery and side chapels were reshaped. Architecturally, the building combines a triple-nave section at its entrance with a single wide nave further in, flanked by several chapels. Inside, visitors are treated to an outstanding fresco by Giulio Quaglio dating from 1712 behind the main altar, a wooden statue of the Dead Christ from the late sixteenth century, and richly decorated chapels including one dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo. The church is not only a place of worship but a cultural landmark, embodying layers of faith, art, and community life in Lezzeno.
The Porto di Lezzeno is a small yet picturesque harbour nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Como in northern Italy. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and elegant waterfront villas, the port reflects the peaceful rhythm of life in this charming lakeside village. It serves as both a working harbour for local fishermen and a leisure spot for visitors arriving by boat or exploring the lake’s hidden corners. The clear blue waters, gently rocking boats, and inviting promenade create an atmosphere of calm and beauty that perfectly captures the essence of Lezzeno. From the port, it is easy to admire the distant towns scattered along the lake’s edge or to take a scenic boat trip toward Bellagio or Como. Whether at sunrise or sunset, the Porto di Lezzeno offers a timeless view of Lake Como’s natural splendour and the authentic spirit of its local community.
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