Colico
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Colico is easily accessible by train along the Milan-Tirano line, and is served by a well-connected railway station. By car it is accessible from the state road of Lake Como and Spluga. The lake connections also allow boats and hydrofoils to reach the main resorts on the Lario.
Introduction
Colico is a Lombardy municipality located at the north-eastern end of Lake Como, in the province of Lecco. Overlooking the waters of Lake Como and surrounded by the Rhaetian Alps, Colico is distinguished by its strategic position between lake and mountain, which has made it an important commercial and military crossroads over the centuries. Today it is a popular tourist destination for its mix of natural beauty, history and opportunities for outdoor activities, especially lake, hiking and sports tourism.
Description
The territory of Colico stretches between the northern shores of Lake Como and the foothills of the Valtellina mountains, in a landscape where stretches of water, moraine hills and pre-Alpine reliefs alternate. To the east rises Monte Legnone, the highest peak in the Orobian Pre-Alps (2,609 metres), which dominates the panorama and is a visual landmark for the entire area. The Adda River crosses the municipal territory just before flowing into the lake, feeding a large wetland area of naturalistic interest, the Pian di Spagna and Lago di Mezzola Nature Reserve, fundamental for the stopover of migratory birds.
The history of Colico is marked by its position as a passageway between Lombardy, Valtellina and Canton Grigioni. Frequented since Roman times due to its proximity to the Via Spluga, the area acquired military importance in the medieval and Renaissance periods. Evidence of this can be seen in the fortifications dotting the area, including Forte di Fuentes (built by the Spanish in the 17th century to control Valtellina) and Forte Montecchio Nord, one of the few Italian fortifications from the First World War still intact and open to visitors. Colico was also the protagonist of numerous battles during the Risorgimento and Napoleonic wars, given its neuralgic position.
The local economy today is largely driven by tourism, with an offer that ranges from nautical activities on the lake (sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing) to mountain excursions and cultural visits. There is no shortage of agriculture and handicrafts, particularly related to the milk chain, typical cured meats and small-scale wine and beekeeping production. In recent decades, a discrete commercial and service sector has also developed, sustained by the seasonal tourist presence.
Culturally, Colico is linked to religious and popular traditions, such as the patronal festival of San Fortunato, celebrated in mid-October, or the lake fish festival. The musical vitality is remarkable, with events such as the 'Musica sull'Acqua Festival', a summer festival of classical and contemporary music. Along the streets of the centre and in the hamlets, ancient rural nuclei, small churches, votive shrines and remains from the Roman and medieval periods are preserved, bearing witness to the historical stratification of the village.
Among the most popular destinations for hikers is the climb up Monte Legnone, a demanding but scenic climb, or the walk to the Rocca di Fontanedo, a recently restored medieval fortified village. Nature lovers can explore the Valtellina cycle route by bicycle or walk along the paths of the Pian di Spagna, a protected area of great biodiversity. For those who love spiritual paths, the eastern variant of the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path), an ancient pilgrimage route that skirts the lake, passes through Colico.
Information
Area: 35.30 sq. km
Altitude: 218m
Maximum elevation:Mount Legnone (2609m)
Number of inhabitants: 7751
Name in dialect:
Inhabitants name:
Patron Saint:
Internet site:
Webcam:
Bordering municipalities:Delebio, Domaso, Dongo, Dorio, Gera Lario, Gravedona ed Uniti, Musso, Pagnona, Pianello del Lario, Piantedo, Tremenico, Vercana