Abbadia Lariana

Welcome to Abbadia Lariana!

Hello friends, today I will talk about Abbadia Lariana, a municipality in the province of Lecco in Lombardy. With a population of 3,210 inhabitants and overlooking the Lecco branch, Abbadia Lariana is the third Italian municipality in alphabetical order, surpassed only by Abano Terme and Abbadia Cerreto. Come with me to discover this beautiful city with ancient origins.

Physical geography

Abbadia Lariana extends from the southern slopes of the Orobie Alps to the eastern shores of the Lecco branch, offering a spectacular view of the lake. The municipal territory also includes the Resinelli Plain, a mountainous area perfect for hiking and nature lovers. Don't miss the opportunity to see the 50-meter waterfall formed by the Zerbo stream, which crosses the plain of the territory.

Abbadia Lariana: Lombard nature, history and gastronomy on Lake Como.

Origins of the name

The name Abbadia derives from the presence of an abbey founded in the eighth century, restored by the Servants of Mary in 1272 and then suppressed. Today, traces remain of the Church of San Lorenzo and an adjacent dwelling. The presence of the abbey suggests a Roman origin of the city.

History

The history of Abbadia Lariana dates back to the Iron Age, and the municipal territory has seen the presence of Gallic and Roman settlements. During the Middle Ages, the territory was protected by watchtowers and castles in Abbadia and Lierna. The Torraccia, one of the twelfth-century watchtowers, is still visible today just before entering Abbadia coming from Lecco.

During the Ten Years' War between Como and Milan, the parish of Mandello, to which Abbadia was linked, was the scene of bloody naval battles. The parish became a protectorate of Como in 1196, then was ceded to Milan. In 1336, the territory passed under the Visconti dominion and in 1398 obtained the promulgation of the statutes with Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti. In 1480, Abbadia Lariana was given in fief to Pietro II Dal Verme, count of Bobbio, Voghera, Castel San Giovanni and the entire Tidone valley, Pieve di Incino and Valsassina.

What to do in Abbadia Lariana

Abbadia Lariana is a perfect destination for nature and trekking lovers. The Resinelli Plain offers a series of naturalistic itineraries with a breathtaking view of the valley and the lake. Don't miss the Zerbo stream waterfall, one of the natural wonders of the area.

The city also offers interesting cultural insights. Visit the Church of San Lorenzo, one of the remaining traces of the abbey founded in the eighth century. Walk through the streets of the historic center of Abbadia, where you can see ancient watchtowers and medieval castles.

What to eat in Abbadia Lariana

Lombard cuisine is one of the most famous in Italy, and Abbadia Lariana offers a series of excellent restaurants where you can taste local specialties. Don't miss the opportunity to try the taragna polenta, a delicious polenta made with buckwheat flour and corn, accompanied by local cheeses and products.

Conclusions

Abbadia Lariana is a city with ancient origins and natural beauty, offering a spectacular view of Lake Como. With its mountains, waterfalls, and naturalistic itineraries, Abbadia is an excellent destination for nature and trekking lovers. But not only that: the city also offers interesting cultural insights and gastronomy rich in flavors and local products. Come and discover Abbadia Lariana!

Chiara Russo
Wrote by Chiara Russo
Updated Friday, Jan 21, 2022