Caglio
Welcome to Caglio: a brief tour of the Lombard village
If you find yourself near Lake Como and love discovering the hidden beauties of Italian villages, you can't miss a visit to Caglio. This picturesque municipality of 493 inhabitants is located within the so-called Triangolo Lariano and encloses an ancient history, distinctive symbols and places of interest to discover.
A brief history of Caglio
The events of Caglio follow those of Valassina and date back to the beginning of the 15th century when the fief was assigned by the Visconti of Milan to the Dal Verme. In the sixteenth century, the territory passed to the French and then back under the Sforza. Subsequently, the Valassinese fief passed to the Sfondrati and under Austrian rule. In 1807, a decree of administrative reorganization of the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy sanctioned the annexation of Caglio to the municipality of Lasnigo, but the decision was then repealed, after the Restoration, which led to the reconstitution of the municipality within the Province of Como (Lombardo-Veneto). The town became autonomous only in 1947, when it left the municipality of Santa Valeria.
The symbols of Caglio
The coat of arms and the banner of Caglio carry the memory of the original name of the municipality. On the top of the shield is a stylized narcissus, a variety of flower widely spread throughout the mountainous territory, from which the name of the town would derive. The banner, on the other hand, is a split yellow and blue cloth.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite its small size, Caglio boasts some monuments and places of interest that are worth a visit.
The Sanctuary of Campoè
The Sanctuary of Campoè is dedicated to Mary (mother of Jesus) and is located in the homonymous locality. Of medieval origin, it was rebuilt from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Inside, the frescoes of the vaults date back to the latter period, while an interesting painting of the Madonna of the Milk can be admired from the 1500s.
The Sanctuary of Saints Gervasio and Protasio
The Sanctuary of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, modified in the years 1615-1660, is the parish church of Caglio. The facade features a serizzo portal, whose framing bears the date 1728. Inside, the temple altar with balustrade dates back to the Baroque age, while there are frescoes by Andrea Appiani.
The Church of Santa Valeria
The Church of Santa Valeria is an example of Lombard Romanesque architecture and preserves thirteenth-century frescoes depicting the Madonna of the Milk and the patron saint of the church with her children Gervasio and Protasio. The church has a Greek cross plan and Baroque ornaments.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Campoè
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria in Campoè was built in the seventeenth century and became a place of pilgrimage following an alleged miracle that occurred in 1626. Inside, you will find a Madonna of Milk between two music-playing angels dating back to 1508 and stuccoes made in the following centuries.
Caglio is a place where time seems to stand still, where history is reflected in the beauty of buildings, and where spirituality is present everywhere. Come and discover this hidden treasure in the heart of Lombardy and let yourself be enchanted by its magic.
