Dorio
Discovering Dorio: a charming village on Lake Como
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about a corner of beautiful Lombardy that I know very well: Dorio! Located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, this municipality of 308 inhabitants has a lot to offer for those looking for some peace and relaxation. But let's discover what Dorio has to offer!
Physical geography
The village extends along the slopes of Mount Legnoncino, immersed in nature and a stone's throw from the shores of the beautiful Lake Como. What can I say, the location is really suggestive and the crisp air of the lake makes the atmosphere magical in every season of the year!
History
Dorio boasts an ancient and fascinating history. Apparently, even in prehistoric times, these lands were settled by Celtic populations. Today it is possible to glimpse evidence of this past in the paalstab found in the railway tunnels and in some inscriptions on stones in the Comballo area.
But the history of Dorio is also linked to the Roman era. It seems that the foundation of the village coincides with the transfer of Greek settlers to Como. In this area also passed the famous "via Spluga", which connected Milan with Lindau, crossing the Spluga Pass.
In the Middle Ages, the main settlement was located in the Mandonìco area, where a church dedicated to Saint George the Martyr was probably built. Here the population lived until they moved to the Solmogno area, which then became the current inhabited center.
Dorio over time: conquests and dynasties
Dorio has undergone several conquests and changes of domination over the centuries. In 1040, in fact, it was under the dependence of Bellano, but then passed under the control of the Republic of the Three Parishes, which first conquered Dorio, then Corenno and, after 4 months of siege, Dervio.
Subsequently, these territories became part of the feud of Pietro II Dal Verme, Count of Bobbio, Voghera, Castel San Giovanni and the entire Val Tidone, Pieve di Incino and Valsassina. After his death, the feud passed to Chiara Sforza, daughter of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, widow Dal Verme.
Despite frequent expropriations, the Sforza family managed to maintain control of the situation until the death of one of the heirs, which occurred in 1530. Then, the other heirs preferred to give up Dervio and other fiefs of the Riviera to the Sfondrati in 1533.
Things to see in Dorio
In addition to the unspoiled nature and the beautiful lake that characterizes it, Dorio also offers places of historical and artistic interest. One of these is the Church of Saint George the Martyr, which dates back to the 14th century and represents one of the oldest places of worship in the area.
But there are also other interesting churches: the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta and the church of San Carlo Borromeo, also known as the "fishermen's church" as it was built by them.
But Dorio is also an ideal starting point for beautiful hikes in the surrounding unspoiled nature. From trekking on the mountain to cycling tours around the lake, here you can do everything you want.
A cuisine to taste
Finally, I cannot fail to mention the cuisine of Dorio, which manages to combine local flavors and traditions with all-Italian creativity. Here you can taste the typical dishes of the area, such as the casoncelli alla bergamasca or the taragna polenta, but also delicacies based on very fresh fish.
The culinary tradition of Dorio, in fact, is linked precisely to the lake and to the delicacies it offers. An example is the famous missoltine, the typical fish of this area that is produced following an ancient tradition.
In short, Dorio is truly a hidden gem on the eastern shore of Lake Como. If you are looking for tranquility, nature, artistic and culinary beauties, you cannot miss visiting this beautiful village!
