Moltrasio

Moltrasio: history and name

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Moltrasio, a municipality on the western shore of Lake Como, in Lombardy. The name of the town has different theories about its origins. Some say it was originally called "Monte Larice" or "Mount of Larches", then renamed "Monte Raso" due to a fire or a battle. Another theory attributes the name to the place where Malta (material) was extracted. Finally, there are those who think that the name derives from the fact of being located between mountains.

The history of Moltrasio

Several archaeological finds have been made on the territory of Moltrasio, such as a copper axe dating back to about 2000-2500 years ago and a Roman mosaic floor. In Roman times, the "via Regina", a road that connected the river port of Cremona with Chiavenna passing through Milan, passed through Moltrasio. In 1058 Moltrasio was already an independent communal entity. In 1292 the town acquired the title of village and in 1405 the citizenship of Como. In 1522 it was sacked by Torno. In 1630 it was severely affected by the plague. During World War II, Moltrasio was the scene of partisan warfare on its mountains, with the presence of groups connected to the Garibaldi brigade.

Moltrasio: history, landscape and culture.

The administrative organization of the municipality

Over the centuries, the municipal territory of Moltrasio extended to the hamlets of Carisciano, Cravolino, Tosnago, Bardolino, Donegano, Borgo, Viginzano, Casarico, Vigniola and Vergonzano. In 1756, the municipality of Moltrasio was included in the new upper Zezio parish of the civil territory of the city of Como. In 1807, during the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, Urio was annexed to Moltrasio, but this decision was abolished by the Restoration.

The role of Moltrasio in history

As you can see, Moltrasio has a history rich in events and the town has played an important role in Roman civilization, the Middle Ages, and World War II. The enchanting landscape of Lake Como and its mountains made Moltrasio also a destination for smuggling, with dozens of men carrying bags of goods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Moltrasio is a town with a unique charm, which has managed to maintain its historical and cultural roots. If you have never visited it, I recommend you to do so. You can immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Como and its mountains, taste the local cuisine, and discover the history that has made this place special.

Martina Caruso
Updated Saturday, Aug 6, 2022