Pigra
Presentation of Pigra
Hello everyone! Today I want to tell you about a small gem located in the province of Como, in Lombardy. It's Pigra, a municipality with only 241 inhabitants, located at an altitude of 881 meters above sea level. The most beautiful thing about Pigra is definitely the panoramic view that you can enjoy on the western shore of Lake Como. Thanks to its privileged position, it immediately catches the eye with the spacious view from the first basin to the Grigne group, up to the mountains of the upper lake.
Physical geography
Pigra is a small town located on a short plateau at 881 meters on the foothill of Mount Costone called Camoggia, at the mouth of the Val d'Intelvi. The panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains is unique and offers a unique tourist experience.
Origin of the name
The name Pigra ironically suggests that the area was reached with difficulty. However, two theories have been proposed about the origins of the name "Pigra". According to a first hypothesis, the toponym would derive from a transformation of the Latin term ''populus'' (poplar). Another theory would identify the reason in a late ripening of the vineyards compared to the surrounding areas. In short, perhaps the description of the name is not entirely accurate!
History
Pigra has an interesting history. During the Ten Years' War, in which Pigra supported Como, the area hosted a watch tower on whose ruins, in the 20th century, a villa was built. Subsequently, Pigra's history is part of that of the valley: it followed the municipality of Como and in 1335 passed under the lordship of the Visconti. With the Duchy of Milan, in 1416 it was a fief of the Rusca family and in 1527 it ended up under Gian Giacomo Medici, known as Medeghino. Long part of the pieve d'Intelvi, between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries Pigra was found within the territory of the so-called "Cinque Comuni della Mezena", which included the municipalities of Casasco d'Intelvi, Cerano d'Intelvi, Dizzasco and Schignano. With the administrative reforms of the Duchy of Milan in 1757, the municipality of Pigra was instead included in the pieve d'Isola. In 1848 the parish priest of Pigra, Don Cavalli, participated in the insurrection of Andrea Brenta against the Austrians and was forced into exile. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Pigra has witnessed a significant phenomenon of emigration abroad - Switzerland, Germany and France in particular.
Symbols
The coat of arms and the flag of Pigra were granted by a decree of the President of the Republic on June 16, 1982. The flag is a troncated cloth of blue and yellow.
Monuments and places of interest
Pigra is a quiet place ideal for families who love hiking and outdoor activities. Among the most important tourist attractions is the Church of Santa Margherita, in a beautiful location with a tower bell at the end of the sixteenth century. The original church had two aisles, in 1757 the choir was remade and in the second half of the nineteenth century a third aisle was added. However, the main point of interest in Pigra is the spectacular view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
In the end, it's not hard to understand why it's worth visiting Pigra: its location, the panoramic view it offers and the natural beauty of the area make this small town a real corner of paradise. If you are looking for a quiet place away from the chaos of the city, Pigra represents the ideal choice.
