Ponna
Welcome to Ponna, Como Municipality
Hello everyone! Today we'll talk about Ponna, a small municipality in the province of Como in Lombardy. Ponna is composed of three hamlets: Ponna Superiore, Ponna di Mezzo and Ponna Inferiore. In this text, I'll guide you through the history of Ponna, from its ancient origins to the present day.
Origins of the name
The origin of the name Ponna is uncertain. There are different theories, some associating it with the Greek "Peona" or "Peonia," and others linking it to the Celtic-Roman deity of Epona. There are also those who think that the name derives from the Etruscan term "leponzio." Whatever its origin, it is known that the area of Ponna has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
History of Ponna
Ponna's ancestors lived here in prehistoric times, as demonstrated by the Coppella findings. In Roman times, Ponna was already a populated area, as evidenced by the tomb discovered in Ponna Inferiore. In the Middle Ages, Ponna di Mezzo constituted a hamlet, linked to the Abbey of San Benedetto in Val Perlana. From the 12th century, Ponna was under the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Como and in the 15th century, it passed under the control of the Rusca. In the 16th century, it passed into the hands of the Marliani family and, in the 18th century, to the Counts Riva Andreotti, who were the feudal lords of Ponna for many years.
In 1756, Ponna Superiore and Ponna Inferiore were merged into a single Municipality. In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte decided to reorganize the Kingdom of Italy, merging smaller municipalities into larger units. The municipality of Ponna was incorporated into Claino with Osteno and renamed "Clajno." However, when Lombardy came under the control of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the merger was abolished and the municipalities were restored based on the territorial compartmentalization of the Lombardo-Veneto Kingdom.
The elementary and high school boarding school
In 1815, the parish priest of Ponna Inferiore, Giovanni Battista Barelli, promoted the creation of the elementary and high school boarding school, to educate less affluent young people. From the beginning, the boarding school was a place where young people were invited to cultivate their curiosity and to develop their talent. Over the years, many students from Ponna and nearby cities have passed through the doors of the boarding school. Today, the boarding school offers a variety of educational programs for young people of all ages and continues to be a reference point for the community.
Life in Ponna Today
Today, Ponna is a quiet place where nature is still relatively intact, and the air is fresh and clean. There are some shops and services, such as a supermarket, a pharmacy, a post office, and a bank, but most people travel outside the village for work and to reach other cities. However, life in Ponna offers many opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities, such as hiking in the surrounding mountains, or walking along the small streets of the village.
Conclusions
In summary, Ponna is a beautiful place to live or visit, especially if you seek tranquility and some time for yourself. Its ancient and interesting history makes it a fascinating place, rich in culture. Do not hesitate to come and discover it for yourself!
