Porlezza
Welcome to Porlezza: a renowned tourist destination
Porlezza is a Lombard town with 4,766 inhabitants located on the shores of Lake Lugano in the province of Como. This destination is well-known as a tourist hotspot, especially in the summer season, but it is equally charming in spring and autumn when the surrounding nature is filled with the colors of the rich local flora.
How to get to Porlezza
To reach Porlezza, you can cross Switzerland, following the shores of Ceresio from Lugano in a northeast direction, or stay in Italian territory, taking the Strada statale 340 Regina up until Argegno, and then cross the Val d'Intelvi, or up to Menaggio from where the deviation to Porlezza passes through Val Menaggio.
Historical and cultural heritage
In Porlezza, you can find the church dedicated to San Vittore il Moro, dating back to the medieval period, and is one of the fifty-seven churches of the ancient archdiocese of Milan. The antique nature of the church is indicated by its peripheral location with respect to the bishop's seat in Milan and by its dedication to one of the most venerated saints in the city.
The geography of Porlezza and surroundings
The town is located at the northern-oriental extremity of Lake Lugano at the mouth of the Rezzo and Cuccio streams. The village is surrounded by the Prealpi Luganesi, a destination for various excursions and walks. A few kilometers from the town, in the direction of Menaggio, is Lake Piano, a nature reserve and site of community importance of the European Union.
Origins and history of Porlezza
In antiquity, Porlezza was referred to by different names such as Porletia, Proletia, Prolectia, Porlexe and Portolexe. In some ancient writings, the locality can be referred to as Portus Laetitiae, a toponym indicating the ancient port, sometimes vulgarized as Porroletizia. The first inhabitants of the area were the Gauni, who called the shores of the lake Gaune Sponde. During the war between Milan and Como (1117-1127), Porlezza was a Milanese stronghold, and after the defeat of Como, it remained part of the Milanese territory. This bond is underlined by the presence, in the center of Milan, of a small street named after Porlezza.
Things to do and see in Porlezza
Porlezza is a tourist destination full of opportunities. For nature lovers, there are various opportunities for excursions and walks in the Prealpi Luganesi or at Lake Piano. The village of Porlezza also offers several activities such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or windsurfing, while nearby Switzerland offers the opportunity to go shopping in Lugano. A few kilometers from the town, there are also the suggestive caves of Rescia and the orrido di Osteno, which is a deep gorge carved by a watercourse.
Conclusions
Porlezza is a destination with ancient charm but also knows how to offer many opportunities to modern tourists. With its natural beauty, history, and culture, Porlezza is an ideal destination for those looking for a holiday full of tranquility and the beauty of nature. Come and discover this hidden treasure of Lombardy!
