Samolaco
Samolaco: The Town and Its History
Welcome to Samolaco, a small town with a population of 2,838 located in the province of Sondrio, in Lombardy. Its name in the local dialect is "Samolich," while in Latin it is "Summus Lacus," which means "head of the lake." The history of this place dates back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the rock engravings found in the area. However, the truth about the original inhabitants remains uncertain due to the lack of reliable sources. The Rhaetians, a population of Etruscan origin, may have lived here, as suggested by some place names.
The Origins of Samolaco
During the Roman period, Valchiavenna was a "Municipium" of Como, but enjoyed relative independence. The valley was divided into administrative nuclei called "vici-fundi," which included both land and people. The Via Spluga, a Roman road connecting Milan to Lindau via the Spluga Pass, passed through Samolaco. Christianity spread in the area from the first century AD, and it is said that the martyrdom of Faith of Como took place right here. The Oratory of San Fedele was erected in his memory.
The Barbarian Invasions
The territory of Samolaco was affected by the invasion of the Alemanni after 350, but they were defeated in 368 by Valentinian I. In 401, the Roman general Stilicho drove the barbarian king Alaric I out of Valchiavenna. The Ostrogoths, Goths, Byzantines, and Franks subsequently crossed the territory. Starting in 728, the territory of Samolaco was under the domination of the Lombards, and some words in the local dialect could be proof of this.
Carolingian and Ottonian Periods
In the 800s, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and promoted economic and political ties between the Italian territory and Raetia through Valchiavenna. Power passed to Charlemagne's son, Louis the Pious, and finally to his nephew, Lothair I, who was entrusted with the Italian territory. In 895, during the reign of Berengar I, the courts of Riva and Samolaco were donated to the then-queen Anna. In the following years, control of Valchiavenna passed to the Ottonians.
Samolaco Today
Today, the Municipality of Samolaco is located in the fraction of Era, while the Mayor is Michele Rossi. Unlike the other two major fractions, Era and San Pietro, the fraction of Somaggia is located on the opposite side of the valley. Samolaco is the perfect place for those looking for some peace and nature, immersed in the beautiful mountains of the Alps. We hope you come to visit this wonderful place and fall in love with it like we did.
