Torno
Torno: a rocky promontory on Lake Como
Torno, or Turnu in the Como dialect, is a small town located in Lombardy, in the province of Como. The town, awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, has approximately 1127 inhabitants and is situated on the rocky promontory that closes the southern basin of the Como branch of Lake Como.
The etymology of the toponym
The origin of the name Torno is uncertain. According to some hypotheses, the toponym could derive from the name of the Etruscan god Turms or from the Latin verb tornare. However, according to other theories, the name derives from the Celtic toponym "Turn," which means "turn." This could indicate the rounded profile of the hill overlooking the village or the turn that the lake makes around the promontory that hosts Torno.
The history of Torno
Torno has been inhabited since pre-Roman times. During the Roman Empire, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger described the presence of an intermittent karst spring in the Tornasco area. Over the centuries, the area has been occupied by populations of transalpine origin, as evidenced by the presence of the so-called Masso Avello.
In 1335, the Statutes of Como mention the "comune burgi de Turno" as the community that was responsible for the maintenance of the stretch of via Regina. In 1404, Torno obtained the citizenship of Como with the accompanying privileges. From the 13th to the 16th century, Torno became a renowned woolen fabric manufacturing center, with about 5000 inhabitants.
The rivalry with Como and the battles
The rivalry between Torno and Como, fueled by the wealth of the former city, led to bloody battles, with Torno aligning with the French, while the Comascans had the support of the Sforzas and the Spaniards. On September 7th, 1515, the Plunder of Torno was recorded by the Sforzas and the Old Confederation, while on June 11th, 1522, by order of the Sforza governor of Como Bartolomeo Martinengo, Torno suffered a new plunder.
Torno today
Today, Torno is a sought-after tourist destination, thanks to its suggestive position on Lake Como and its history. The village offers numerous attractions, such as the Spina Verde Regional Nature Park, the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso, the Church of Saints Fermo and Rustico, and Villa Pliniana.
In conclusion, Torno is a city with an ancient and fascinating history that still bears the traces of the battles it has fought over the centuries. Today, Torno represents an ideal destination for those who want to spend a vacation discovering the natural and cultural beauties of Lake Como.
