Abbadia Lariana

Abbadia Lariana is a lovely town in the province of Lecco on the shore of Lake Como. Abbadia Lariana owes its name to the Benedictine abbey (abbadia) founded here in the ninth century, now no longer present. There has been human presence in the area of Abbadia Lariana since the Iron Age, with remains of settlements, a channel and an altar dedicated to Hercules to show for its ancient history. In the Middle Ages there were protective castles in Abbadia and Lierna.

Abbadia Lariana overlooks the lake from its placid site. It juts into the water and enjoys fabulous views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. A long beach highlights its shoreline, and there is a lake-side trail that goes for miles. There are restaurants and shops and lakefront bars for fun. The town organizes events in the summer such as concerts and open-air movies. The setting is magical. Guarding the town is a medieval tower, La Torraccia, partially ruined, that was built in the 1200s. The church of San Lorenzo is in the area was called "chiesa rotta" - broken church, for the ruins of an older church that had been there many centuries ago. This one was built in the 1780s in Baroque style. The charming church of San Bartolomeo is in a wooded setting, originally built in the 800s by a Benedictine abbot who wanted a church near his home. It's been modified through the years.

The Park of Villa Guzzi is a lakefront green space that offers grassy lawns for playing and sunning, a games area for the kids and picnic tables overlooking the water. The beach is located here, offering summer sports and water games. The Sentiero del Viandante is the lakeside trail that once linked the towns of the eastern shore together, still intact for many miles, perfect for walking enthusiasts. There are abundant trails in the mountains for trekking, mountain biking or horse riding. Abbadia Lariana also has a dock for ferries to Lecco and other towns.