Ancient Hamlet of Corenno Plinio

The picturesque hamlet of Corenno Plinio is a jumble of houses at the lake shore near Dervio. The unspoiled village retains its medieval charm and character with its cluster of buildings along cobbled lanes that descend toward the water. On top is the old castle that still stands guard over the village, as it has since the 1300s.

The town's original name, Corenno, is said to derive from "Corinth" though it's not clear why. Plinio was added in 1863 to pay homage to Pliny the Younger (Caio Plinio Cecilio the Second), a Roman writer and senator who was from Como. The town became a feudal estate possessed by the Archbishop of Milano, who handed it over to the Andreani family to rule. It stayed in their hands until 1553.

Corenno had Roman roots and there is evidence of an old fortress where the current castle stands, that utilized smoke and fire signals from the lofty panoramic point to other outposts along the lake shore. The castle has an irregular shape conforming to the landscape, with protective walls and guard towers. It offers gorgeous views; it is privately owned but is open to visitors the first Saturday of the month.

Corenno Plinio is on the popular trail, Sentiero del Viadante, a 40-kilometer pathway that skirts Lake Como. The village is small but is full of charm and well worth a visit when in the Dervio area.