Discover Nesso: Water, History and Paths on Lake Como

Water landscapes and historic paths

The Orrido di Nesso is formed where the Tuf and Nosè streams meet. The water power of this gorge was crucial to the development of local manufacturing: it powered mills, paper mills, spinning mills and oil mills. The Orrido di Nesso can be seen from Piazza Castello or from the medieval Ponte della Civera on the shore of Lake Como.

Two routes lead through Nesso. Nesso itineraries: adventure among water and historyruns from the lakeshore through old districts, along sections of the Strada Regia and past viewpoints to the Budanchen waterfall. A stepped path leads back to the center; the loop passes through historic lanes and over bridges offering views of the Tüff and Nosè streams.

The route Villages, mule tracks and historic bridges on Lake Comoleads on an exploration of Nesso along sections of the Strada Regia, across the Ponte della Civera, the Ponte Tuf and the Ponte Noseè. Nesso also has walking paths along the ancient Strada Regia, which connects Como and Bellagio.

Water pools and bridge in Nosée

In Nosée, the valley forms a large water pool beneath a distinctive stone bridge with two arches. A second characteristic pool, called the Pozzo dei Ladri, also lies among the rocks.

Churches and fortress in Nesso

The Chiesa di Santa Maria – Vico was founded by the Order of the Humiliati, which was dedicated to charitable and hospital work. The church has exposed-stone masonry. A portico connects it with several civil buildings and with the façade, serving as an entrance. At the Chiesa arcipretale SS. Pietro e Paolo – Borgo, tradition reaches back to the 11th century: According to tradition, it was founded by Bishop Rainaldo. It was the parish church of the Pieve di Nesso; its richly decorated interior testifies to this importance.

The surviving wall of the Castello di San Lorenzo is up to 15 meters high and forms part of a fortification built by the people of Como in 1449 on the remains of an earlier building. As the Castello di San Lorenzo is privately owned, it can only be viewed from the outside.

The Chiesa di San Martino – Careno was built before 1184 and was the parish church of the Careno hamlet until a new church was built in the mid-17th century. The Chiesa di San Lorenzo – Castello was first mentioned in 1184 in a document written by Pope Lucius III. The present building replaced an earlier church in the 16th century.

Getting to Nesso and planning your trip

For a more active day, the paths, historic lanes, bridges and viewpoints take center stage. Those who prefer cultural discoveries can include the churches of Vico, Borgo, Careno and Castello, as well as the exterior view of the fortification wall, in their itinerary. The C30 Como–Bellagio and C32 Como–Piano del Tivano bus routes serve Nesso. In addition, some boats on the Como–Colico route stop in Nesso.

To complement your regional travel plans, you can also explore Villa Guardia, Inverigo, Appiano Gentile, Magreglio, Albese Con Cassano, Pognana Lario, Turate and Dongo.

For the broader travel overview: Como.