Abbazia di Piona

Lake Como


The Cistercian Abbazia di Piona has a magnificent setting on a promontory stretching out into Lago di Como. There's evidence that a small chapel was built here as far back as the 7th century. The present Romanesque church and its medieval frescoes are attractive, but the star is the irregularly shaped 13th-century cloister; a rich example of transitional style from Romanesque to Gothic, it's an oasis of peace.

The monks who live here today enjoy incomparable views west over the lake to Gravedona and the snowcapped peaks behind it and to the north. A small shop on the grounds sells honey and liqueurs - including limoncello - made by the abbey.

The turnoff to the abbey is located 3km south of Colico. Take the part-cobbled side road off the SP72 road for 2km.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lake Como attractions

1. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Tiglio

1.73 MILES

This square-based, late-12th-century church has an unusual bell tower (probably added later), which is octagonal at the top and rises from the centre of…

2. Piazza Garibaldi

2.56 MILES

Piazza Garibaldi is roughly cobblestoned and it's plain from its time-warped nature that nothing much has changed here down the centuries. Many of the…

3. Chiesa di Sant’Eusebio

2.8 MILES

High above Gravedona, this 15th-century stone church offers wonderful views of the lake and surrounding plains. The church protects some 17th-century…

4. Sorico

4.01 MILES

Lago di Como's northernmost towns of Dongo, Gravedona and Sorico once formed the independent republic of the Tre Pievi (Three Parishes) and were a hotbed…

5. Beach

4.4 MILES

A scenic stony beach located in Rezzonico. To reach the beach, look for the 13th-century stone castle, built by the Della Torre clan and largely intact …

6. Orrido

5.75 MILES

Once an industrial centre, Bellano (5km north of Varenna) is a sleepy lakeside town with a singular sight: the Orrido, a powerful waterfall where the…

7. Antica Strada Regina

7.66 MILES

A narrow cobblestone lane that was once part of a Roman road along the western side of Lake Como has been preserved in sections. The Antica Strada Regina…

8. Castello di Vezio

8.1 MILES

High above the terracotta rooftops of Varenna, the imposing Castello di Vezio offers magnificent views over Lake Como. The 13th-century building was once…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "italy/the-italian-lakes/lake-como-east-bank/attractions/abbazia-di-piona/a/poi-sig/1138616/1325128",
      "destination": "Lake-Como",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Italy",
      "region": "Lake-Como",
      "position": "superzone"
    }