Erbonne: Village History, Stone Paths and Views of Lake Como

Erbonne Among Stone Buildings and Old Paths

Erbonne is a small rural village with a distinctive architectural character. The village consists of 52 stone buildings connected by old paths that are still paved with stone. Those who visit Erbonne therefore encounter a townscape revealed through its buildings, paths and traces handed down over time. The combination of these elements makes the village particularly interesting for travellers who want to discover Italian history not only in large cities, but also in a small village.

Church, Fountain and Evidence of the Smuggling Era

The museum collects relics and objects from the local smuggling era. Complementing it is the Chiesa del Sacro Cuore in Erbonne, built in 1922. Another tangible testimony is the Piccolo Museo della Guardia di Finanza e del Contrabbando. It is housed in a former Guardia di Finanza barracks, which was closed in November 1977.

Historic paths also point to former connections that extend beyond the way the village is perceived today. Until 1918, coffins were carried from Erbonne through the forests to the cemetery in Scudellate. The village also has the Erbonne washhouse, a reminder of the practical everyday life of earlier generations; it was restored in 2004. The Erbonne fountain is made of granite, has a single basin and also served as a watering trough for livestock. It is supplied by a pipeline more than one kilometre long from the Erada spring.

Exploring the Surroundings on Foot

For hikers, the Mulattiera per Erbonne is an important point of reference. It begins in La Bolla in Centro Valle Intelvi. On the way there, the route is initially level and then descends gently. From the Mulattiera per Erbonne, there are views of Lake Como and Monte San Zeno. The route thus combines an easily understood trail profile with a landscape impression that reveals the village’s position within its wider surroundings.

A short educational trail with five stations leads visitors through Erbonne and presents the village’s distinctive features. This route complements the old paved connections with a path explicitly designed for exploration. For you, it can be a suitable way to take in the village structure, historic traces and individual points of interest one after another, without reducing Erbonne to a single museum or building.

Archaeological Traces and an Announced Festival

The surrounding area is also connected with the older history of humankind. Various flint artefacts were found and studied during Mesolithic excavations by the Museo di Como near Erbonne and at Monte Cornizzolo, including scrapers, points, triangular and trapezoidal blades, and micro-drills. A traditional festival was announced in the village of Erbonne for 1 and 2 August 2026.

Historic Connections and Crossing into Switzerland

A road suitable for vehicles did not reach Erbonne until 1954; that was the year automobiles arrived in the village. Erbonne is also connected by a bridge for cyclists and pedestrians to Scudellate in Switzerland, which is about one kilometre away.

Other Places for Trip Planning

Mariano Comense, Laglio, Osteno, Blevio, Osteno-claino, Dosso del Liro, Dongo and Albavilla

For the higher-level travel overview: Como.