Nesso on Lake Como: Water, Trails and History

Nesso on Lake Como combines an impressive waterscape with closely interwoven traces of the town’s history. At its center is the Orrido di Nesso, where the Tuf and Nosè streams meet, while hydropower once played a decisive role in the development of local manufacturing. It powered mills, paper mills, spinning mills and oil mills.

Water, Bridges and Special Landscapes

You can see the Orrido di Nesso from Piazza Castello or from the medieval Ponte della Civera on the shores of Lake Como. In Nosée, the valley forms a large pool beneath a characteristic stone bridge with two arches. Among the rocks there is also a second distinctive pool called “Pozzo dei Ladri”.

Walking Trails on Ancient Routes

For active exploration, Nesso offers walking trails along the ancient Strada Regia, the historic route connecting Como and Bellagio. The route “Itinerari Nesso: avventura tra acqua e storia” leads from the lakeshore through old parts of the town, along sections of the Strada Regia and past viewpoints to the Budanchen waterfall. A stepped path leads back to the center; as a loop, the route passes through historic alleyways and over bridges offering views of the Tüff and Nosè streams.

Another option is the route “Borghi, mulattiere e ponti storici sul Lago di Como”. It explores Nesso via sections of the Strada Regia, the Ponte della Civera, the Ponte Tuf and the Ponte Noseè.

Churches and Local History

The Chiesa di Santa Maria – Vico was founded by the Order of the Humiliati, which was devoted to charitable and hospital work. Its exposed-stone masonry defines the building; a portico connects the church with several civil structures and with the façade, serving as an entrance.

According to tradition, the Chiesa arcipretale SS. Pietro e Paolo – Borgo was founded in the 11th century by Bishop Rainaldo. It was the parish church of the Pieve di Nesso; its importance is evidenced by its richly decorated interior. 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 also dates back a long way: it was first mentioned in 1184 in a document written by Pope Lucius III. The present building replaced an earlier church in the 16th century.

Fortress Viewed from the Outside

A preserved wall of the Castello di San Lorenzo is up to 15 meters high. It belongs to a fortification that the people of Como built in 1449 on the remains of an earlier structure. Because it is privately owned, the Castello di San Lorenzo can only be viewed from the outside.

Travel and Accommodation in Nesso

Nesso is served by the C30 Como–Bellagio and C32 Como–Piano del Tivano bus routes. In addition, some boats on the Como–Colico route stop in Nesso.

More places for planning your trip: Veleso, Piano Porlezza, Luisago, Acquaseria, Ossuccio, Tremezzo, Cavallasca and Schignano.

Back to the main travel overview: Como.