Sala Comacina on Lake Como: History, Trails and Lake Views

Historic Village Centre and San Bartolomeo

Sala Comacina offers a diverse combination of church art, historic traces, lakeside trails and views of Isola Comacina. The historic village lies below the parish church of San Bartolomeo and can be reached via steep stairways. Those who explore the village on foot encounter a settlement structure that has developed over time, in which history and landscape directly determine orientation.

The parish church of San Bartolomeo preserves a large fresco of Saint Christopher, dating from the 14th century. Its current structure bears the imprint of the Counter-Reformation; the apse was renovated in 1703. The furnishings also include an organ by Giovanni Franzetti dated 1874. It has 498 pipes, including 474 made of metal and 24 made of fir wood. An internal stop called “Ottavino Soprani” increases the total to 530 pipes. The church therefore offers several concrete starting points for taking a closer look at the historic character of Sala Comacina.

At the entrance to the old settlement, remains of an ancient fortress have been preserved. These include several arches and fragments of walls that were integrated into later houses. Another architectural landmark is Villa Rachele on a peninsula opposite Isola Comacina. The first structure of the villa, previously known as Villa Beccaria, was built in the mid-18th century. The present villa was remodelled and completed at the beginning of the 19th century.

Lakeshore, Island Views and Trails

The waters in front of Sala Comacina are well protected; the island can serve as a natural shelter. The relationship between the shore, island and village landscape can also be experienced at Lido di Sala Comacina. There, tables stand by the lake with a view of the distinctive Isola Comacina.

On the Greenway del Lago di Como, you can reach the San Rocco chapel in Sala Comacina. From there, there is a view of Isola Comacina. A staircase provides a detour to the medieval historic village centre and the port of Sala, which is about 300 m away.

A walking trail leads from the village of Sala Comacina via Canelva to Alpe di Sala and onwards to a viewpoint on Lake Como. The trail is considered challenging and at the same time suitable for everyone. This differing characterisation makes it clear that the route may be perceived differently depending on personal judgement and planning.

Museums and Peaks in the Surrounding Area

The Museo Moto Guzzi museum is located in the vicinity of Sala Comacina. Further afield in the region are the Museo Civico di Erba, the Collezione Giancarlo e Danna Olgiati and Palazzo Secchi. The surrounding area also includes the peaks of Cima del Costone, Monte Colla, Monte Oriolo and Cima del Nipoti.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

Colonno, Lurate Caccivio, Mozzate, Magreglio, Pognana Lario, Cremia, Sorico and Cagno

To the higher-level travel overview: Como.