Olgiasca: Piona Abbey, old paths and lake views

The Olgiasca peninsula (370 m) helps form the small and charming Gulf of Laghetto di Piona. For you, this provides a clear geographical orientation: in and around Olgiasca, the waterscape, hiking trails, nature excursions and historic architecture can be explored as different focal points of a stay.

Piona Abbey and Lombard Romanesque architecture

Piona Abbey, more precisely the Piona Priory, is located within the municipality of Colico at the tip of the small Olgiasca peninsula. It is considered a rare gem of Lombard Romanesque architecture. A monastic community was already living here in the 7th century AD. The combination of architectural form and early monastic history makes the site interesting for visitors who wish to combine architecture and history.

A CAI trail passes near the old Lourdes Grotto beside Piona Abbey; CAI trail markers 7/7A lead to the abbey. The abbey is accessible by car, and free parking is available. If you are planning a CAI hike, you can park in the hamlet of Olgiasca near the parish church. This clearly distinguishes access to the abbey by car from the specified parking area for a hike.

Hiking trails with lake and mountain views

The path to Piona Abbey passes a natural panoramic viewpoint overlooking Lake Como. The route also includes a viewpoint with a view of Monte Legnone. The hiking trail climbs uphill to Olgiasca. On the return to Olgiasca, the path marked 7A follows a beautifully paved road. This sequence combines an uphill trail with striking landscape views and the return to Olgiasca via the paved road.

The Falesia Sass Negher rock face is a granite climbing area in the project area of the Olgiasca peninsula. From Olgiasca, it can be reached via CAI trail 7 and an access path of approximately 15 minutes. Falesia Sass Negher also offers an impressive view of the Baia di Piona. This section is therefore particularly suited to you if you would like to combine physical activity with a specific viewpoint.

Baia di Piona and easy nature excursions

The Baia di Piona offers clear blue water, beaches and coves. The highest area of the Piona peninsula also offers an easy nature excursion on a trail suitable for children. The family-friendly character of this trail stems from its suitability for children and complements the more demanding sections with a gentler nature experience.

Strada Vegia as a historic route

Strada Vegia is an old path and was a historic route connecting the villages on the eastern shore of the lake with Colico, Valtellina and Valchiavenna. It provided a route from Olgiasca to Colico while avoiding the lower area, which was very marshy at the time. Old stone trail markers point to the year 1755. At Strada Vegia, it becomes clear how the landscape, historic paths and regional connections were interconnected.

More destinations

For the rest of your trip to Italy: Torre De' Busi, Introzzo, Baita, Rovagnate, Bosisio Parini, Brivio, Molteno and Ballabio.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecco.