Comabbio on Lake Comabbio: Nature, Art and History

Lake, nature and a place steeped in history

Comabbio combines the landscape of Lake Comabbio with a remarkable concentration of religious and artistic traces. Lake Comabbio is glacial in origin and rich in rare plants, especially floating plants. Its southern shore serves as a refuge and nesting area for many bird species. If you would like to combine nature observation and culture during your trip to Italy, the town offers various clearly identifiable points of interest for doing so.

Special impressions by the water

Along the lakeside path on Lake Comabbio stands the ancient ghiacciaia di Comabbio. This historic icehouse was once used to store food during the winter months. Neolithic pile-dwelling settlements, meaning settlements from the New Stone Age, have also been found along the shores of the lake. Another special feature is the wooden platform built on Lake Comabbio. Visitors can use it to travel over the water for a distance of more than five hundred yards.

Churches on hills and historic architectural forms

The Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario stands on Motto Hill in a prominent position above Lake Comabbio. The church was completely rebuilt in the first half of the 17th century. Its octagonal floor plan, rectangular chancel and dome with lantern also make its architecture interesting for visitors who would like to explore Italian ecclesiastical architecture in greater depth. The Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo stands on a hill above Comabbio.

The Chiesa di San Rocco

The Chiesa di San Rocco also tells a story of architectural change. In 1960, it was demolished and rebuilt during the construction of the Vergiate–Besozzo road. Its portico is supported by two reused 17th-century columns. Four removed frescoes have been preserved inside the church, including complete scenes and fragments.

Lucio Fontana’s studio in Comabbio

The Casa Atelier Lucio Fontana offers an insight into the town’s art history. In the studio, Lucio Fontana created his final works, “Tagli,” “Attese” and “Concetti spaziali.” Traces of paint have also been preserved on the floor. In addition, the Casa Atelier preserves many of Lucio Fontana’s working and carving tools in their original form. The rooms and surviving traces make this place especially interesting if you would like to discover art not only through finished works, but also through the place where they were created.

The interests that Comabbio brings together

Those who place Lake Comabbio at the centre of their visit will find themes ranging from a glacially shaped landscape and plant life to birdwatching and historic traces along the shore. Those with a stronger interest in culture can focus on the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Rosario, the Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo, San Rocco and the Casa Atelier Lucio Fontana. Depending on your interests, Comabbio can therefore be viewed as a nature-oriented or cultural and historically shaped destination, without the individual sites losing their own significance.

More places for planning your trip

Other destinations you can consider for your trip to Italy: Arcisate, Case Nuove, Induno Olona, Albizzate, Bassano, Brunello, Arsago Seprio, Monteggia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Varese.