Isola Comacina is situated on the spell-binding Lake Como in Italy. It stands as the sole island and is famed for its verdant herbal beauty and superb vistas. It holds the difference of being one of the most fascinating archaeological sites of early medieval instances in northern Italy. Furthermore, it served as an inventive haven for proponents of Rationalism, both Italian and Belgian, who sought solace in its summer season palace.
Spanning about 600 meters in length and a trifling 200 meters in width, the islet of Comacina encompasses a total location of 6 hectares, with the majority cloaked in lush Mediterranean plant life. To attain this idyllic haven, one can also embark on a taxi boat from Ossuccio.
Isola Comacina: Location
| Name | Isola Comacina |
| Country | Italy |
| Province | Como |
| Coordinates | 45°58′N 9°10′E |
| Area | 0.06 km2 (6 hectares) |
| Time zone | UTC +1 |
| Population | 0 |
| Airport | N/A |
Isola Comacina: History
Despite its modest size, Isola Comacina performed a significant role in Como's spiritual and political history during the Roman and early medieval durations.
The island boasts several churches, including the famed 11th-century Church of Saint Euphemia (S. Eufemia). According to subculture, it was erected by the Bishop of Como and customer saint Saint Abbondio, who delivered the relics of the saint to this sacred place. The religious significance of the island was so profound that it even became the final resting vicinity for the remains of Agrippino, the Bishop of Como, whose epitaph is still visible today.
Comacina additionally held an impressive castle, which is known as the fort (castél) to this present day, with its homes and church buildings enclosed by means of robust walls. For over many years, it served as a Byzantine garrison and stood as one of the final bastions of the Western Roman Empire. However, the illustrious history of Comacina came to an abrupt halt in 1169, marking a lousy year that sealed its tragic fate. In a bid for strategic dominance, it was razed to the floor by the forces led with the aid of Barbarossa, the ruler of Como, as retaliation for his alliance with Milan in the decade-long struggle concerning the 2 capitals. Each year on the Sunday closest to June 24th, the conventional Feast of Saint John is celebrated right here, followed by solemn boat processions and a fantastic display of fireworks on the lake.
In the centuries that accompanied this occasion, there has been no reconstruction, and Isola Comacina remained in a nation of abandonment.
The 20th century it brought approximately a renaissance for the island. In 1900, the island's owner Giuseppe Caprani bequeathed it to the King of Belgium, who in flip donated it to the Italian government. It is now managed via the Brera Academy, which is entrusted with the project of maintaining its archaeological and landscape interests.
Scholars Ugo Monneret de Villard (1914) and Luigi Mario Belloni (1958-1978) performed a series of excavations, unearthing an archaeological site spanning from Roman times to the sixteenth century, making it one of the most fascinating archaeological sites inside the early medieval generation of northern Italy.
But the story does now not give up there. In 1939, after transforming Isola Comacina into a creative enclave, architect Pietro Lingeri built three rationalist-fashion homes with the usage of local materials together with Moltrasio stone and chestnut wood, seamlessly mixing them into the naturalistic surroundings.
Isola Comacina: Tourist Spots
Upon setting foot on the island, despite its modest size, there are still a few fascinating sights to behold. You will come across the remains of the 17th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista, as well as the remnants of the Church of Sant'Eufemia.
Equally captivating are the three houses designed in 1937 specifically for artists, notable for their distinctive rationalist style. In general, you can find all the artifacts discovered on the island at the Ossuccio Antiquarium Museum.
Isola Comacina: Curse
One component of absolutely fascinating traffic to Isola Comacina is the curse of the legends that surround the island. It is stated that as early as 1169, Bishop Vidulfo of Como, following the destruction of the city by the forces of Federico Barbarossa, solidified a curse upon the island. This curse was believed to condemn the island to irreversible decline, making sure that it'd in no way be inhabited once more.
The history of the curse is a blend of historical fact and famous mythology. Its echoes can nevertheless be felt nowadays: indeed, many characteristics of a number of the tragic events that took place on the island within the final century to the curse, even though it is simply a superstition carefully intertwined with the island's records.
Isola Comacina: How to Get There
To embark on your journey to Isola Comacina, you must first make your way to the town of Ossuccio, from where boats and taxi boats depart. In the case of the latter, the cost per person for a round trip is 6 euros. To reach Ossuccio:
- By car: You must travel along the Milano Laghi highway until you reach the Como Nord exit and then continue towards Menaggio.
- By train: The nearest train station is Como, from where you can take a bus to the town.
Nearby Attractions of Isola Comacina
Visiting Isola Comacina also presents an opportunity to explore the charming towns that surround it. Not far from the mainland, at the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula, lies the exquisite Villa del Balbianello, a rare haven of beauty that has served as a backdrop for many internationally acclaimed films. With its Italian gardens and extraordinary lake views, this villa is an experience not to be missed.
Continuing your journey, you can visit the village of Tremezzo, renowned for its historic Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens. Nearby stands Menaggio, a picturesque town that captivates visitors with its bustling lakeside promenade and narrow, historic cobblestone streets.
Activities and Stays in Lake Como
The pristine natural beauty of Lake Como that untainted by pollution becomes an ideal choice for exploring the historical and cultural heritage of Northern Italy. You can embark on a sophisticated excursion aboard a tour boat or a speedboat to complete a one-day tour on Lake Como.
- From Milan: Lake Como & Bellagio by Bus & Private Boat Tour
- From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise
- Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio
- 2 Hour Private Cruise on Lake Como by Motorboat
- See all Lake Como Tours>>
Check accommodations around Lake Como
Notice and Tips
- For those guests who wish to enjoy lunch on the island of Comacina, there are options available, such as a bar/restaurant or a picnic area with wooden benches.
- It is recommended that you visit the island during the Lumaghitt Festival, celebrated in June on the occasion of Saint Giovanni. During this time, a grand fireworks display "ignites the island," and thousands of lumaghitt candles illuminate the surface of the lake.
- To visit the island and the archaeological museum, an admission ticket is required, which can be purchased either at the museum or directly at the information point/ticket office on the island.
