We know that, as other areas around the lake, Lezzeno was already inhabited during the Roman Age. However, we have no documents or remains of that period, apart from a fragment of a memorial stone dating back to the 1st or 2nd century A.D. and walled into the base of the Parish church steeple.
From the High Middle Ages to 1780, Lezzeno belonged to Pieve d’Isola and Isola Comacina was its centre. During that period, the island was a strategic command centre during the various wars between the Byzantines and the Lombards and later between Como and Milan.
We don’t know which role Lezzeno played during these events, but there are remains and buildings that bear witness to its strategic value, such as the Cavagnola Castle, from where the Lake was kept under control, the Rozzo watchtower, and Silva Palace in Morbia.
In 1300, Lezzeno was the Emperor’s ally and justice was administered in the Rozzo area (there are remains of the prison towers).
In 1535, Lezzeno passed under Spanish rule with Charles V. The Spanish rule lasted until 1736, when Lombardy passed under the Austrian rule.
Subsequently, the territory passed to the French before returning to the Austrians until Italy’s unification. In 1500, Lezzeno was famous for its witches. People of the neighbouring towns believed that the women of Lezzeno were witches who could cast a spell against the unfortunate ones who crossed their path.
Documents of the time bear witness to several trials against witchcraft.
Today, Lezzeno is a quaint little town overlooking the lake with a population of 2000 people. It is only a short distance from Bellagio. The town has restaurants, a few bars, churches, grocery shops, a pharmacy, a post office, and a bank.
Now that the Strada Regia – the ancient pathway that connected Lezzeno to the towns on the other side of the lake – has been restored, you can also enjoy the beautiful landscape walking along the trails that lead to Alpe dei Picett.
The ideal destination for a quiet holiday immersed in nature, away from the city chaos. Lezzeno is one of the few towns on Lake Como to have beaches with direct access to the lake.
From here, you can easily reach the best Lake destinations: Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Lugano, Como.
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