A village with a unique atmosphere, fully representative of the magic of Lake Como. We are in Torno, a small and quiet village in Como with around 1,100 inhabitants, which is certainly among the most characteristic and ancient of the various villages overlooking Lake Como, and its atmosphere is the result of a magical mix of Lombard architecture, small churches historic buildings, typical restaurants and an enchanting panorama.
The geographical position of Torno is in fact one of its distinctive features, immersed as it is in the naturalistic context of the lake, with its calm waters framed by the headlands which are majestically reflected in them. The village of Torno is characterized by the presence of a charming small port, from which boats, hydrofoils and tourist ferries depart daily, through which it is possible to admire the most evocative views of the lake, and with which it is possible to reach the countless lakeside locations of the area.
The municipality of Torno includes numerous hamlets, among which Rasina, Perlasca, Montepiatto and Piazzaga stand out. The city center is dotted with historic villas and enchanting churches, which give the village a unique and exclusive atmosphere. The area on which the municipality of Torno stands has very ancient roots, which date back to the pre-Roman era.
The village has a very troubled history, characterized by moments of economic expansion, linked to textile production, alternating with moments of territorial and political contraction, caused by clashes and looting with the city of Como. The ancient and complex history of this enchanting village can be found in its buildings, true witnesses of past and present glory.
The best-known building in the entire municipality is undoubtedly the parish church of Santa Tecla. This beautiful church overlooks the port of Torno and is one of the symbols of the village. The building has a Romanesque structure and features a beautiful bell tower and an elaborate Gothic rose window. The church has been recently restored, and inside there are a series of wonderful frescoes by Bartolomeo De Benzi dating back to the 16th century.
Another important religious building in the municipality of Torno is undoubtedly the church of San Giovanni Battista del Chiodo, a splendid church of Renaissance origin, whose oldest parts date back to the fourteenth century. This beautiful church features enchanting bas-reliefs and frescoes and also features a Romanesque bell tower dating back to the 12th century.
The church derives its name from the presence, inside, of a very important relic, one of the nails of the cross of Christ, which, according to a hagiographic legend, was brought to Torno by an archbishop returning from a crusade. For this reason the church of San Giovanni Battista del Chiodo has been the object of great devotion for centuries and centuries.
For lovers of long walks we suggest an excursion into the woods of the promontory which is located behind the village. Above Torno we find the enchanting hamlet of Montepiatto, about six hundred meters above sea level. In this location there is another beautiful religious building, the small church dedicated to Santa Elisabetta, located in a truly enchanting landscape context.
The Roman bridge, the 340 steps and a breathtaking waterfall: a corner of Lake Como straight out of a fairy tale
The ancient church is flanked by a seventeenth-century building which once hosted a large convent community. In this area we also find some examples of erratic boulders, i.e. rocks brought downstream by the process of melting glaciers, which tradition called “witches’ boulders”.
