Careno

Careno: The Hidden Gem of the Larian Triangle

The picturesque village of Careno, a hamlet of Nesso, is one of the most recognizable sights from the water due to its unique shape, resembling an upside-down triangle. Once an independent territory under the jurisdiction of the Pieve di Nesso, it was officially merged with the town in 1928. The village’s history is literally carved in stone; for centuries, Careno was home to quarries of Pietra di Moltrasio, the prized local limestone used to build the ancient, sturdy houses that still line its narrow alleys today.

A Tale of Two Churches

Careno offers two distinct spiritual experiences at different elevations:

• Church of San Martino (Saint Martin): A Romanesque masterpiece sitting right on the lakefront. While its exact founding date is unknown, it likely dates back to before the 12th century. Visitors enter through a beautiful portico featuring a mullioned window that frames a perfect view of the water. Inside, a single nave houses fascinating 16th-century frescoes recently brought back to life through restoration.
• Parish of the Assumption (The Assumption): Located halfway up the hillside along the Bellagio-Como road, this church was built in 1665. It features impressive 17th-century stucco work in the presbytery attributed to Agostino Silva di Morbio, alongside mid-century decorations by Pietro Grossi.

The Mysteries of the Masera Cave

For those who love natural exploration, a climb up Monti di Careno to an altitude of 360 meters (approx. 1,180 feet) reveals the entrance to the Grotta di Masera (Masera Cave). Part of the vast karst system connected to Pian del Tivano and Mount Palanzone, this cave system features an intricate network of long tunnels, waterfalls, and underground pools.

The cave is also a site of great scientific interest; early 20th-century explorations discovered fossils of ammonoids—marine mollusks that first appeared on Earth roughly 400 million years ago. Due to the complexity of the cave system, exploration should only be undertaken with expert guides and the utmost caution.