Isola Comacina

Isola Comacina: The Holy Island of History and Legend

Isola Comacina is the only island on Lake Como, an emerald gem with a turbulent past. A powerful fortified town by the 12th century, it was caught in the war between Como and Milan. Siding with the Milanese, the islanders helped destroy Como, but the revenge was absolute: in 1169, the Comaschi invaded and razed the island. Survivors fled to the coast and Varenna, leaving only ruins and silence behind.

The Legend of Bishop Vidulfo

Legend tells of a terrifying curse placed by Vidulfo, Bishop of Como, decreeing that "the bells shall never ring again, and no one shall ever host a guest here." For centuries, the island remained a ghost land, until the 20th century when the curse was "broken" with the construction of the artist houses and the reopening of the historic Locanda dell'Isola Comacina.

Fireworks on the day of San Giovanni Sagra

Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Basilica of Saint Euphemia (Basilica of St. Euphemia), a Romanesque masterpiece. We recommend visiting during the Sagra dei Lumaghitt on June 24th, when thousands of floating candles light the lake for San Giovanni. Nearby in Ossuccio, the Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso offers a peaceful retreat, reached via a sacred path lined with 14 ornate 18th-century chapels.

The bell tower of the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena

In Ospedaletto, the unique bell tower of Saint Mary Magdalene (Santa Maria Maddalena) is a must-see, featuring a 15th-century Gothic spire atop a 9th-century Romanesque base. No trip is complete without a stop at the Locanda dell'Isola Comacina. Its airy dining room and lake-view terrace offer an unforgettable atmosphere, perfectly refreshed by the gentle breeze of Lake Como.