Lenno

Lenno: The Golden Heart of the Golfo di Venere

Lenno is situated on the scenic western shore of Lake Como, marking the beginning of the famous Costa della Tremezzina. The town’s origins date back to the early Roman Empire; the area was colonized by Greek settlers sent by Julius Caesar during the founding of Nuova Como. These settlers introduced the cultivation of vineyards and olive groves—a tradition that lives on today through a centuries-old mill, still visible, which produces high-quality olive oil. It is widely believed that Plinio the Younger built his villa, known as Comedia, here, claiming he could fish comfortably from his own window.

Golfo di Venere and the Villas of Lenno

Blessed with a mild and dry climate, Lenno fosters lush Mediterranean vegetation. The town is nestled in a bay so breathtaking it earned the name Golfo di Venere (Venus’ Gulf). Among its many prestigious estates, the highlights are Villa Cassinella and the incomparable Villa del Balbianello. Built in 1787 by Cardinal Durini, the villa later passed to the Arconati-Visconti family. Eventually, it was purchased by explorer Guido Monzino, who bequeathed the estate to the F.A.I. (the National Trust for Italy), ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Abbeys of Lenno and the Sacred Mountain of Ossuccio

Among the historic landmarks in the Lenno area, the Abbey of Acquafredda is a must-visit, accessible via a picturesque path lined with olive trees. Named after a nearby cold-water spring, the abbey dates back to the 12th century. The current church features a single nave and two side chapels adorned with 17th-century stuccos and paintings, including works by Fiamminghino. In the town center, the church of Santo Stefano preserves 14th-century frescoes attributed to the school of Luini. In the nearby village of Portezza, visitors can find the 11th-century church of San Vincenzo. Just a short distance from Lenno lies Giulino di Mezzegra, the historic site where Benito Mussolini and Claretta Petacci were executed on April 28, 1945.