Lierna

Lierna: A Timeless Retreat of Roman History and Lakeside Elegance

Lierna sits gracefully on the eastern shore of Lake Como, nestled between Mandello del Lario and Varenna. Likely of Celtic origin, its name is believed to derive from the Roman Hibernia (winter camps), as it once served as a seasonal base for Roman legions. The town is a charming mosaic of 11 small hamlets, stretching from the sparkling lakefront to the rugged slopes of the Grigne mountains. These hillside villages still preserve their medieval character, featuring narrow cobblestone alleys and traditional stone houses built closely together.

The ancient village of Castello di Lierna

The crown jewel of the town is Castello, an ancient medieval lakeside village that has remained remarkably unchanged through the centuries. Here, you will find the Romanesque Church of Santi Maurizio e Lazzaro, home to exquisite 16th-century frescoes and a sacred relic of San Maurizio. Every year on the evening of September 22nd, the community honors its patron saint with a traditional candlelit procession. Just to the south in Olcio, history is etched in stone; the local quarry once provided the prestigious black marble used in the construction of the Como Cathedral (Duomo).

The magnificent villas of Lierna

Lierna’s architectural heritage is further defined by its magnificent villas. Villa Pini, rebuilt in 1921 on the site of a mid-19th-century farmhouse, was recently restored to its former glory. Its lush park is famous for a natural iron-rich spring and a stunning collection of magnolias, palms, and pines. Nearby, Villa Besana (also known as Villa Aurelia) showcases a refined blend of Liberty and Eclectic styles. Built in the early 1920s, the villa is surrounded by vast private gardens and features two historic stone docks reaching into the lake.

The most beautiful beach on Lake Como

Today, Lierna is a premier retreat for those seeking peace and natural beauty away from the crowds. It is home to Riva Bianca—widely celebrated as one of the most breathtaking white-pebble beaches on all of Lake Como.