The Palanzo Press in Faggeto Lario

The Palanzo Press: A 16th-Century Engineering Marvel

Housed within a rustic stone cottage owned by the community, the Palanzo Press is one of the most significant pieces of agricultural history on Lake Como. This colossal structure, carved from a single massive chestnut tree trunk, measures over 12 meters (approx. 39 feet) in length and 3 meters (approx. 10 feet) in circumference. Its towering wooden screw, used to apply immense pressure, stands nearly 6 meters (approx. 20 feet) tall. The date of its creation, 1572, remains clearly engraved on its stone support, marking over four centuries of history.

Function and Power

The design of the press is a brilliant application of simple physics. Operating as an enormous lever, one end is anchored to the ground while the other is moved by an "infinite screw" made of durable walnut wood. During the harvest, grape clusters were placed between two heavy wooden platforms and crushed under several tons of pressure. The resulting must flowed through a stone nozzle and was collected in traditional wooden barrels. Beyond winemaking, this versatile machine was also used by local farmers to extract precious walnut oil.

A Monument Saved by the People

Despite its massive scale, the press was designed so efficiently that a single person could maneuver it. Its survival is a testament to the passion of the local community. Following World War II, a modernization project threatened to demolish the press to make room for a new town square. The citizens of Palanzo fiercely opposed the plan, successfully preserving the site. Today, it is recognized as a National Monument due to its exceptional size and remarkable state of preservation.

The Sagra del Torchio (Press Festival)

While the press is no longer used for daily production, it roars back to life every October for the Sagra del Torchio. This beloved annual festival, which began in 1975, celebrates the region's heritage with an entire day of:

Tastings: Sampling of local products and traditional Larian flavors.
Craftsmanship: Demonstrations of ancient trades and sales of handmade artisanal goods.
Entertainment: Live music and vibrant displays of local culture.

The event is organized by the Amici del Torchio (Friends of the Press) association with the support of the Triangolo Lariano community. For visiting information, you may contact the Faggeto Lario Municipality at +39 031 378222.