The centuries-old Via Regia path once connected Como to Bellagio by passing through the villages along the scenic eastern shore of the western branch of Lake Como. According to some historians, Pope Urban II, directed by the Council of Clermont-Ferrand to support the First Crusade, even traveled this path in 1095. The first official documents mentioning the Strada Regia date back to the 16th century; in fact, in 1721, a map of the route was included in the Theresian Cadastre (Duchy of Milan), which had been commissioned by Charles VI of the Habsburg dynasty. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the construction of the Provincial Road 583 precisely traced the old path in many of its stretches, and the historic road fell into disuse as the era of motor vehicles took over.
From 2002 to 2006, the Mountain Community of the Lario Triangle, with the support of the Como Archaeological Society, beautifully restored the ancient mule tracks, creating a splendid trekking route of about 36 kilometers (22.3 miles) from Brunate to Bellagio, which can also be hiked in the opposite direction. The Strada Regia crosses through the municipalities of Brunate, Blevio, Torno, Faggeto Lario, Pognana Lario, Nesso, and Lezzeno. In this guide, we have divided the route into three manageable stages: the first stage runs from Brunate to Torno, the second from Torno to Nesso, and the third from Nesso to Lezzeno. All the towns along the way offer opportunities for refreshments and overnight stays, making it easy to tackle one section at a time and return to your starting point using the ASF C130 bus line or via the public boat services of the lake navigation authority.
The hike along the Strada Regia is not particularly difficult and is highly doable at any time of the year, though it is best to avoid the hottest days of summer and snow in the winter. We recommend general caution on the trails, proper trekking shoes, appropriate clothing, and a good supply of water. The route officially ends near the historic Devil's Bridge on the municipal border between Lezzeno and Bellagio, where you will find convenient bus stops connecting to both Como and Bellagio. We strongly advise against heading to Bellagio on foot along the Provincial Road 583, as it requires walking for about two kilometers (1.2 miles) on a narrow, busy road with heavy traffic and no sidewalks.
From Brunate to Torno
From Como, we take the funicular to Brunate; once we exit the station, we follow Via Roma and, after a short walk, turn left onto Via Nidirino.
Torno to Nesso
A long stretch of the Strada Regia, which passes through the hamlets of Pognana Lario and Faggeto Lario, enjoying breathtaking views and unique places.
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The Strada Regia
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