Argegno, 20km from Como
A popular destination for tourists, Argegno is situated in a large inlet on the western shore of Lake Como at the mouth of the Val d’Intelvi. It has a pleasant climate and is mild even in the winter months. With its’ beautiful panoramic location, one can see from the headland of Bellagio to the north and as far as Nesso towards the south. Argegno offers a surprising amount of facilities for a quaint lakeside fishing village – 5 good restaurants/pizzerias, 2 excellent wine bars (Enoteca and Bar Colombo), serving free snacks at aperitivo time every day.
Argegno offers a surprising amount of facilities for a quaint lakeside fishing village – 5 good restaurants/pizzerias, 2 excellent wine bars (Enoteca and Bar Colombo), serving free snacks at aperitivo time every day. There are 2 banks with cash points and a small store. And you won’t be able to resist Andrea’s home-made ice creams (made with whatever is available fresh that day, including cucumber!). The scent of the bakery will draw you up the narrow alleyways to find fresh brioche (croissants) and bread, baked daily on the premises by Louisa. Buy fresh vegetables from Mario and ask him for one of his superb recipes – always served with smile and he speaks excellent English. If that wasn’t enough, the village also now boasts a beautician and 2 hairdressers!
Argegno is also within striking distance of all Lake Como’s treasures, as it is a main bus and ferry stop-off point for the rest of the lake. Villa Balbianello (Star Wars & James Bond) is just around the corner, Villa Carlotta a short ferry ride away, as are Bellagio, Menaggio and Varenna – get a centre lake ticket and visit all three in one day. The village is certainly of Roman origin, as it owes its’ name to the consul Publio Cesio Archigene. At one time Argegno was part of a defensive system, which extended as far as the ancient villa of Lenno and the Isola Comacina to obstruct the passage of invaders. The village is certainly of Roman origin, as it owes its’ name to the consul Publio Cesio Archigene.
At one time Argegno was part of a defensive system, which extended as far as Lenno and the Isola Comacina to obstruct the passage of invaders. The ancient centre of the village is very picturesque. It is crossed by the Telo stream and is divided into two parts, which are joined by an old stone bridge with a lancet arch.
It is possible to take a cable car up to Pigra (881 m), which is situated on a plateau with a beautiful view of the lake. From here it is possible to go on to the Valle della Camoggia, which is in the oasis of Argegno-Cima della Duaria, a conservation area. The road which runs along Val d’Intelvi also starts from Argegno and about 15 km along it one comes to Lanzo.
Things to see
The Sanctuary of Sant’Anna
This was built in the seventeenth century but it was subsequently renovated. Inside one can find stuccowork and frescoes from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
The Oratory of San Rocco in Pigra
Built in the fifteenth century, it contains frescoes from 1662 signed by S. Pozzi.
Photographs courtesy of www.dr-jonathan.com