Sightseeing tours, things to do and place to stay in Argegno, Lake Como.
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Visit Argegno, Lake Como.
Argegno is located on the western shore of the Como branch about halfway between Como and Menaggio, and it’s the real gateway to the Intelvi Valley. The village has Roman origins, as evidenced by the findings of some tombstones whose inscriptions refer to the consul Max Publius Caesius Archigenes, from whom the name seems to derive.
It was formerly a fortified center with the important task of defending the entire area from barbarian invasions. The town still preserves a well-kept ancient part. Here the steep streets go up the mountain slope, where an old fishermen's dwellings lie.
The modern part stretches along the lake and overlooks a wonderful little square full of restaurants, bars, stores, hotels and ice cream parlors.
Argegno is home to Italy's steepest funicular railway station, which leads to a magnificent viewpoint located over the lake in the village of Pigra, at more than 880 meters above sea level.
What to do, to visit and to see in Argegno
A nice stroll throughout the old village
We start in front of (45.944113503078114, 9.127803686645613), where a small flight of steps takes you to the promenade along the stream Telo. From here you can admire the Romanesque pointed-arch bridge, a very important structure of the old Strada Regina, the ancient communication route along the lake.
As we cross the bridge to enter the old village, we find our first surprise: a very small free library with a few volumes in English. We go up Via Mulini to reach the small square Piazza Gordona. Here a delightful alley, to your right, enters the village. Also, in Argegno (as we often suggest when visiting such characteristic villages), walk randomly inside the small village: every corner can reveal enchanted nooks and crannies.
The path of the many expressions
From Argegno you reach the hamlet of Posa (mt 840), where you can park. From here you walk to the starting point at Alpe Nava in twenty minutes. The trail is a loop of about seven kilometers through meadows and woods and is characterized by many very charming wood carvings.
READ HERE
Cable car to Pigra
The steepest cable car in Italy is located in Argegno and in four minutes will take you up to Pigra, one of the most spectacular views of Lake Como.
The route, inaugurated in 1971, covers an elevation gain of 653 meters and in some places it even reaches a 95% slope.
Currently the cable car is closed for maintenance, hopefully it will reopen by summer 2023.
In Pigra we suggest a visit to Al Cason, former headquarters of the Società Operaia di Pigra, one of the first Mutual Aid Associations, founded in 1877. Among its members was no less than Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Numerous trails also depart from Pigra: a very good idea for high-altitude trekking and magnificent views of the lake.
Read HERE.
Museum, villas, monuments and sights
Events, festivals and music in Argegno
Beaches and lidos, where to swim in Argegno
Ad Argegno è possibile accedere e fare il bagno nel lido di Argegno, l'accesso alla spiaggia è libero ed è disponibile un servizio di ristorazione e noleggio di lettini e ombrelloni.
Best treks and scenic hiking trails in Argegno
If you want to go trekking, hiking or nordic-walling on Lake Como and discover trails above the Argegno mountains, we recommend the team HIKING LAKE COMO. Francesca and Mario are professional and passionate certified guides, as well as enthusiastic local people. Contact here
How to get to Argegno
Curiosity and further deepening
Best trekking and hiking in Pigra, Lake Como. Our four best tips.
Do you want to know the story of the village of Schignano and its ancient and famous carnival?
An eselent idea for Hiking e Trekking on Lake Como: The path of the many espressions, very close to Argegno, Lake Como.