Sightseeing tours, things to do and place to stay in Brienno, Lake Como.
Visit Brienno, Lake Como
Brienno lies on the western shore of the lake, about 17 km from Como. Brienno is a small ancient village for lovers of tranquillity, romance, art and history.
There are several hypotheses on the origin of the name: Brig, (mountain), Brennan (Celtic god of war), Brenno (leader, summit) or Blein (harbour), all Celtic words.
The core of the old town is very characteristic; the houses are built of local stone with foundations emerging from the waters of the lake. Mainly developed on a vertical line with rocky and steeply sloping ground, Brienno is perched on the slopes of the mountains behind where the Lario Intelvese mountain community resides. It has maintained its historical structure over the centuries so much so that it is considered a true medieval pearl.
Strolling through its narrow alleys, among its narrow stairways also called carrugi, among arcades and subways, visiting its old spinning mill will give you the feeling of having stepped into another era..
What to do, to visit and to see in Brienno
A labyrinthine village.
Once you arrive in Brienno, the first thing to do is wander through its narrow alleys and steep stairways, also known as carrugi. Almost all the alleys lead down to the lake, winding through arcades and tight, narrow passageways—undeniably charming. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into another era.
The harbor and the silk mill.
One of the most interesting areas of the village is where the harbor and the old silk mill stand, just a short distance from each other. The latter, built in the first half of the 19th century to meet the growing demand for silk, remained in operation until the 1930s. Since the 1960s, it has been owned by the Mantero family, who oversaw its transformation into a prestigious private residence and event venue. The imposing profile of the old, now inactive chimney stands out against the blue sky, creating a striking दृश्य that evokes memories of a distant past.
Today, the beautifully restored silk mill presents itself as a unique residence that stands out among other properties along the lakeshore, thanks to its rich history and undeniable charm. Located between the modern ferry dock and the small harbor of Rola, it is one of Brienno’s defining landmarks. In the past, it was a key production center for silk manufacturing—an industry that, for decades, represented one of the village’s main economic resources until its closure in the early 20th century.
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Il Mausoleo Comitti.
The Comitti Mausoleum is an elegant funerary monument dedicated to the Comitti family, known for running a renowned company specializing in the production of high-precision clocks, barometers, and thermometers.
It was Luigi Fedele Comitti who commissioned its construction at the beginning of the 20th century, in order to honor the memory of his father, Onorato Ferdinando Comitti (1819–1887). Luigi, born in Brienno in 1851, emigrated to London at a very young age (just fourteen) to work alongside his father in the family workshop, which specialized in the artisanal creation of measurement instruments and timepieces of exceptional quality and precision.
Museum, villas, monuments and sights
Events, festivals and music in Brienno
Beaches and lidos, where to swim in Brienno
There are no beaches in Brienno, but as you reach the lakeshore by walking through its small streets, you will find a few small platforms equipped with ladders that provide access to the water.
Alternatively, you can visit the Lido di Brienno.
INFO & RESERVATIONS – LA TERRAZZA 125 MIAMILARYO
Via Regina, 122 – Brienno
Phone: +39 320 268 6440
Email: laterrazzabrienno@gmail.com
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Best treks and scenic hiking trails in Brienno
If you want to go trekking, hiking or nordic-walling on Lake Como and discover trails above the Brienno 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 Brienno
Curiosity and further deepening
Do you want to know the story of the village of Schignano and its ancient and famous carnival?