What to see on Lake Como
December 12, 2023
Welcome to Mandello del Lario, an ancient village nestled between the lake and the mountains.
This enviable geographical position offers those who visit it a vast choice of itineraries and the possibility of discovering at the same time all the elements that so strongly characterize the area: the mountains, the lake and the romantic ancient villages.
In this article we will offer you an overview of the town, suggesting an ideal itinerary to discover this beautiful village.
Starting from the train station, the first obligatory stop for anyone visiting Mandello is certainly the Moto Guzzi Museum.
Even if you are not a motor enthusiast, you will surely have heard of it: Moto Guzzi is one of the most prestigious and historic motorcycle brands, a symbol of the Made in Italy excellence. And it is precisely in Mandello del Lario that, in 1921, it was founded and is still produced today.
When you are in the train station, take the stairs that go down to the underpass and then cross the large car park located right under the tracks: you will find yourself in front of the museum entrance.
Consult the link for the museum’s opening hours.
https://www.motoguzzi.com/it_IT/tradizione/museo/
Then continue taking Via Parodi and towards Piazza della Repubblica: you will find yourself in the heart of Mandello. Here, among small shops and bars, the people of Mandello meet every day to have a chat or buy bread for dinner.
Continue until the railway crossing, at the traffic lights cross the provincial road and then take the first road on your right: you will soon find yourself in front of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Fiume, a true jewel of the Lombard baroque style, with an interior embellished with stucco, gilding , frescoes and painted canvases.
Once out of the sanctuary, take the road on the right and continue until you find yourself at the entrance to the large municipal park which directly overlooks the lake.
At the end of the descent on the right you will notice a small bridge that leads to the Lido Comunale, the main equipped beach of Mandello.
Then walk along the large tree-lined avenue of the park, without failing to explore even the most hidden and romantic corners of this large green area from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire branch of the lake.
Once out of the park on your right you will find the small marina.
Continue straight to enter the ancient historic center, certainly the best part of the whole itinerary.
Here, among colorful houses, balconies overlooking the lake, porticoes and hidden beaches, the best thing is to get lost. Exactly, the advice is precisely this: get lost in the maze of narrow streets to discover even the most secret corners, such as the luxurious gardens hidden behind the ancient half-open doors.
Finally find yourself at the Church of San Lorenzo, in Baroque style with a beautiful bell tower in Romanesque style. Inside you can admire a very valuable 18th century organ.
From here take via del Fosso, via Airoldi, via Pra Magno and finally Salita San Giorgio.
The effort of this short climb will be rewarded not only by the view you can admire, but also by the small church you will find.
The church of San Giorgio, this is its name, is in fact a precious jewel of Romanesque art with late fifteenth century frescoes of astonishing beauty (you will find it open from April to September every Sunday and holiday 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00).
There would still be many other things to see, but this first exploration ends here, and we then head towards the train station, going down Salita San Giorgio and then continuing on the right.
Curious to discover other itineraries in Mandello del Lario and Lake Como? Visit our entire Inspiration section.
