Piona, Lake Como: The Abbey Peninsula of the Upper Lake
Piona is the quiet peninsula that folds around a sheltered bay near Colico. At its end stands the Priory of Piona, a Romanesque monastery of stone, frescoes and silence, framed by woods and the mountains of the upper lake.
The setting is distinct from Colico’s open, windswept waterfront: Piona feels enclosed, contemplative and deliberately apart.
A brief history
A religious community was present on the peninsula by the early Middle Ages. The present church of San Nicola and its cloister took shape in the Romanesque period, with the church consecrated in the twelfth century. Cistercian monks have cared for the priory since 1938, continuing the Benedictine rhythm of prayer and work.
Where Piona sits on the lake
Piona lies on the Olgiasca peninsula in the municipality of Colico, at the north-eastern end of Lake Como. The peninsula creates the calm Baia di Piona, protected from the broader waters around Colico.
The best things to see in Piona
1. The Priory of Piona
The stone church, square bell tower and monastic buildings form one of the upper lake’s most important historic ensembles. Visitors should respect services, quiet areas and any access instructions from the community.
2. The Romanesque cloister
The small cloister is the architectural heart of the complex, with slender columns, carved details and a peaceful garden. Frescoes and the changing mountain light make it worth observing slowly.
3. Piona Bay and the peninsula
The road and walking approaches reveal a sheltered landscape of coves, woodland and still water. This calm bay is a useful contrast to the windier northern shore around Colico.
Planning your visit
Getting there. The abbey can be reached by road with parking nearby, on foot from the wider Colico area, or by selected seasonal boat services. Check current access before travelling.
Best for. Romanesque architecture, quiet landscapes and a reflective half-day on the upper lake.
When to go. Year-round for the abbey, with spring and autumn especially pleasant for walking.
Nearby. Combine Piona with Colico, or continue south toward Dervio and Bellano.
Piona is one of those rare Lake Como places where architecture and landscape seem to ask for the same thing: a little more silence.