Isola Comacina, Lake island in Tremezzina, Italy
Isola Comacina is Lake Como's only island, situated near the western shore with archaeological sites and three modernist houses built in 1939. Ruins of ancient churches and monasteries reveal how different cultures inhabited this spot, while the houses show how later artistic communities used the island.
The island served as a Roman stronghold from 587 under Francio's command until the Lombards conquered it after a lengthy siege. Over the following centuries, monasteries and churches developed, turning the island into a spiritual center of the region.
The Antiquarium Museum displays Roman colonnades and early Christian artifacts that document settlements across different periods. The collection shows how religious and daily life evolved among those who inhabited this place over centuries.
The island is reachable only by boat, with regular services from various points around the lake between March and October. Visitors should be prepared for longer wait times and wear sturdy shoes, as paths across the island are uneven.
In 1175, Bishop Vidulfo cursed the island, declaring that bells would never ring and construction would bring death to workers. The curse shaped the place's history and left marks that still influence local stories and how people experience it today.
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