What are the first images you have in mind when you hear the word “Lake Como”?

Most likely the y-shape of the region, but also Bellagio, Varenna, Isola Comacina, S. Maria Maddalena bell tower, and the U.N.E.S.C.O site of Sacro Monte.

It might interest you to know that the three last attractions just mentioned are all located in the same village: Ossuccio, one of the 4 magical hamlets of Tremezzina, western shore of Lake Como.

Tremezzina is the sunniest area of the central lake: a prosperous region with an outstanding concentration of olive groves, period villas with astounding architectures, ancient little hamlets and breathtaking natural sceneries.

Explore the villages of Tremezzina: have you been to Mezzegra?

But what’s so special about Ossuccio? Well, it looks like an old postcard, with an innate peacefulness that is really poetical. Let’s face it: being right in front of the only island we have on Lake Como is a privilege!

Tremezzina and its hamlets: learn all about Lenno

Walking along the shores of Ossuccio in front of Isola Comacina and hearing the sound of the boats that placidly rest in the water is really an emotional experience.

Learn more about the other villages of Tremezzina: discover Tremezzo

And its properties? A mix of colorful fishermen houses and elegant noble villas: like in many other hamlets of Lake Como, the blend of humble houses and lavish villas is perfectly harmonic.

The historic center dates back to Romans and today is home to less than 950 people.

Let’s have a look at what you can’t miss when visiting Ossuccio!

WHAT TO SEE (aka artistic jewels that you can’t really miss)

Sacro monte di Ossuccio

This is by far one of the most interesting artistic attractions we have on Lake Como: Sacro Monte is one of the nine holy mounts in Lombardy and Piedmont, inscribed on the U.N.E.S.C.O list of World Heritage Sites.

The 16th century Sanctuary of the Vergine del Soccorso preserves a venerated statue of the Virgin.

View from Santuario Beata Vergine del Soccorso (pic by K. Blair Moore via Flickr)

The Sanctuary has an avenue with 14 chapels dating back to the 16-17th century; what’s more, they enclose 230 life-size statues (all made in stucco and terracotta) depicting the Mysteries of the Rosary (photo credits: Kathryn Blair Moore via Flickr).

Isola Comacina, Antiquari Museum, S. Maria Maddalena

Isola Comacina is the only one island we have on Lake Como.

It’s a small one (just 600 meters long!), but it’s rich in historical vicissitudes that make it extremely intriguing: this little island is considered among the most interesting archeological sites of Northern Italy. You can find only Roman ruins, a church, some houses for artists, one restaurant with bar, and… a lot of silence and peace!

Right in front of the island there’s the charming complex of the old Stabio Hospitalis, originally a structure meant to assist and host the poorest and the pilgrims on their way to Rome.

Today part of it has been converted in the Antiquari Museum, where you’ll find a cool exhibition of all archeological finds of the island.

In the same site there’s the romanesque Santa Maria Maddalena church, with its iconic bell tower, one of the most instagrammed symbols of Lake Como.

The belfry has been topped with a peculiar Gothic bell-cell, turning the steeple into a suggestive construction. In our Argegno office (Piazza Roma 4) we host a hand-made miniature of it: don’t hesitate to come and have a look!

S.S Giacomo e Filippo church in Spurano

It’s quite impossible not to notice this stunning church while driving along Strada Regina in Ossuccio (Spurano district): its Spanish bell tower is something unforgettable!

The interesting thing of the church of S.S Giacomo e Filippo - that dates back to 11/12th century - is that, first, it boasts some of the oldest frescoes of Lake Como, and second, its foundations are directly in the water (we really can’t help but being fascinated by all properties that are “rooted” in the water).

In our Menaggio office you’ll find a scale reproduction of this church: have a look!

San Benedetto Monastery in Val Perlana

You can reach this spectacular romanesque complex with a mule track starting from Santuario della Beata Vergine del Soccorso, with a 2 hours walk.

The coolest thing of this monastery is that it’s completely surrounded by the woods: the vibe here just surreal.

Dating back to 1090, the monastery was closed in 1778 and then used as storage by local farmers. Luckily, in the ‘60s a renovation was able to recover the old splendor of this building.

Velarca boat-house

Velarca is an original gondola of Lake Como, transformed into a boat-house by a couple of intellectuals in the late 1950s: the fun fact is that it’s moored permanently in Ossuccio.

The name Velarca is an answer to Velasca, the famous Milanese skyscraper designed by BBPR group, the same who studied the renovation project for this boat-house. Velarca is actually a modern home, considered a real masterpiece of design: it consists not only of three cabins, kitchen and bathrooms, but also of a living/dining room, a study and even a small wardrobe.

Today Velarca belongs to FAI (the Italian association born to protect the Beauty in our country), who’s restoring it with a great respect of the spirit of the time.

Learn more about the underwater gondolas of Lake Como

Torre del Barbarossa (del Soccorso)

This tower was originally a military one, dating back to 12th century: it’s quite a hidden gem, nestled on a rock above Spurano district.

Currently it’s under renovation and can be visited only on FAI days (generally in Spring and Fall), with a 15 minutes stroll from the historic center (directions here!).

Technical note: the tower is made of amazing Moltrasio stone!

Villa Balbiano

On the edge of Ossuccio next to the Perlana river you can see Villa Balbiano - from the outside only, as the villa is not open to the public!

This opulent retreat dates back to the 16th century and boasts formal gardens that have been chosen as location for Gwen Stephani video “What you waiting for”.

Villa Balbiano is one of the most requested villas of Lake Como for weddings and luxury private events.

AND FINALLY, SOMETHING TO EAT

Once visited the above mentioned architectural beauties, we recommend you to have an aperitivo at Chioschetto Malagufi right in front of the island. The scenery there is amazing!

And for dinner?

Try Osteria Al Vecchio Bacucco (Via del Santuario 8): the panoramic veranda is just perfect in spring and summer. Also, the menu comprises not only courses with local fish, but also a lot of specialities from Valtellina region.

TAKEAWAY

Take your time to discover all treasures of Ossuccio little by little: being this a very popular resort destination, try to avoid weekends and the busiest times of the day.

Wake up early, like a flaneur, breathe the bright air and be grateful!

© Lakeside | See the related photo credits in the article

Looking for a property in Ossuccio or surroundings?

Jump to our listings in Tremezzina!

Ossuccio, Tremezzina: Wandering Around Isola Comacina And The Stunning UNESCO Site of Sacro Monte [Infographic]