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Isola Comacina

Italy

8 story sections

A short glimpse to the charming island of lake Como

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Step off the boat and onto Isola Comacina, the only island in Lake Como and one of northern Italy's most significant archaeological landscapes. Often called the 'Pompeii of the Lake,' this small strip of land, just 600 meters…

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  2. 2Basilica of San Giovanni — The Ruined Cathedral

    The Basilica of San Giovanni was once the spiritual heart of Isola Comacina, a grand Romanesque structure that reflected the island's medieval prominence. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin, its walls reduced to…

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  3. 3The Rationalist Houses — Artists' Sanctuary

    In the 1930s, the island's history took a turn toward modernity with the construction of three 'Rationalist' houses. Designed by the architect Pietro Lingeri, these small, elegant structures were intended as a retreat for…

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  4. 4Roman Garrison Remains and Early Christian Finds

    Beneath the medieval ruins of Isola Comacina lie even older layers: the remains of a Roman garrison. Because of its strategic location, the island was an important military outpost during Roman times, used to monitor and defend…

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  5. 5Lush Vegetation and Footpaths

    One of the most remarkable aspects of Isola Comacina is its natural heritage. The island is blanketed in a lush, diverse vegetation that is atypical for its northern latitude. …

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  6. 6The Baptistery of San Pietro

    Among the ruins of the island's many churches, the remains of the Baptistery of San Pietro are particularly significant. This small, circular structure dates back to the early Christian period and was once part of a larger…

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  7. 7The View of the Zoca de l'Oli

    From the western tip of Isola Comacina, you have a perfect view across the water to the 'Zoca de l'Oli,' or the 'Oil Basin.' This part of the lake, sheltered by the island and the surrounding hills, is known for its exceptionally…

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  8. 8Closing

    As you prepare to board the boat and leave Isola Comacina, take a final look back at this resilient strip of land. We have walked through the ruins of its basilicas, marveled at its Rationalist architecture, and breathed in the…

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What is Isola Comacina?

Isola Comacina is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationItaly
TypeActivity
Story sections8
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates45.9674, 9.1812
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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