Mandello del Lario

A gem of history and innovation

Set on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Mandello del Lario is a town of hidden courtyards, brightly coloured houses, flower-filled lanes, squares and cloisters. The majestic Grigne mountains are reflected in the waters of the lake, framed by dramatic rock faces, wild woodlands and rugged trails. This is the birthplace of Moto Guzzi, the legendary motorcycle brand that has made Mandello famous around the world. Yet while the town has always looked towards innovation and the future, it remains deeply connected to its past—a story that comes alive every day against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains, right here where it all began.

Birthplace of a legendary brand

Born in the aftermath of the First World War and instantly recognisable by its eagle with outstretched wings, Moto Guzzi has built a century-long story of success to become one of the world’s legendary motorcycle brands. Its remarkable history is celebrated at the Moto Guzzi Museum. From the first motorcycle built in 1919 to the iconic models that have captured the imagination of generations, the museum houses a collection of more than 150 exhibits, including production motorcycles, racing bikes, experimental prototypes and engines. A landmark destination for motorcycle touring enthusiasts from around the world, Mandello hosts the Moto Guzzi International Motorcycle Rally every year, with a packed programme of events and activities that brings the whole town to life.

Places of faith, history and culture

Just a few steps from the lake, at the entrance to the historic heart of Mandello, the Church of San Lorenzo will surprise you with its exquisite Baroque features, including the Serassi organ, the intricately carved ciborium and the canopied altar. For an insight into local religious traditions, visit the Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Fiume. According to local belief, after the River Meria burst its banks, the floodwaters carried an entire sack of grain away from a mill and deposited it in front of an image of the Madonna and Child. Today, you can see the famous image displayed at the centre of the sanctuary. Mandello is also one of the Lake Como towns along the Sentiero del Viandante, the Wayfarer’s Path. If you are following the trail, make time to visit the Church of San Giorgio, dramatically positioned high above the lake.

Sentiero del Viandante

The Towers

The Mandello area is dotted with fortified courtyards and defensive towers, once used by prominent local families to monitor the lake and guard the inland routes leading towards the hamlets and mountains. As you explore the historic centre, you will come across the Torre Pretoria, while in the picturesque hamlet of Maggiana stands the best-known of Mandello’s towers, the Torre di Maggiana, also known as the “Barbarossa Tower”. Its story is linked to Emperor Frederick I, known as “Barbarossa”, who according to legend used the tower to watch the naval battles between Milan and Como in 1158. In the hillside hamlet of Rongio, the Torre dei Lafranconi rises above the surrounding landscape. Together, these towers provide an important reminder of the medieval period that left such a profound mark on the town.

Beaches

At the heart of Mandello del Lario is its lido, a fully equipped beach surrounded by the greenery of the municipal park. With its programme of sporting and cultural activities, Mandello’s lido is far more than simply a place to swim and sunbathe—it is a focal point for the local community, welcoming tourists and travellers as well as those who live here. The more secluded beach at Olcio, meanwhile, is an ideal choice for walkers and hikers: from the pedestrian underpass, it takes just a few minutes to reach the Olcio circular trail, which winds through the woods of Lierna and joins the famous Sentiero del Viandante.

Le migliori spiagge del ramo lecchese

Mountains

For mountain and outdoor enthusiasts, trails lead from Mandello towards Piani Resinelli and up to Rifugio Rosalba, a mountain hut with some of the most spectacular views over Lake Como. From this side, the Grignetta dominates the landscape in one of its lesser-known, more dramatic and rugged settings. Starting from the hamlet of Somana, you can follow the Valle dell’Era along the River Meria to Alpe di Era, set in a peaceful green basin. Nearby is Grotta Ferrera, also known as Grotta dell’Acqua Bianca, one of the best-known caves of the Grigna and even mentioned by Leonardo da Vinci in his celebrated Codex Atlanticus. For sweeping views across the major peaks of the Larian Triangle, climb to the summits of Zucco di Manavello and Zucco di Sileggio.