Only 1250 lucky residents live in the charming Torno. Barely 8 square kilometers in size, yet a must-visit when planning a trip to Lake Como. In Torno, time has stood still. The village layout with its narrow streets and stairways has been preserved. Torno exudes tranquility, the calm of days gone by.

Torno lies on the edge of Lake Como and climbs up the slopes of Montepiatto. By the way, you can take a (short) walk from Torno to Montepiatto where you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the village. Opposite Torno, on the other side of Lake Como, lies Moltrasio.

Want to know how far apart Moltrasio and Torno are? Then swim from one village to the other. Every year, usually on a day in July, enthusiasts and athletes make the crossing by swimming. The tradition grew out of the love-hate relationship that Torno and Moltrasio more or less maintain with each other.

On June 11, 1522, Torno was destroyed by Spanish troops. On that very day, after brutal battles, the church bells rang across the way in Moltrasio, and a celebration was held. A provocation to the residents of Torno who accuse the Moltrasini of taking “pleasure” in their losses. An unfortunate coincidence but just on that day, the Moltrasini celebrate the feast day of their patron saint.

Before the destruction during the Roman period and the Middle Ages, life in Torno was good. Residents earned their living trading textiles, wool, and carpets. The finished products were transported through the Swiss Alps to Switzerland and Germany. At that time, around 5,000 people lived in Torno.

Anyone writing about Torno cannot pass by the wonderfully beautiful village square. The small harbor with a few boats is embraced by a hotel, the Church of St. Tecla, a post office, and, of course, a small bar. In our view, one of the most beautiful spots on Lake Como.

From Torno, a walk begins to Montepiatto, the ridge just above Torno that connects to Brunate. Naturally, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the village.
Prefer a bit less exercise and a bit more culture? Then visit Villa Pliniana or the beautiful Church of San Giovanni Battista del Chiodo with its Romanesque bell tower.