Colico
Encyclopedia
Colico is a comune
in the province of Lecco
, Lombardy
, Italy
. It is situated near the tip of the northern arm of Lake Como
, where the river Adda
enters the lake. Colico, with an area of 35.3 km² and a population of about 7,200, is the most important town in the northern part of Lake Como, which is often identified as its Colico branch.
Colico is a local transport hub, with trains to Milan
and boats to Como
and Lecco
, as well as road links south to Milan (via the eastern shore of the lake, Lecco and Brianza
), north to Chiavenna, and east to Bolzano.
It is home to Piona Abbey
.
. The two main waterways of Colico are Inganna and Perlino, and there is also the river Adda
, which acts as a natural boundary to the Province of Como
.
, which has been preserved intact with its original armament. It was built between 1911 and 1914. The main function of the fort was to control the streets of Spluga, of Maloja
and Stelvio
, in case the Central Powers
decided to violate the neutrality of Switzerland
, and invade northern Italy.
The fort was one of the strongholds among a complex barrier system which extended up to Monte Legnone
, though it remained inactive throughout the World War
. The fort was never used in military actions even during the Second World War: the only gun shots which were fired at a German column that went along the opposite bank of the lake after the fort was occupied by the partisans. It was later used as a weapons depot and eventually transferred to the state property
public.
Visitors of the fort can now observe the architectural, technical and organizational reasons, some of which are quite innovative for its time. The main attraction of the fort is still represented by the armament: four gun
s, with a range of 14 km, with installations in each well protected by a dome in iron. The fort, which recently has begun restoration work aimed at improving usability travel, is basically divided into two parts: the lower area that contains housing and powder magazines and the upper part of the host gun
s. The two areas are linked by a beautiful curved gallery.
Fuentes, Governor of Milan
, built a fort on Montecchio in order to defend the border
north of Duchy of Milan
from France and Swiss Graubünden
, who at the time occupied Valtellina
and Valchiavenna
.
The plan of the fort was oblong, with a horn works in the extremities, while the irregular walls, who came out and fell as wedges, allowed a better defense of the ramparts. The fort is spread over several levels: high, still visible, the building of the governor, but because the air was unhealthy, lived in Gravedona
at the lowest quarters of the soldiers. The fort could house 300 men. The location of the stronghold allowed it to dominate the entire plain
below, which by then was just called Pian di Spagna, but also allows the control of the road for Valtellina
and Stelvio Pass
for Valchiavenna
and Splügen Pass
, and, finally, Como
and Milan. Even today the area is referred to as the Fuentes trivium.
To complete the Spanish defensive project were built two forts, one above Sorico, the other said Fortino d'Adda in Gera Lario
and facing Valchiavenna
. The fort was also connected to a series of outposts existing known by the generic name of towers.
Despite the Fort Fuentes during the 17th and 18th century was a major fortification
of Lombardy, there were no events of military note, only in 1706 during the War of Spanish Succession, the Fort was besieged for the first time since the Austrian
who conquered it only after three weeks. In 1714 in Lombardy the Spanish domain was replaced by the Austria
n: Fort Fuentes found itself involved in two other sieges in 733] ] by Spain and Piedmont, while the War of the Polish Succession
and 1746 by the Spanish during the War of Austrian Succession.
In 1782, following the reform of the desired Emperor
Joseph II of Austria, the fort was decommissioned and sold to private individuals. In 1796 at the behest of Napoleon, it was completely dismantled and then abandoned. Standing of the ancient fortress remain today only a few ruins, partly submerged by the vegetation
, yet still rich in charm and interest.
The fresco
removed from the chapel of the fort, a Santa Barbara
patron
of the gunners, the work is not particularly valuable, but of considerable historical importance, is now placed in the middle of the left side of the aisle parish church of Saint George
in the centre of Colico.
, even before the construction of the Fort Fuentes. On the northern Montecchio
are still visible two guard towers, which formed the so-called Castle Colico era city, but largely reworked, to control road from Valtellina
. More important from a strategic
Fontanedo Tower, which was part of a more complex work of fortification built during the 14th century by Visconti. From the tower it was possible to dominate the Upper Lake, the hinterland of colic is the area of the Lake Mezzola.
In defense of the ancient road linking the Lake Como
with Valtellina
within the territory of Curcio, there is another lookout tower, probably related to the Fort Fuentes has now been transformed into farm house and called the tower
Curcio.
Also for the defense of the fort had to be part so called Fortino d'Adda, or Stallone, who rises out of the border
municipalities in the territory of Gera Lario
.
Was to serve as a protected activity for monitoring and storage. Its very unique structure that has slots for the shot of firearm
and bridge brick that connects the main entrance to the plane. It is currently used for storage.
A final fort is placed in the territory of Olgiasca. It is in this case a casaforte, which from the top of the hill
controls the town below. It is known as the Castle of Mirabello and should have been built before the middle of 1500.
, the bird snares have long been formidable weapons catch the bird with a economic response to a territory, such as Colico place on route of the flocks, which, with the approaching cold season, migrating south. Of the many bird snares active until about forty years ago, are still well preserved in the town Piona and the place along the road that rises to the Fort Fuentes.
s of Lombardy Piona Abbey, which is one of the most beautiful convents in the area, both for the charm of natural environment
, and for the presence of artistic purpose.
The church, built in the mid-11th century, but subject to extension in the following century, has a front hut, with a large central window arch. The interior consists of a single aisle
. At the entrance there are two Lions in marble
regents fonts, but originally meant to support a column or a pulpit
.
A note of interest the cycle painting, dating back to 13th century, of this apse
: in the centre of the basin is the great figure of Christ
, which supports a book open surrounded by four symbol
of evangelist
. Below are represented the twelve apostles in time, around the figure of Christ blessing with angel
s, we still shows the twelve apostles in groups of six, in a gesture of acclamation.
Behind the building of the church stands the ruins of an apse
from the Medieval period, whose original purpose is uncertain.
The bell
outside, on the north side was constructed in the 18th century.
The cloister is accessed to the right of the front through a portal with pointed arches, dating back to 13th century, a particularly impressive: along the perimeter of the courtyard
run forty columns and four columns of marble, whose capitals
, finely decorated with leaves, flowers and animals, support an upper floor with terracotta rings and bandsmarble
red, white and black interspersed with elegant windows.
At the entrance of the cloister there is a fresco
, dating from the 15th-16th century, depicting Christ's appearance to the Mary
, while above the entrance of the arcade
leading to the church is depicted a bust of Christ. On the porch, behind the church, in a simple style and the popular tone, there is a calendar
fresco decorative element where there are few examples of singular throughout Europe. It is a long band divided into two registers: the upper one is represents the individual months through agricultural employment characteristics, September, for example, is characterized by the preparations of the Pops, July after beating wheat, the lower one is represented a series of eleven holy portrayed at the time of martyrdom.
The fresco goes back to a time before the construction of the cloister and was originally located outside the church.
, almost midway between the course of the deception and Perlino at a height of five hundred meters.
The plant is romanic, as evidenced by apse
semicircular, but since 1401 underwent several changes.
Preserved, especially in apse
, traces of painting large enough, due to an unknown, but capable painter
, which should have worked in the early 15th century. Particularly strong on the Christ
in almond, or Almighty, and whose sides are the prophets Jeremiah
and Isaiah
. During a campaign restoration
held in recent years, was found an interesting fresco depicting the Last Supper
.
located in an isolated position on the shore of Lake, in places Olgiasca
.
The century plant, which incorporates a previous structure, it is very simple. The main facade is facing lake. Currently owned by Piona Abbey, is now headquarters of the Community "Il Gabbiano".
Print
The main newspapers are those at the provincial level as La Gazzetta di Lecco or La Provincia di Lecco.
is the World Cup of kitesurfing
. Following the important festival
classical music Musica sull'Acquathat takes place in Piazza Garibaldi and the Abbey of Piona. Also, please note theWhite Night of Colico along with dancing. Among the party the most important are the party of San Rocco on August 16 in homonym church.
, library
, church of Saint George
and the main schools. In Via Villatico there is the post office
.
, a field of soccer, tennis courts and a school of sailing
.
and a school of surfing
and kite
.
town.
Colico Piano (old name Colicum) is the center of the country and the place of the Parish of S. Giorgio
(patron saint's day on April 23), and dismembered by Villatico erected on 12/22/1914. The church built in the years 1925/1927, was consecrated September 24, 1978 by Bishop T. Ferraroni.
of Villatico (old name Vilarichum) hosts the Parish by S. Bernardino
(patron saint's day May 20) that was built around 1500. The church dates from the second half of the century. XV (right after the canonization of San Bernardino, Others 1450).
of Colico in which the past is represented by the houses of a certain age and a public wash-house that was used in the past, here Dec. 3, 1934 was erected the Parish of Holy Guardian Angels
(patron saint's day last Sunday in September) with territory dismembered from Villatico and Colico Piano. The first stone in 1938, the work of the new church began in 1946 and ended in 1957.
overlooking the lake of Piona. Former vice-curia communities, home of the Parish by Saint Fidelis of Como
(patron saint's day last Sunday in October) which was only separated from Villatico 09/09/1857. The church was expanded in the years 1854/57 and restored in 1965/68. In 1957 the new bell tower was erected.
. A Olgiasca is the Abbey of Piona and is home to the parish of Nicola of Bari
(December 6 feast of the patron) becomes traces its erection in 1252 year, the continuing series of parish begins with 1693. A document dated 7/11/1593 speaks of the "Church parish priorities or Piona Abbey". Entrusted to the Cistercian monks.
) and yacht
(Cranchi). Colico is full of bank thanks to its good location and large number of industrial establishments.
by the SS 36
Milan - Lecco
- Colico.
Colico is the meeting point between the SS 36 and SS 38 of Stelvio through the Valtellina
. In addition, the SS 36 goes through the Valchiavenna
.
Colico is placed at the end of the first electrified line through a revolutionary phase method at 3000 volts made by the Hungarian
firm Ganz from 1901, is a perfect architectural example of the stations built specifically for the line Sondrio - Colico. Between 1885 and 1886 Colico is connected with Sondrio
and Chiavenna, but to see the operational link with Lecco
(hence Milan) it was not until 1894. The line was then carried by the Adriatic Network
, one of three major companies that remain in effect until 1905, year of birth of railways.
The same style, even when applied to smaller, presents the station Piona.
Colico, in his territory, has two stations.
Comune
In Italy, the comune is the basic administrative division, and may be properly approximated in casual speech by the English word township or municipality.-Importance and function:...
in the province of Lecco
Province of Lecco
The Province of Lecco is a province in the Lombardy region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Lecco.On 1 January 2001 the province had a population of 311,452 on a surface of 816 km² divided in 90 communes...
, Lombardy
Lombardy
Lombardy is one of the 20 regions of Italy. The capital is Milan. One-sixth of Italy's population lives in Lombardy and about one fifth of Italy's GDP is produced in this region, making it the most populous and richest region in the country and one of the richest in the whole of Europe...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. It is situated near the tip of the northern arm of Lake Como
Lake Como
Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 km², making it the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore...
, where the river Adda
Adda (river)
The Adda is a river in North Italy, a tributary of the Po. It rises in the Alps near the border with Switzerland and flows through Lake Como. The Adda joins the Po a few kilometres upstream of Cremona. It is 313 kilometres long...
enters the lake. Colico, with an area of 35.3 km² and a population of about 7,200, is the most important town in the northern part of Lake Como, which is often identified as its Colico branch.
Colico is a local transport hub, with trains to Milan
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
and boats to Como
Como
Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy.It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como....
and Lecco
Lecco
Lecco is a town of c. 47,760 inhabitants in Lombardy, northern Italy, north of Milan, the capital of the province of Lecco. It lies at the end of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como...
, as well as road links south to Milan (via the eastern shore of the lake, Lecco and Brianza
Brianza
thumb|250px|The [[Corni di Canzo]].Brianza is a geographical area at the foot of the Alps, in north-western Lombardy, northern Italy.-Geography:...
), north to Chiavenna, and east to Bolzano.
It is home to Piona Abbey
Piona Abbey
The architectural complex which makes up Piona Priory, generally known as Piona Abbey, is located on the Lecco bank of Lake Como in the territory of the municipality of Colico....
.
Physical geography
Colico is located in the eastern part of Lake Como, dominated by the higher foothills, is an important part of the Colico landscape. Near Colico there is an important nature reserve, the migration corridor of the Pian di Spagna but it is mainly in the Province of ComoProvince of Como
The Province of Como is a province in the north of the Lombardy region of Italy and borders the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grigioni to the North, the Italian provinces of Sondrio and Lecco to the East, the Province of Milan to the south and the Province of Varese to the West...
. The two main waterways of Colico are Inganna and Perlino, and there is also the river Adda
Adda (river)
The Adda is a river in North Italy, a tributary of the Po. It rises in the Alps near the border with Switzerland and flows through Lake Como. The Adda joins the Po a few kilometres upstream of Cremona. It is 313 kilometres long...
, which acts as a natural boundary to the Province of Como
Province of Como
The Province of Como is a province in the north of the Lombardy region of Italy and borders the Swiss cantons of Ticino and Grigioni to the North, the Italian provinces of Sondrio and Lecco to the East, the Province of Milan to the south and the Province of Varese to the West...
.
Fort Montecchio
The Forte Montecchio is the only Italian fort from World War IWorld War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, which has been preserved intact with its original armament. It was built between 1911 and 1914. The main function of the fort was to control the streets of Spluga, of Maloja
Maloja Pass
Maloja Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps in the canton of Graubünden, linking the Engadin with the Val Bregaglia and Chiavenna in Italy...
and Stelvio
Stelvio Pass
The Stelvio Pass , located in Italy, at 2757 m is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, slightly below the Col de l'Iseran .-Location:...
, in case the Central Powers
Central Powers
The Central Powers were one of the two warring factions in World War I , composed of the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Bulgaria...
decided to violate the neutrality of Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, and invade northern Italy.
The fort was one of the strongholds among a complex barrier system which extended up to Monte Legnone
Monte Legnone
Monte Legnone is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
, though it remained inactive throughout the World War
World war
A world war is a war affecting the majority of the world's most powerful and populous nations. World wars span multiple countries on multiple continents, with battles fought in multiple theaters....
. The fort was never used in military actions even during the Second World War: the only gun shots which were fired at a German column that went along the opposite bank of the lake after the fort was occupied by the partisans. It was later used as a weapons depot and eventually transferred to the state property
State property
State property is property owned by the state anything registered with the "state" becomes 'State property'. Such property may also referred to crown property...
public.
Visitors of the fort can now observe the architectural, technical and organizational reasons, some of which are quite innovative for its time. The main attraction of the fort is still represented by the armament: four gun
Gun
A gun is a muzzle or breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon. There are various definitions depending on the nation and branch of service. A "gun" may be distinguished from other firearms in being a crew-served weapon such as a howitzer or mortar, as opposed to a small arm like a rifle or pistol,...
s, with a range of 14 km, with installations in each well protected by a dome in iron. The fort, which recently has begun restoration work aimed at improving usability travel, is basically divided into two parts: the lower area that contains housing and powder magazines and the upper part of the host gun
Gun
A gun is a muzzle or breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon. There are various definitions depending on the nation and branch of service. A "gun" may be distinguished from other firearms in being a crew-served weapon such as a howitzer or mortar, as opposed to a small arm like a rifle or pistol,...
s. The two areas are linked by a beautiful curved gallery.
Fort Fuentes
Between 1603 and 1606, the countCount
A count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...
Fuentes, Governor of Milan
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
, built a fort on Montecchio in order to defend the border
Border
Borders define geographic boundaries of political entities or legal jurisdictions, such as governments, sovereign states, federated states and other subnational entities. Some borders—such as a state's internal administrative borders, or inter-state borders within the Schengen Area—are open and...
north of Duchy of Milan
Duchy of Milan
The Duchy of Milan , was created on the 1st of may 1395, when Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, purchased a diploma for 100,000 Florins from King Wenceslaus. It was this diploma that installed, Gian Galeazzo as Duke of Milan and Count of Pavia...
from France and Swiss Graubünden
Graubünden
Graubünden or Grisons is the largest and easternmost canton of Switzerland. The canton shares borders with the cantons of Ticino, Uri, Glarus and St. Gallen and international borders with Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein...
, who at the time occupied Valtellina
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
and Valchiavenna
Valchiavenna
The Valchiavenna is an alpine region located to the north of Lake Como in the northern Italian province of Sondrio . It is traversed by the rivers Mera and Liro, and can be divided into three parts which branch from the confluence of these rivers near Chiavenna, the principal town of the region.The...
.
The plan of the fort was oblong, with a horn works in the extremities, while the irregular walls, who came out and fell as wedges, allowed a better defense of the ramparts. The fort is spread over several levels: high, still visible, the building of the governor, but because the air was unhealthy, lived in Gravedona
Gravedona
Gravedona ed Uniti is a comune in the Province of Como in the Italian region Lombardy, located about north of Milan and about northeast of Como....
at the lowest quarters of the soldiers. The fort could house 300 men. The location of the stronghold allowed it to dominate the entire plain
Plain
In geography, a plain is land with relatively low relief, that is flat or gently rolling. Prairies and steppes are types of plains, and the archetype for a plain is often thought of as a grassland, but plains in their natural state may also be covered in shrublands, woodland and forest, or...
below, which by then was just called Pian di Spagna, but also allows the control of the road for Valtellina
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
and Stelvio Pass
Stelvio Pass
The Stelvio Pass , located in Italy, at 2757 m is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, slightly below the Col de l'Iseran .-Location:...
for Valchiavenna
Valchiavenna
The Valchiavenna is an alpine region located to the north of Lake Como in the northern Italian province of Sondrio . It is traversed by the rivers Mera and Liro, and can be divided into three parts which branch from the confluence of these rivers near Chiavenna, the principal town of the region.The...
and Splügen Pass
Splügen Pass
The Splügen Pass is a high mountain pass which marks the boundary between the Lepontine and Rhaetian Alps....
, and, finally, Como
Como
Como is a city and comune in Lombardy, Italy.It is the administrative capital of the Province of Como....
and Milan. Even today the area is referred to as the Fuentes trivium.
To complete the Spanish defensive project were built two forts, one above Sorico, the other said Fortino d'Adda in Gera Lario
Gera Lario
Gera Lario is a comune in the Province of Como in the Italian region Lombardy, located about north of Milan and about northeast of Como. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 942 and an area of 6.7 km²....
and facing Valchiavenna
Valchiavenna
The Valchiavenna is an alpine region located to the north of Lake Como in the northern Italian province of Sondrio . It is traversed by the rivers Mera and Liro, and can be divided into three parts which branch from the confluence of these rivers near Chiavenna, the principal town of the region.The...
. The fort was also connected to a series of outposts existing known by the generic name of towers.
Despite the Fort Fuentes during the 17th and 18th century was a major fortification
Fortification
Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...
of Lombardy, there were no events of military note, only in 1706 during the War of Spanish Succession, the Fort was besieged for the first time since the Austrian
Austrians
Austrians are a nation and ethnic group, consisting of the population of the Republic of Austria and its historical predecessor states who share a common Austrian culture and Austrian descent....
who conquered it only after three weeks. In 1714 in Lombardy the Spanish domain was replaced by the Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n: Fort Fuentes found itself involved in two other sieges in 733] ] by Spain and Piedmont, while the War of the Polish Succession
War of the Polish Succession
The War of the Polish Succession was a major European war for princes' possessions sparked by a Polish civil war over the succession to Augustus II, King of Poland that other European powers widened in pursuit of their own national interests...
and 1746 by the Spanish during the War of Austrian Succession.
In 1782, following the reform of the desired Emperor
Emperor
An emperor is a monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife or a woman who rules in her own right...
Joseph II of Austria, the fort was decommissioned and sold to private individuals. In 1796 at the behest of Napoleon, it was completely dismantled and then abandoned. Standing of the ancient fortress remain today only a few ruins, partly submerged by the vegetation
Vegetation
Vegetation is a general term for the plant life of a region; it refers to the ground cover provided by plants. It is a general term, without specific reference to particular taxa, life forms, structure, spatial extent, or any other specific botanical or geographic characteristics. It is broader...
, yet still rich in charm and interest.
The fresco
Fresco
Fresco is any of several related mural painting types, executed on plaster on walls or ceilings. The word fresco comes from the Greek word affresca which derives from the Latin word for "fresh". Frescoes first developed in the ancient world and continued to be popular through the Renaissance...
removed from the chapel of the fort, a Santa Barbara
Saint Barbara
Saint Barbara, , Feast Day December 4, known in the Eastern Orthodox Church as the Great Martyr Barbara, was an early Christian saint and martyr....
patron
Patrón
Patrón is a luxury brand of tequila produced in Mexico and sold in hand-blown, individually numbered bottles.Made entirely from Blue Agave "piñas" , Patrón comes in five varieties: Silver, Añejo, Reposado, Gran Patrón Platinum and Gran Patrón Burdeos. Patrón also sells a tequila-coffee blend known...
of the gunners, the work is not particularly valuable, but of considerable historical importance, is now placed in the middle of the left side of the aisle parish church of Saint George
Saint George
Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a priest in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic , Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox...
in the centre of Colico.
Towers
Having been in past centuries the crossroads of major communication routes, the whole area was fortified at the age of Colico medieval of many fortificationFortification
Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...
, even before the construction of the Fort Fuentes. On the northern Montecchio
are still visible two guard towers, which formed the so-called Castle Colico era city, but largely reworked, to control road from Valtellina
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
. More important from a strategic
Fontanedo Tower, which was part of a more complex work of fortification built during the 14th century by Visconti. From the tower it was possible to dominate the Upper Lake, the hinterland of colic is the area of the Lake Mezzola.
In defense of the ancient road linking the Lake Como
Lake Como
Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. It has an area of 146 km², making it the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore...
with Valtellina
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
within the territory of Curcio, there is another lookout tower, probably related to the Fort Fuentes has now been transformed into farm house and called the tower
Curcio.
Also for the defense of the fort had to be part so called Fortino d'Adda, or Stallone, who rises out of the border
Border
Borders define geographic boundaries of political entities or legal jurisdictions, such as governments, sovereign states, federated states and other subnational entities. Some borders—such as a state's internal administrative borders, or inter-state borders within the Schengen Area—are open and...
municipalities in the territory of Gera Lario
Gera Lario
Gera Lario is a comune in the Province of Como in the Italian region Lombardy, located about north of Milan and about northeast of Como. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 942 and an area of 6.7 km²....
.
Was to serve as a protected activity for monitoring and storage. Its very unique structure that has slots for the shot of firearm
Firearm
A firearm is a weapon that launches one, or many, projectile at high velocity through confined burning of a propellant. This subsonic burning process is technically known as deflagration, as opposed to supersonic combustion known as a detonation. In older firearms, the propellant was typically...
and bridge brick that connects the main entrance to the plane. It is currently used for storage.
A final fort is placed in the territory of Olgiasca. It is in this case a casaforte, which from the top of the hill
Hill
A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain. Hills often have a distinct summit, although in areas with scarp/dip topography a hill may refer to a particular section of flat terrain without a massive summit A hill is a landform that extends above the surrounding terrain. Hills...
controls the town below. It is known as the Castle of Mirabello and should have been built before the middle of 1500.
Roccoli
Real tree architectures, equipped with nets placed vertically, which surround a sort of stone tower from which you ran the huntingHunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
, the bird snares have long been formidable weapons catch the bird with a economic response to a territory, such as Colico place on route of the flocks, which, with the approaching cold season, migrating south. Of the many bird snares active until about forty years ago, are still well preserved in the town Piona and the place along the road that rises to the Fort Fuentes.
Abbey of Piona
Among the most famous romanic monumentMonument
A monument is a type of structure either explicitly created to commemorate a person or important event or which has become important to a social group as a part of their remembrance of historic times or cultural heritage, or simply as an example of historic architecture...
s of Lombardy Piona Abbey, which is one of the most beautiful convents in the area, both for the charm of natural environment
Natural environment
The natural environment encompasses all living and non-living things occurring naturally on Earth or some region thereof. It is an environment that encompasses the interaction of all living species....
, and for the presence of artistic purpose.
The church, built in the mid-11th century, but subject to extension in the following century, has a front hut, with a large central window arch. The interior consists of a single aisle
Aisle
An aisle is, in general, a space for walking with rows of seats on both sides or with rows of seats on one side and a wall on the other...
. At the entrance there are two Lions in marble
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite.Geologists use the term "marble" to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however stonemasons use the term more broadly to encompass unmetamorphosed limestone.Marble is commonly used for...
regents fonts, but originally meant to support a column or a pulpit
Pulpit
Pulpit is a speakers' stand in a church. In many Christian churches, there are two speakers' stands at the front of the church. Typically, the one on the left is called the pulpit...
.
A note of interest the cycle painting, dating back to 13th century, of this apse
Apse
In architecture, the apse is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome...
: in the centre of the basin is the great figure of Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
, which supports a book open surrounded by four symbol
Symbol
A symbol is something which represents an idea, a physical entity or a process but is distinct from it. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for...
of evangelist
Four Evangelists
In Christian tradition the Four Evangelists are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the authors attributed with the creation of the four Gospel accounts in the New Testament that bear the following titles:*Gospel according to Matthew*Gospel according to Mark...
. Below are represented the twelve apostles in time, around the figure of Christ blessing with angel
Angel
Angels are mythical beings often depicted as messengers of God in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles along with the Quran. The English word angel is derived from the Greek ἄγγελος, a translation of in the Hebrew Bible ; a similar term, ملائكة , is used in the Qur'an...
s, we still shows the twelve apostles in groups of six, in a gesture of acclamation.
Behind the building of the church stands the ruins of an apse
Apse
In architecture, the apse is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome...
from the Medieval period, whose original purpose is uncertain.
The bell
Bell (instrument)
A bell is a simple sound-making device. The bell is a percussion instrument and an idiophone. Its form is usually a hollow, cup-shaped object, which resonates upon being struck...
outside, on the north side was constructed in the 18th century.
The cloister is accessed to the right of the front through a portal with pointed arches, dating back to 13th century, a particularly impressive: along the perimeter of the courtyard
Courtyard
A court or courtyard is an enclosed area, often a space enclosed by a building that is open to the sky. These areas in inns and public buildings were often the primary meeting places for some purposes, leading to the other meanings of court....
run forty columns and four columns of marble, whose capitals
Capital (architecture)
In architecture the capital forms the topmost member of a column . It mediates between the column and the load thrusting down upon it, broadening the area of the column's supporting surface...
, finely decorated with leaves, flowers and animals, support an upper floor with terracotta rings and bandsmarble
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite.Geologists use the term "marble" to refer to metamorphosed limestone; however stonemasons use the term more broadly to encompass unmetamorphosed limestone.Marble is commonly used for...
red, white and black interspersed with elegant windows.
At the entrance of the cloister there is a fresco
Fresco
Fresco is any of several related mural painting types, executed on plaster on walls or ceilings. The word fresco comes from the Greek word affresca which derives from the Latin word for "fresh". Frescoes first developed in the ancient world and continued to be popular through the Renaissance...
, dating from the 15th-16th century, depicting Christ's appearance to the Mary
Mary (mother of Jesus)
Mary , commonly referred to as "Saint Mary", "Mother Mary", the "Virgin Mary", the "Blessed Virgin Mary", or "Mary, Mother of God", was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee...
, while above the entrance of the arcade
Arcade (architecture)
An arcade is a succession of arches, each counterthrusting the next, supported by columns or piers or a covered walk enclosed by a line of such arches on one or both sides. In warmer or wet climates, exterior arcades provide shelter for pedestrians....
leading to the church is depicted a bust of Christ. On the porch, behind the church, in a simple style and the popular tone, there is a calendar
Calendar
A calendar is a system of organizing days for social, religious, commercial, or administrative purposes. This is done by giving names to periods of time, typically days, weeks, months, and years. The name given to each day is known as a date. Periods in a calendar are usually, though not...
fresco decorative element where there are few examples of singular throughout Europe. It is a long band divided into two registers: the upper one is represents the individual months through agricultural employment characteristics, September, for example, is characterized by the preparations of the Pops, July after beating wheat, the lower one is represented a series of eleven holy portrayed at the time of martyrdom.
The fresco goes back to a time before the construction of the cloister and was originally located outside the church.
Church of San Rocco
The small church, originally named the Saints Fabian and Sebastian, stands outside the town on the slopes of Monte LegnoneMonte Legnone
Monte Legnone is a mountain of Lombardy, Italy. It is located within the Bergamo Alps....
, almost midway between the course of the deception and Perlino at a height of five hundred meters.
The plant is romanic, as evidenced by apse
Apse
In architecture, the apse is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome...
semicircular, but since 1401 underwent several changes.
Preserved, especially in apse
Apse
In architecture, the apse is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome...
, traces of painting large enough, due to an unknown, but capable painter
Painting
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface . The application of the medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush but other objects can be used. In art, the term painting describes both the act and the result of the action. However, painting is...
, which should have worked in the early 15th century. Particularly strong on the Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
in almond, or Almighty, and whose sides are the prophets Jeremiah
Jeremiah
Jeremiah Hebrew：יִרְמְיָה , Modern Hebrew:Yirməyāhū, IPA: jirməˈjaːhu, Tiberian:Yirmĭyahu, Greek:Ἰερεμίας), meaning "Yahweh exalts", or called the "Weeping prophet" was one of the main prophets of the Hebrew Bible...
and Isaiah
Isaiah
Isaiah ; Greek: ', Ēsaïās ; "Yahu is salvation") was a prophet in the 8th-century BC Kingdom of Judah.Jews and Christians consider the Book of Isaiah a part of their Biblical canon; he is the first listed of the neviim akharonim, the later prophets. Many of the New Testament teachings of Jesus...
. During a campaign restoration
Building restoration
Building restoration describes a particular treatment approach and philosophy within the field of architectural conservation. According the U.S...
held in recent years, was found an interesting fresco depicting the Last Supper
Last Supper
The Last Supper is the final meal that, according to Christian belief, Jesus shared with his Twelve Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. The Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for the Eucharist, also known as "communion" or "the Lord's Supper".The First Epistle to the Corinthians is...
.
Villa Malpensata
The villaVilla
A villa was originally an ancient Roman upper-class country house. Since its origins in the Roman villa, the idea and function of a villa have evolved considerably. After the fall of the Roman Republic, villas became small farming compounds, which were increasingly fortified in Late Antiquity,...
located in an isolated position on the shore of Lake, in places Olgiasca
Olgiasca
- History :A manse, consisting of the hill of Olgiasca in 1241 was leased from the church of St. Vincent by Gravedona to Piona Abbey. There was an intense agricultural activity....
.
The century plant, which incorporates a previous structure, it is very simple. The main facade is facing lake. Currently owned by Piona Abbey, is now headquarters of the Community "Il Gabbiano".
Villa Osio
The villa is located at the end of Via Lungolario Polti and forms the boundary to the shore. It is currently privately owned.Events
The event more important is taking place in the stage Colico ItalyItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
is the World Cup of kitesurfing
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is an adventure surface water sport that has been described as combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, and gymnastics into one extreme sport. Kitesurfing harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a...
. Following the important festival
Music festival
A music festival is a festival oriented towards music that is sometimes presented with a theme such as musical genre, nationality or locality of musicians, or holiday. They are commonly held outdoors, and are often inclusive of other attractions such as food and merchandise vending machines,...
classical music Musica sull'Acquathat takes place in Piazza Garibaldi and the Abbey of Piona. Also, please note theWhite Night of Colico along with dancing. Among the party the most important are the party of San Rocco on August 16 in homonym church.
Centre
The centre is situated between Piazza Garibaldi, Via Vitali, Largo San Giorgio and Via Pontile. This district contains the main services of Colico. Between Via Municipio and Piazza Alpini there are City HallCity hall
In local government, a city hall, town hall or a municipal building or civic centre, is the chief administrative building of a city...
, library
Library
In a traditional sense, a library is a large collection of books, and can refer to the place in which the collection is housed. Today, the term can refer to any collection, including digital sources, resources, and services...
, church of Saint George
Saint George
Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a priest in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic , Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox...
and the main schools. In Via Villatico there is the post office
Post office
A post office is a facility forming part of a postal system for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling, transmission or delivery of mail.Post offices offer mail-related services such as post office boxes, postage and packaging supplies...
.
Lido
This district has a long beachBeach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
, a field of soccer, tennis courts and a school of sailing
Sailing (sport)
Sailing is a well organized and recognized sport.There is a broad variety of kinds of races and sailboats used for racing. Much racing is done around buoys or similar marks in protected waters, while some longer offshore races cross open water...
.
Kitesurf
In the district there is a parking lot of RV, a beachBeach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
and a school of surfing
Surfing
Surfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
and kite
Kite
A kite is a tethered aircraft. The necessary lift that makes the kite wing fly is generated when air flows over and under the kite's wing, producing low pressure above the wing and high pressure below it. This deflection also generates horizontal drag along the direction of the wind...
.
Industrial Zone
The industrial zone is home to several factories and the landfillLandfill
A landfill site , is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and is the oldest form of waste treatment...
town.
Colico Piano
The villageFrazione
A frazione , in Italy, is the name given in administrative law to a type of territorial subdivision of a comune; for other administrative divisions, see municipio, circoscrizione, quartiere...
Colico Piano (old name Colicum) is the center of the country and the place of the Parish of S. Giorgio
Saint George
Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a priest in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic , Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox...
(patron saint's day on April 23), and dismembered by Villatico erected on 12/22/1914. The church built in the years 1925/1927, was consecrated September 24, 1978 by Bishop T. Ferraroni.
Villatico
The villageFrazione
A frazione , in Italy, is the name given in administrative law to a type of territorial subdivision of a comune; for other administrative divisions, see municipio, circoscrizione, quartiere...
of Villatico (old name Vilarichum) hosts the Parish by S. Bernardino
Bernardino of Siena
Saint Bernardino of Siena, O.F.M., was an Italian priest, Franciscan missionary, and is a Catholic saint.-Early life:...
(patron saint's day May 20) that was built around 1500. The church dates from the second half of the century. XV (right after the canonization of San Bernardino, Others 1450).
Curcio
In Curcio (old name Curcium) there is an important natural source of water. Curcio is one of the villagesFrazione
A frazione , in Italy, is the name given in administrative law to a type of territorial subdivision of a comune; for other administrative divisions, see municipio, circoscrizione, quartiere...
of Colico in which the past is represented by the houses of a certain age and a public wash-house that was used in the past, here Dec. 3, 1934 was erected the Parish of Holy Guardian Angels
Guardian angel
A guardian angel is an angel assigned to protect and guide a particular person or group. Belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity...
(patron saint's day last Sunday in September) with territory dismembered from Villatico and Colico Piano. The first stone in 1938, the work of the new church began in 1946 and ended in 1957.
Laghetto
Laghetto (an old name Parvus lacus) is the union of two more places (Borgonuovo and Fiumarga) with a minor (the Court). In Laghetto there are many campingCamping
Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...
overlooking the lake of Piona. Former vice-curia communities, home of the Parish by Saint Fidelis of Como
Fidelis of Como
-Legends:Fidelis' cult is associated with Carpophorus and Exanthus, two soldier-saints. Variations on their legend are applied to Fidelis. The first says that he, with Carpophorus and Exanthus, were Roman soldiers, members of the legendary Theban Legion, who deserted during the persecution of...
(patron saint's day last Sunday in October) which was only separated from Villatico 09/09/1857. The church was expanded in the years 1854/57 and restored in 1965/68. In 1957 the new bell tower was erected.
Olgiasca
Olgiasca (old name Piona) is located in the homonymous peninsulaPeninsula
A peninsula is a piece of land that is bordered by water on three sides but connected to mainland. In many Germanic and Celtic languages and also in Baltic, Slavic and Hungarian, peninsulas are called "half-islands"....
. A Olgiasca is the Abbey of Piona and is home to the parish of Nicola of Bari
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas , also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century saint and Greek Bishop of Myra . Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker...
(December 6 feast of the patron) becomes traces its erection in 1252 year, the continuing series of parish begins with 1693. A document dated 7/11/1593 speaks of the "Church parish priorities or Piona Abbey". Entrusted to the Cistercian monks.
Economy
The economy is mainly colichese travel, but industry gets a strong second place, the imposing industrial zone, always expanding, and there is also a large presence of bank. The tourism is mainly focused on the many camping. The industry boasts of leading brands of construction truck (IvecoIveco
Iveco, an acronym for Industrial Vehicle Corporation, originally an alliance of European commercial vehicle manufacturers such as Fiat , Unic and Magirus. Iveco is now an Italian truck, bus, and diesel engine manufacturer, based in Turin...
) and yacht
Yacht
A yacht is a recreational boat or ship. The term originated from the Dutch Jacht meaning "hunt". It was originally defined as a light fast sailing vessel used by the Dutch navy to pursue pirates and other transgressors around and into the shallow waters of the Low Countries...
(Cranchi). Colico is full of bank thanks to its good location and large number of industrial establishments.
Roads
Colico is connected to MilanMilan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
by the SS 36
SS36
The Italian highway 36, Lake Como and Spluga is a major road in Lombardia. Constitutes the main access route to the Valtellina and the Swiss canton of Grisons from Milan and other cities in southern Lombardia.-The Path:...
Milan - Lecco
Lecco
Lecco is a town of c. 47,760 inhabitants in Lombardy, northern Italy, north of Milan, the capital of the province of Lecco. It lies at the end of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como...
- Colico.
Colico is the meeting point between the SS 36 and SS 38 of Stelvio through the Valtellina
Valtellina
Valtellina or the Valtelline valley ; is a valley in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its skiing, its hot spring spas, its cheeses and its wines...
. In addition, the SS 36 goes through the Valchiavenna
Valchiavenna
The Valchiavenna is an alpine region located to the north of Lake Como in the northern Italian province of Sondrio . It is traversed by the rivers Mera and Liro, and can be divided into three parts which branch from the confluence of these rivers near Chiavenna, the principal town of the region.The...
.
Railways
The stationTrain station
A train station, also called a railroad station or railway station and often shortened to just station,"Station" is commonly understood to mean "train station" unless otherwise qualified. This is evident from dictionary entries e.g...
Colico is placed at the end of the first electrified line through a revolutionary phase method at 3000 volts made by the Hungarian
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
firm Ganz from 1901, is a perfect architectural example of the stations built specifically for the line Sondrio - Colico. Between 1885 and 1886 Colico is connected with Sondrio
Sondrio
Sondrio is an Italian town and comune located in the heart of the Valtellina. Sondrio counts approximately 22,000 inhabitants and it is the administrative centre for the Lombard Province of Sondrio.- History :...
and Chiavenna, but to see the operational link with Lecco
Lecco
Lecco is a town of c. 47,760 inhabitants in Lombardy, northern Italy, north of Milan, the capital of the province of Lecco. It lies at the end of the south-eastern branch of Lake Como...
(hence Milan) it was not until 1894. The line was then carried by the Adriatic Network
Società per le Strade Ferrate Meridionali
The Società per le Strade Ferrate Meridionali was an Italian railway company established in 1862. In 1885 it took the control of the so-called "Rete Adriatica"...
, one of three major companies that remain in effect until 1905, year of birth of railways.
The same style, even when applied to smaller, presents the station Piona.
Colico, in his territory, has two stations.