Lake Como Hostel
Menaggio - Via IV Novembre 106
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Menaggio is a lively resort town nestled in the Val Menaggio, an area that connects this picturesque spot on Lake Como to Porlezza on Lake Lugano. Situated along the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio is not only a destination brimming with charm but also an excellent base for exploring the region.
The town has been inhabited since ancient times, but it was during the Roman occupation that it gained real significance, lying as it does along the famous Via Regina, which for centuries connected the southern and northern sides of the Alps, linking the Como and Milan areas. In subsequent centuries, Menaggio, thanks to its strategic position, became responsible for lake traffic and the collection of tolls on river transport. It was during the Belle époque, however, that Menaggio saw the construction of numerous villas, luxury residences and grand hotels that became the retreat of many illustrious figures drawn to the town’s beauty.
Narrow alleyways, ancient churches and splendid villas set in sprawling gardens: this is Menaggio, a town that captivates every visitor with its charm as a nineteenth-century village. Its small, compact centre offers much to visitors from an architectural, historical and cultural perspective, while the surrounding area opens up opportunities for excursions, walks and cycling routes. The town also boasts an exclusive golf course and the chance to enjoy various water sports during the summer months.
Menaggio comprises a centre and three hamlets – Croce, Nobiallo and Loveno – where you’ll find numerous historic villas. The heart of the village is Piazza Garibaldi, and the beautiful waterfront promenade lined with bars, restaurants and boutique shops. The town is genuinely human in scale, and it’s a pleasure to wander its narrow cobbled streets discovering the main attractions.
The Church of Santo Stefano is the most important religious building in the town, its present appearance the result of various renovations over the centuries. The church was built on the site of earlier early Christian and Romanesque structures.
Inside are three naves adorned with precious frescoes painted in 1899 by Tagliaferri, an artist from Pagnona. The side naves contain works of the Flemish School and a fresco (by an unknown artist) depicting Saint George.
Villa Mylius Vigoni is located in the Loveno hamlet, an area that has always been particularly favoured by famous figures and artists. The mansion was built in the nineteenth century by Heinrich Mylius, who embellished it over the years with his important collection of paintings and hosted literary giants such as Goethe and Manzoni. Surrounding the villa is a park featuring an English garden created in 1860 by landscape architect Giuseppe Balzaretto.
In addition to the main residence, the complex includes a guest house, the steward’s dwelling, stables and a small temple. Today, the villa houses an Italian-German Centre as well as a museum where you can admire period furnishings, sculptures and paintings by renowned artists including Francesco Hayez.
During the medieval period, a fortress was built at the highest point of the town, serving both a defensive purpose and allowing control of traffic on the Via Regina from above. Unfortunately, the castle was largely destroyed in the sixteenth century, and now only the entrance and sections of the perimeter walls remain, giving a sense of its original form. On part of the original fortress site now stands the Church of San Carlo, graced with a beautiful sail-shaped bell tower.
You cannot leave Menaggio without enjoying a beautiful stroll along its waterfront promenade, which offers panoramic views of Varenna and Bellagio. Along the lake stands the “Monument to the Weaver“, a 10-metre-high marble stele made from white Carrara marble honouring the many weavers of the area.
The work was completed in 1990 by sculptor Francesco Somaini, commissioned by the Mantero family, who owned one of the area’s oldest silk mills. During summer, the waterfront has a beach where you can relax, sunbathe and enjoy various water sports.
Described as “a pearl of nature between Lake Como and Lake Ceresio”, Val Sangra Park is an area rich in wild flora and fauna, just above Menaggio. There are numerous trails here, varying in level and difficulty, allowing you to discover this territory and its rich heritage.
In addition to organising excursions and walks, the Park offers the chance to visit several sites of historical and natural interest and fascinating glimpses into the history of these lands, such as the Ethnographic Museum and the Val Sangra Natural History Museum.
Menaggio is ideally positioned for exploring Lake Como and is also within easy reach of Lake Lugano. The town offers various types of accommodation to suit all visitors, from luxury hotels to welcoming bed and breakfasts, apartments to holiday homes.
Depending on the kind of holiday you’ve planned, you can choose to stay in an accommodation along the waterfront area or in lodgings nestled in the surrounding countryside. Whatever suits you best, we recommend booking well in advance to avoid missing out.
Like many other towns on Lake Como, Menaggio is easily accessible by boat. The town is served by ferries and hydrofoils via the Como-Colico lake navigation line and by car ferries to other central lake locations.
Those travelling by car from Milan should take the Autostrada dei Laghi (initially A8, then A9) to the Lake Como exit, then follow the SS340 state road. From Como, you can take the SS340 directly.
The town has no railway station; the nearest ones are Como San Giovanni, about 30 km away, and Varenna Esino, about 4 km away – from either of these you can catch a ferry to Menaggio. The closest airport is Milan Malpensa, though it is not directly connected to Menaggio by public transport.
What's the weather at Menaggio? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Menaggio for the next few days.
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