Piona Abbey
Where silence meets the lake
Bellezza romanica, panorami sulle montagne e una baia nascosta nella tranquilla penisola di Olgiasca.
Map and route
By car
CaFelicita → Gravedona → Domaso → Colico → Olgiasca → Piona Abbey
The journey takes approximately 30–35 minutes. Once in Olgiasca, the road descends through the woods to the free car park near the abbey.
Open the driving route in Google Maps
By boat: our recommended choice
The most scenic way to reach Piona Abbey is to leave from the Gravedona pier and cross the lake by boat.
During the cruise, you can admire Gravedona, Domaso, the mountains of the Upper Lake and the green Olgiasca peninsula from a completely different perspective. The boat arrives at the small Piona pier, located directly below the abbey. From here, it is about a five-minute uphill walk to the entrance.
The direct service takes approximately 25–30 minutes, but it does not run with the same frequency in every season. We therefore recommend always checking the outward and return timetables before leaving.
Why visit?
Piona Abbey is one of those rare places where Lake Como seems to become completely silent.
At the tip of the green Olgiasca peninsula, the ancient priory overlooks a peaceful inlet, often described as a small ‘lake within the lake’. The Romanesque church, elegant cloister, frescoes and gardens create an intimate atmosphere, far from the busiest tourist routes.
Cistercian monks still live here, following a rhythm of prayer, work and contemplation. It is not merely a monument to photograph, but a place to slow down, listen and discover a different side of Lake Como.
Credits: Foto Hobby
Essential information
| Visit duration | Approximately 60–90 minutes |
| Excursion by car | Approximately 2½–3 hours, including the journey from CaFelicita |
| Experience by boat | Half a day |
| Difficulty | Easy; short uphill stretch from the pier or car park |
Suitable for
Couples, families, photographers, art and history enthusiasts, travellers seeking spirituality, and anyone wishing to spend a few hours in tranquillity.
What to see
- The Romanesque Church of San Nicola
- The evocative medieval cloister
- The frescoes, carved capitals and ancient stone details
- The monastery gardens
- The view over Piona Bay and the mountains
- The monks’ small shop, offering products from monasteries
Credits: Foto Hobby
CaFelicita’s tips
When the timetable allows, choose the boat. Arriving from the lake, with the abbey appearing among the greenery of the peninsula, turns a simple visit into a true Upper Lake Como experience.
Visit the abbey in the morning or just after it reopens in the afternoon, when the cloister is generally quieter. Speak softly, wear respectful clothing and avoid visiting the church during religious services.
To make the excursion even more relaxing, combine the visit with a short stop in Piona Bay. Bring a book, sit by the water and admire the view towards Monte Legnone.
Opening times may change throughout the year. Before leaving, we recommend checking both the abbey and boat timetables, paying particular attention to the return service to Gravedona.
Piona Abbey opening times · North Lake Como · Navigazione Laghi
Credits: Foto Hobby
A little secret from the Gilardoni family
After visiting the cloister, do not rush back to the car or the pier. Walk slowly through the garden and pause where the trees open towards the lake. For us, this peaceful corner is Piona’s true treasure: no crowds and no noise, only stone, water and mountains.
La famiglia Gilardoni
CaFelicita
RELAX, LAKE & VIEW ☀ ★ ≋
Foto realizzate da: Enrico Minotti – Foto Hobby
