Visiting Lake Mezzola
Lake Mezzola is a compact Italian lake positioned just north of Lake Como in the Lombardy region. Long ago, Lake Mezzola was physically connected to Lake Como. This combined basin once stretched as far as the town of Samolaco, a name derived from the Latin phrase Summus Lacus, which translates to the head of the lake. The Adda River, formerly a tributary of the lake, deposited sediment over time, creating a 1,600 hectare wetland that now separates Lake Como from Lake Mezzola. This area is known as the Pian di Spagna.
The Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve
The Pian di Spagna nature reserve takes its name from the period of Spanish rule in the region between the 16th and 17th centuries. In Italian, the word Spagna refers to Spain. A royal Spanish road once ran through the area near the Swiss border, known as the Scalottola. Today, this route is part of the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path) located on the eastern flank of the lake. Along this trail, you can find the remains of the Forte di Fuentes, a fortification built near Colico on the Montecchio hill to defend the territory.
The Pian di Spagna is a sprawling wetland habitat filled with aquatic flora such as reeds, water lilies, and various floating plants. The area is a major destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species recorded, including great egrets, coots, kingfishers, and teals.
Exploring around Lake Mezzola
The best views of Lake Mezzola are found near the town of Albonico on the western shore. On the northern bank, make time to visit the Tempietto di San Fedelino. This is a charming Romanesque chapel dating back to the 10th century, decorated with original frescoes.