- Art & Culture
Belfry of Santa Maria Maddalena
Symbol of elegance and spirituality, the Belfry of Santa Maria Maddalena is one of the most recognisable and photographed architectural landmarks of Lake Como. Located in Ossuccio, a village in Tremezzina, it stands proudly between the Church of the same name and the shores of the lake.
At 42 metres tall, the tower was probably built between the 12th and 14th centuries, with the exception of the roof, which was restored in gothic style during the 1900s, under the direction of architect Luigi Perrone. The strong link between the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, once known as Santa Maria Maddalena et hospitale, contributed to making the belfry a kind of spiritual lighthouse, a point of reference for pilgrims and travellers over the centuries.
The particular position of the Belfry, just a stone's throw from Isola Comacina and with the mountains all around, doubtless make it one of the most charming panoramic points on the lake. A pause at the foot of the tower allows you to immerse yourself in an atmosphere suspended between past and present and above all, when the sun goes down, the intense, vibrant colours of the sunset envelope the tower in a magical light, creating a picture postcard view.
The best way to discover the Belfry is surely to take the Greenway of Lake Como, a walk of some 11 kilometres between the villages of Colonno and Griante, where you can also explore the western shores of the lake. Among the aristocratic villas, historic villages, churches and gardens, the Greenway is a sequence of architecture and nature, a stunning combination that offers you surprising views and a memorable experience.
When you come to the park of Ossuccio, you can enjoy the marvellous view of the Belfry, which stands majestically and elegantly over the lake. Today, the Belfry is decidedly an essential stop for those who decide to walk the Greenway, a place where it is possible to contemplate the beauty of the lake and to enjoy the historic and spiritual atmosphere that can be felt in every stone.
