Christmas village seen from the lake

Set between the lake and the mountains, Brienno is an enchanted village with traditions that are reflected in its streets, steps, and porticoes, which embrace the charming natural surroundings.

Just over half an hour’s drive from Como, Brienno is one of the most charming old villages in the Triangolo Lariano area, directly overlooking the western side of the lake. It looks out onto the enchanting village of Nesso on the opposite shore, creating an area of pure scenic beauty that becomes even more delightful during the festive season. Brienno is transformed into a kingdom of lights and colours, making the most of its houses, narrow streets, steps, and porticoes providing a delightful sight to visitors coming from the lake. 

Admiring it in the evening, from the ferries and boats that take passengers to its shores is a truly poetic, immersive experience. Brienno can be reached in less than two hours with ferry no. 13 from Varenna, or you can hire a boat for the journey and enjoy a more private trip. There are also more expensive options that allow you take a tour of many of the towns along the shores of Como, for a cruise of the villages and their lights. From the old spinning factory to the Church of San Nazaro and San Celso, perched on a rock spur that rises steeply from the lake, Brienno offers stunning views that are enhanced with more and more details as you approach it from the lake. 

Once in its streets, you can breathe in the centuries of tradition that accompany its history. The passages, panoramic views and balconies over the lake are brightly lit and even more magical during the festive period, from late November to January, when the markets under the porticoes and Christmas decorations in the streets turn Brienno into an open-air Nativity scene.