On Saturday 18th March, the Comacina Island, the only island of Lake Como, opens the 2017 season and welcomes its visitors with its magnificent archaeological and natural park.
Among the most important religious centres of the diocese of Como, the Island saw the rise, on it’s land, of several churches, including one of the most important basilicas of the eleventh century, St. Euphemius. According to tradition, it was built by St. Abondius, bishop and patron of Como. The religious importance of the island was such, as to receive the mortal remains of bishop Agrippino, whose epitaph still remains. Even now called Castle, the Island was a fortress, with houses and churches surrounded by high walls. For 20 years, it was the seat of power of a Byzantine garrison commanded by Francione and even one of the last Western Roman Empire strongholds. It sided with Milan against Como in the 10 year war, until when, in 1169, Como was razed to the ground by the Comaschi, allied by Barbarossa. Nothing more was rebuilt for centuries. The 1900’s resulted as the century of discovery: inhereted by testament by the king of Belgium in 1919 and donated by him to the Italian government, the Island became the responsibility of the Brera Academy of Arts, appointed to protect the archaeological and scenic beauty. With the idea of making the Comacina a colony for artists, in 1939, Pietro Lingeri built three houses for artists, in rationalistic style.
Opening hours
Comacina Island - Archaeological and Natural Park:
every day from 10am to 5pm / last boat from Ossuccio at 4.30pm.
July, August till September 15th: from 10am to 6pm / last boat from Ossuccio at 5.30pm.
Antiquarium Archaeological Museum:
From 10am to 5pm
Closed on Monday and Thursday
Antiquarium (Tickets and Info Point)
Every day, from 10am to 5pm
Tickets
Adults: 6,00 €
Children (under 6): FREE
Children (from 6 to 12): 3,50 €
Seniors (over 65 / with ID): 5,00 €
Students (valid document): 5,00 €
Parties min. 20 persons ADULTS: 4,50 €
Parties min. 20 persons SCHOOL and COLLEGES: 3,50 €
Head-Party: FREE
Tours Guide: FREE
1 teacher every 15 students: FREE
People with disabilities and helper: FREE
Members of the “Associazione Culturale Isola Comacina”: FREE
Residents in Tremezzina: FREE
Residents and born in Sala Comacina: FREE
FAMILY PACKAGE: 2 Adults + 2 Children: 15,00 €
FAMILY PACKAGE: 2 Adults + 3 Children: 17,00 €
How to reach the Comacina Island
It’s possible to board the private taxi-boat for the Comacina Island near the medieval complex of St. Mary Magdalene in Ossuccio, ticket office and information points at the Antiquarium Museum.
The taxi boat transport ticket is not included and is paid directly on the boat.
