Piona Abbey or, more exactly, Piona Priory is located on the Olgiasca peninsula facing Gravedona on the farthest tip of the Lecco branch of the lake.
With panoramic views over the lake, it offers the opporunity to enjoy the tranquility and the peace enjoyed by the cistercian monks who still live there nowaday.
The Abbey, which can be reached by car along a cobbled street that branches off the SP72, is a typical building of the comacina art. Made in visible square stone is a rare gem of the romanic lombard architecture. The church contains the remains of ancient frescos. To the right of the apse stands a beautiful square bell tower.
To be seen is the charming cloister built in the transitional style from roman to gothic. This is the reference point around the monastery, a place of silence and prayer. The chapter house, located on the eastern side of the cloister, is still used by the community of monks.
A nice walk, surrounded by tall cypress trees, leads to the lake with a beautiful view. There is also a small kiosk.
The Abbey is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 to 12 a.m. and from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and it’s available a large free parking.
- Hours of Holy Mass : Weekday Mass: 7 a.m.; Festive Mass: 9.30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (Mass isn’t celebrated on Saturday afternoon the day before holidays); Vespers: 6.30 p.m. (always celebrated in Gregorian chant)
- Sale monastic products: from 9 to 12 a.m. and from 2.30 to 5 p.m.
- Guided visits for groups: warning a few days before the arrival and ask the disponibility of a monk for guide.b The visit is free, a free donation is welcome
For more informations contact the Centro Unico Prenotazioni of Montagne Lago di Como.
Photo Credits: Aldo Taborelli, Paolo Bosca a Sonia Poncia.
