Tremezzina

The municipality includes the villages of Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra and Tremezzo. Tremezzo, also known as the "Borgo dei Giardini", is located right in the middle of the coast of Lake Como and the origin of its name comes from the fact that it is "terra di mezzo". Elegant but characteristic, it is included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The village owes its popularity not only to its beauty, but also to the 1932 film "Grand Hotel" starring Greta Garbo. 

The origins of the village
The first known document referring to the village dates back to 880 AD when it was called Curte Tremecia (the current name dates back to a couple of centuries later). It was part of the defensive system of the Isola Comacina, an ally of Milan, and was razed to the ground in 1169 by the Comaschi. After a series of ups and downs, Tremezzo saw its heyday in the 17th century, when prestigious villas and buildings were built to make it a renowned resort for both the nobility and the bourgeoisie, and not only in Italy. In fact, many foreigners, especially Austrians, French and Dutch, loved to spend the summer on Lake Como to live in an oasis of peace and serenity surrounded by nature.

What to see
If Tremezzo has become one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it is because of a number of peculiarities that make it unique in terms of landscape, art and architecture.
There are some remarkable buildings worth visiting, among which stands out the 17th century Villa Carlotta, built at the behest of Marquis Clerici. It is an imposing building framed by a splendid Italian garden of which every smallest detail can be appreciated. In the nineteenth century, the building was further embellished with many works of art, including sculptures by Canova and works by Thorvaldsen and Hayez.
Villa Amila, built in the early 1930s by architect Pietro Lingeri, is inspired by the naval and rationalist architecture in vogue at the time.
Also not to be missed is the Parish Church of San Lorenzo, dating back to the late 18th century but completed only a century later. Due to the fact that it has been remodelled several times over the years, the building presents considerable changes from those previously designed. However, the neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque styles stand out in particular.

What to do
It should be considered that, precisely because of its location in nature, Tremezzo is particularly popular with hiking enthusiasts: Trekking, running, Nordic Walking, Mountain Bike are the main activities to practice.
You can also start with a long walk of about ten kilometres that allows you to get to know a nature trail that passes through various hamlets and municipalities where you can stop for appropriate sightseeing.

What to eat
The gastronomic specialities of the town can be traced back to what is appreciated in its territory. Starting from a tasty polenta prepared with buckwheat and corn flour, continuing with vegetable soups of different types, dairy products and obviously freshwater fish.
Traditionally, the main dish is risotto with perch, which is served in fillets browned in butter and seasoned with wild sage.
Polenta uncia is another local speciality and is a traditional polenta cooked as the classic mixed-flour polenta largely seasoned with cheese and melted butter with golden garlic.
Very popular during its season, the asparagus becomes the protagonist of Tremezzo cuisine, especially since it is grown in a hamlet (Rogaro) of Tremezzina and can be served with risotto or even boiled and accompanied by fried eggs served with Parmesan cheese and melted butter.
The main product of the village is the missoltino, known in dialect as misulten. This is agone, a fish caught right in Lake Como, which is left to dry in the open air, salted and flavoured with bay leaves. It belongs to the tradition as, in ancient times, it was prepared in summer to be eaten during winter together with the traditional polenta, which was grilled and served in slices. Nowadays, it is simply a kind of appetiser served with an aperitif.
For those with a sweet tooth, there is the paradell, a large round pancake filled with apples and served with icing sugar.
Alternatively, you can opt for miascia, an autumn delicacy consisting of bread soaked in milk and dried fruit, which is scented with clumps of fresh rosemary.