Dongo

Let me tell you about a place that stole a little piece of my heart (and probably will steal yours too): Dongo, on the western shore of glorious Lake Como. Dongo offers an authentic, laid-back Italian experience. Think less designer boutiques and more local trattorias serving up mouthwatering pasta. I’m talking proper Italian vibes.

Dongo isn’t some sprawling metropolis; it’s a charming little town with a population that hovers around 3,500. This keeps things cozy and gives you a real sense of community.

Historically, Dongo has some interesting stories to tell. It was a key location during the final days of World War II in Italy, marking the capture of Mussolini. You can still find historical markers and sites related to this period, offering a poignant reminder of the town’s past.

What to see in Dongo

What you can actually do there, besides, you know, just taking advantege of the general Italian awesomeness. Dongo might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to see and experience.

Fine della Guerra Museum (End of War)

The Fine della Guerra (End of the War) Museum in Dongo offers a compelling and interactive journey through one of the most controversial periods in Italian history, focusing on the dramatic end of World War II and the capture of Benito Mussolini. Housed within Palazzo Manzi, the very building where Mussolini and other high-ranking officials of the Italian Social Republic were officially arrested, the museum provides a uniquely immersive experience. Just days before Mussolini’s arrival, the Palazzo’s grand Sala d’Oro (Golden Hall) served as a makeshift mortuary for local fallen partisans, adding another layer of historical significance to the location.

The museum utilizes modern multimedia technology, artifacts, documents, firsthand accounts, and compelling reconstructions to engage visitors and make them active participants in the narrative. This approach allows visitors to vividly experience the tragic conflict of Italians against Italians that characterized the Resistance on Lake Como and throughout Italy.

The museum is organized into seven distinct rooms, each focusing on a different aspect of this historical period:

• Room 1 – The Days of Liberation: serves as an introduction to the museum, setting the scene in Italy during April 1945. Audio recordings of radio broadcasts from Radio London, including coded messages and the voices of figures like Sandro Pertini and Colonel Stevens, further immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the time.
• Room 2 – The Events of Dongo: a unique “film” is presented. Objects illuminated on a mirrored wall recount the story of the capture of the Fascist leaders and Mussolini.
• Room 3 – The Years of the Resistance: a memorial to the partisans. Photographs of key figures of the Resistance are displayed on the walls, while a voiceover recites excerpts from texts and letters written by partisans.
• Room 4 – The Red and the Black: explores the opposing forces of the Resistance within the Falck factory and the presence of the Fascist Black Brigades.
• Room 5 – Memories of the Resistance: Hearth Stories: the most evocative room, this space features chairs arranged around a fireplace, reminiscent of evenings when grandparents would share stories with their grandchildren.
• Room 6 – The War Beyond Dongo: broadens the scope to encompass a wider regional (Como area) and European context. One wall details partisan and Fascist activities in the Como region and the phenomenon of smuggling. The opposite wall expands the narrative to include the broader European theater of war between 1943 and 1945.
• Room 7 – Fragments of the Liberation: uses mirrors to project a film onto the white walls, creating irregular reflections that convey a sense of emotional disorientation.

Madonna delle Lacrime Sanctuary

The story goes that back on September 6, 1553, an image of Mary with the baby Jesus was seen “weeping” in a small chapel that stood on this site. This event led to the chapel being expanded into the sanctuary we see today, drawing pilgrims and devotees ever since. So, it’s a place with a history tied to local faith and tradition.

From the outside, facing the Strada Regina, you’ll notice a nice portico with four columns, topped by three rectangular windows. Next to the convent entrance stands a distinctive bell tower with four double-arched windows (bifore) that give it a lighter look. The tower is capped with a cone-shaped roof. Along the convent’s outer wall, you can also see a garden with small shrines decorated with frescoes by F. Beltramelli, showing Saint Francis and Brother Masseo, as well as a depiction of the Greccio nativity scene. You can enter the sanctuary through three different doors.

Inside, the church has a single nave with two chapels on each side. These chapels are dedicated to Saint Francis, the Crucifix, the Last Supper and Saint Anthony. The presbytery chapel is also decorated with some fine paintings. These frescoes date back to 1599 and are signed by Gian Domenico Caresana from Cureia (in the Lugano valley, Switzerland).
🔗 Official website: fratiminori.it

Sant’Eufemia Church

You’ll find it just outside the main town, almost on the border between Dongo and Musso. The church was built between 1858 and 1883. Think of it as a bit of a scenic walk (or a short drive), and you’ll be rewarded with a church that has some interesting stories to tell. The Church of Sant’Eufemia isn’t just a standalone building; it’s part of a larger area known as the Giardino del Merlo (Merlo Garden). This whole area, located in an extra-urban zone, is quite extensive and was originally part of the Castello di Musso (Musso Castle).

The church itself is situated on the only large flat area of the Sasso di Musso (Musso Rock), near the western edge of the garden. It’s got a straightforward, single-nave layout with a rectangular presbytery. A small portico precedes the main entrance, and a bell tower stands adjacent to the facade on the west side. It’s a fairly simple design, but it has a certain understated elegance.

There’s an underground apartment hidden within the rock, though sadly, it’s now in a state of complete disrepair. There’s also a modest two-story building called a casino (not a gambling establishment in this context, but rather a small house or lodge). These additional elements contribute to the overall historical feel of the area.

Lakefront Promenade

You can’t visit this town and not spend some time strolling along its lovely lakefront promenade. The Lungolago is essentially the heart of Dongo. It’s a paved walkway that runs right along the edge of Lake Como, offering absolutely stunning views across the water. You’ll see the mountains rising majestically on the opposite shore – a sight that, I promise, doesn’t get old.

It’s a prime spot for people-watching, too. You’ll see locals enjoying their passeggiata (that classic Italian evening stroll), families with kids, couples holding hands… it’s a nice slice of everyday Italian life. There are plenty of benches strategically placed along the way, perfect for taking a break, snapping some photos (because you know you will), or just zoning out and enjoying the peace and quiet.

One of the things I appreciate about Dongo’s Lungolago is that it feels genuinely local. It’s not overly commercialized with tons of tourist traps. You’ll find a few cafes and restaurants where you can grab a coffee or a meal with a view, but it maintains a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. It’s a place where you can feel like you’re actually part of the community, even if just for a little while.

Dongo’s Beaches

Now, don’t go expecting miles of golden sand and crashing waves – this is Lake Como, after all. But what Dongo does offer is a pleasant, relaxed lakeside area perfect for a bit of sunbathing, a refreshing dip, and generally enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Dongo Public Beach

Located on the northern part of Lake Como (known as the Alto Lario), Dongo’s beach faces Colico on the opposite shore. Now, don’t expect miles of golden sand; this is a lake beach, so you’ll find a mix of grassy areas and some pebbly sections. It’s a public beach, meaning access is free, which is always a bonus.

What I particularly noticed about Dongo’s beach (and I’m not just saying this) is how clear the water is. You can actually see down to the bottom, which is quite refreshing (literally and figuratively). This clarity, combined with the generally relaxed atmosphere, makes it a pleasant place to spend a few hours.

If you’re visiting during the week, you’ll likely find it fairly peaceful. Like most lakeside beaches around here, it gets a bit busier on weekends, especially during the peak summer months. It’s popular with families, and thankfully, there are some shaded areas where you can escape the midday sun. A lot of activities (and amenities such as a beach volley field or water sport equipment, a bar and food servie) are available from the concessionaire of the area.
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