Dorio is a picturesque village nestled on the eastern shore of North Lake Como, where traditional stone houses appear to cling to the terraced slopes that gently descend towards the lake. It is a village that has preserved its traditional character and way of life, balanced between lake and mountain. For centuries, olive trees, vines and laurel trees have been cultivated here, thriving amid the dense, lush vegetation. Made up of several small hamlets called lööch in the local dialect, the municipality is crossed by six valleys running from north to south: Valle degli Asini, Valle di Dorio, and Valle dei Mulini, followed by the smaller valleys of Torchiedo, Marcello and Maronasso.
Dorio’s history stretches back to ancient times. The area was first inhabited by the Ligurians, followed by the Celts, both of whom left lasting traces of their presence. Evidence of their religious rituals can still be seen in the large rocks marked with cup engravings in Comballo and in the Palstaab—a Bronze Age axe-tool discovered in Garavina in the late 19th century and now preserved in the Civic Museums of Como.
During the Middle Ages, the main settlement was located higher than the current village, in the hamlet of Mandonico. Perched between the Valle di Dorio and the Valle dei Mulini, this elevated location was chosen to protect the community from invasions and raids. Of great historical and artistic interest is the ancient parish church of San Giorgio, originally built in the 14th century on a grassy esplanade but rebuilt several times over the centuries. Inside, it still preserves precious frescoes from 1492 that depict scenes from the life of San Giorgio. At the end of the 17th century, once the threat of invasions and passing troops had ceased (the Landsknechts are grimly remembered for bringing the plague to Dorio in 1629, decimating its population), local families began moving further downhill to the area of Solmogno, which eventually developed into the present-day village of Dorio. Despite this shift, the bond with Mandonico remained strong. So much so that the new parish church, built in 1676 in the heart of the village and originally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, was also rededicated to San Giorgio in 1787 when the original church in Mandonico fell into disrepair.
Another testament to the community's deep-rooted faith is the Church of San Rocco, a small frescoed oratory 484 metres above sea level. In 1856, the villagers made a vow there in gratitude for being spared from a cholera outbreak.
But Dorio is not only a place of history and art but also a quiet, secluded destination, ideal for those seeking relaxation and nature. Its unspoilt beach stretches for about a kilometre, from the border with Corenno to the locality known as Rivetta to the north. Perfect for leisurely walks, the shoreline is gently caressed in places by the Breva, a local breeze that creates ideal conditions for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts. Hikers will find plenty to explore, with scenic trails and ancient mule tracks that connect the various hamlets. One of the most enchanting routes passing through the area is the Sentiero del Viandante (Wayfarer's Path). This ancient route once used to reach remote mountain communities, winds through chestnut forests and rewards walkers with unique and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
