History of Menaggio

Menaggio is located on the shores of Lake Como, where the Senagra mountain stream flows into the lake. The area was already settled in early historical times, as archaeological finds from the area prove. The place fell in 196 BC. Chr under Roman rule. The Romanization of the area began with the construction of the historical street "Via Regina".

A castle was built in Menaggio in the Middle Ages. Menaggio has always been of great strategic importance due to its location on Via Regina ; Already in antiquity, the Via Regina was an important travel and trade route, as it enabled a quick connection between the Po Valley and the northern Alpine region. In the 16th century, Menaggio was the scene of several fighting because of the pressure of the Graubunden who had already subjugated Valtelin, did not want to give way. Finally, in 1523 the castle was captured and completely destroyed.
In 1525 the Spanish rule began and the living conditions were very poor. This situation lasted until 1714. Under the first Austrian rule the quality of life improved rapidly.
In 1805, after the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy, M enaggio seat of the Deputy Prefecture and in 1859 the center of the rebellious movement (Risorgimento) against the Austrians.
At the end of the century, the development of tourism began with the construction of the large hotels and Menaggio was already there at the turn of the century a well known tourist destination. Important for this development was the construction of the Menaggio Railway in 1884. Porlezza, which was in operation until 1939 and the founding of the Menaggio Cadenabbia Golf Club. In 1934, tourism experienced a renewed boom with the construction of the Lido.
During the First World War, the Italian Army built impressive defense systems on the surrounding mountains Crocetta and Galbiga, some of which are still preserved. In 1945 the place witnessed the attempt to escape by Benito Mussolino, who wanted to reach the Swiss border from there; However, he was captured by partisan fighters in Dongo.