The Giants’ Tombs of Lake Como – Ancient Mysteries in the Triangolo Lariano

Region: Lombardy
Province / Nearest City: Como / Torno

Attraction Name: Erratic Boulders and Avelli Tombs of the Triangolo Lariano

Address: Hiking trails around Torno and Montepiatto, Triangolo Lariano, Province of Como, Italy

Distance from Major City: About 55 km from Milan (1 hour by car), 10 km from Como (20 minutes).

How to Get There:

• By car: From Como, drive along the scenic eastern branch of Lake Como toward Torno. The road hugs the water, with breathtaking views of villas, olive groves, and the glittering lake. Park in Torno’s small lot near the church of Santa Tecla. From here, follow the stone-paved mule track up to the hamlet of Montepiatto. The hike takes about an hour uphill, through chestnut forests where shafts of light cut through the leaves and the silence feels ancient.

• By public transport: From Como, take the C30 bus to Torno. Once you arrive, follow the same mule track. The ascent is steep in parts but not overly difficult. Along the way, you’ll pass tiny shrines, abandoned farmhouses, and glimpses of the lake far below—a gradual build-up to the strangeness waiting in the woods.

What Makes It Unique in the World:
Deep in the forest, giant boulders left behind by glaciers 10,000 years ago lie perched in impossible positions. The most famous, Pietra Pendula, balances on a narrow stem of rock, like a giant stone mushroom defying gravity. Nearby, flat slabs like Pietra Nairola jut dramatically from cliffs. Even more mysterious are the avelli tombs—rectangular cavities carved directly into the rock, shaped uncannily like coffins. Scholars can’t agree on their origin: were they early Christian burials, Roman ritual sites, or something even older, tied to Lombard tribes? The unanswered questions add an unsettling thrill to the hike.

Local Story / Fun Fact:
Legends say the Devil used Pietra Nairola as his table, and when the Madonna discovered him, she chipped a corner of the rock to spoil his games. Others claim witches once gathered around Pietra Pendula for midnight rituals. Standing among the silent stones, with wind sighing through the trees, it’s easy to believe the forest has kept more than one secret.

Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through autumn. The trail is best when dry: in May the woods are green and alive, in October golden leaves carpet the tombs, heightening their mystery. Avoid winter snow and ice unless you’re an experienced hiker.

Nearby Food & Stay:
Back in Torno, enjoy lake cuisine with a touch of mystery—like missoltini (sun-dried lake shad) paired with creamy polenta, or a perch risotto. Stay overnight in a lakeside B&B, where you can gaze across Lake Como at dusk and reflect on the strange, ancient stones hidden in the mountains above.