While we stayed in Lecco for three nights, we traveled about each day. This visit was to the Piona Abbey. It's a 7th century religious complex on the far north bank of Lake Como. It's in the Lombard Gothic style of architecture with French influences. The current church dates from the 12th century and it has frescoes from the 12th and 13th centuries. The bell tower dates from the 18th century. It all looked to be in very good condition so it must have been well taken care of for all these years.

It is quite a large complex though we didn't see very many people while here. We did see the body of a priest lying in state awaiting his funeral and burial which was scheduled for the next day.

My favorite parts of the Abbey were the grounds which were extensive. They probably had a degree of self-sufficiency when founded, and it looked like they still do today. We saw a large olive orchard that looked well cared for.

The path above was the only path through the olive trees. It led to some sort of ceremonial area probably dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It may have been used for meditation, teaching, or other things. We never got any explanation for it but it was a nice place to visit.