Museo della Barca Lariana
About This Museum
Did you know this unassuming spot on Lake Como holds Italy's largest collection of freshwater boats? Tucked away in Pianello del Lario, the Museo della Barca Lariana is a treasure chest for anyone fascinated by nautical history. It feels less like a formal museum and more like stumbling into the most incredible boathouse you've ever seen, where every vessel has a story whispered by the lake. You'll find everything from humble fishing gozzi to the impossibly elegant wooden Riva speedboats that defined la dolce vita.
Collection Highlights
The star exhibits are undoubtedly the pristine Riva runabouts, but don't miss the intricate 'Lucia' gondola from Venice or the massive, hand-powered fire-fighting boat. The collection of traditional lancia and quatrass is equally captivating, showing the everyday working life of the lake.
Visitor Information
It's right on Via Regina, so easy to find if you're driving along the western shore of Lake Como. The vibe is wonderfully informal – it's the kind of place run by passionate people who love to share stories about the boats.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a converted early 20th-century textile factory, the building itself is a piece of local industrial history with its robust, no-nonsense brick facade that lets the beautiful boats inside truly shine.
Contact & Location
Address: Museo Barca Lariana, 1268, Via Regina, Bellera, Pianello del Lario, Como, Lombardia, 22010, Italia
Phone: +39 0344 87235
Website: Visit Website
