Sagra del Torchio: Food Festival Will Take Place in Palanzo

A harvest festival has been celebrated in Palanzo, a small hamlet of Faggeto Lario clinging to the mountains, starting since 1974.

In 2024 the “Sagra del Torchio” will be held for the 49th time. On this occasion, a 16th-century “Torchio” (ital. winepress), a national monument, is put into operation, and the grape juice from the first pressing can be tasted. 

The winepress in Palanzo has been used for several centuries, including by farmers in neighbouring towns, mainly for pressing grapes and obtaining walnut oil. The pressure it exerts is estimated to be in the order of several tons. Thanks to the work of the special screw, the press, despite its size, can be operated by only one person. 

After World War II, there was an idea to destroy the winepress and, instead of it, create a new square, but the residents opposed this project, and the winepress remained in place.

All day long, the area will be surrounded by traditional music, stalls with handicrafts, food and wine products, art exhibitions, cultural activities and workshops for children. 

In addition, several food outlets with local specialities will be offered. Here you can try traditional Lake Como dishes like trippa, polenta, sandwich with salamella, cakes, chestnuts and tortelli.

Palanzo is situated at an altitude of 596 metres above sea level and is 15 km from the provincial capital, Como, in the direction of Bellagio. Together with the hamlets of Molina, Lemna, and Riva, it forms the scattered municipality of Faggeto Lario, established in 1928.

After passing through the village of Torno, one takes a right onto Provincial Road 43, bordered by Mount Palanzone to its rear. Palanzo is the highest of the hamlets within the municipality of Faggeto Lario. This land, with ancient origins that some attribute to the Greeks, was an agricultural community in recent decades, sustaining itself from the land. Just a few steps along a narrow and picturesque street, one encounters the ancient wine press dating back to 1572.

Photo credit: ASSOCIAZIONE AMICI DEL TORCHIO