History comes alive in Colico, where two remarkable forts—Fort Fuentes and Fort Montecchio Nord—stand proudly as symbols of the town’s rich past.
These sites, perched above the northern reaches of Lake Como, have watched centuries unfold, from old wars to peacetime festivals, and now, they await a new chapter: the arrival of the 2026 Olympics Torch Relay. The anticipation in Colico is almost as thick as the walls of the forts themselves, as the community celebrates the opportunity to show the world their unique gateway between history and modern-day excitement.
High above Lake Como, Colico’s storied forts await their next chapter: igniting the Olympic spirit in a celebration of history and hope.
Fort Fuentes, constructed in 1603 by the Spanish, is a formidable stone structure originally built to guard the region from enemies sweeping in from the north. Yielded to Prince Eugène of Savoy in 1706, Fort Fuentes marked the end of Spanish control in the region—a dramatic turning point in local history]. Though only impressive ruins remain, its sprawling foundations and surviving bastions inspire wonder. Visitors standing among its mossy stones can almost imagine the sound of soldiers’ boots echoing through the corridors, or the watchful eyes scanning mountain paths for any sign of approach. Locals joke that even after four centuries, the fort is still keeping an eye out—though now, it’s more interested in spotting enthusiastic tourists and Olympic fans.
Just a stone’s throw away, Fort Montecchio Nord offers a more modern contrast. Built between 1912 and 1914, this fort is a marvel of early 20th-century military engineering.
Its revolving armored domes, which once held cannons ready to defend the country during World War I, now draw curious history buffs and school groups. With its well-preserved underground tunnels and original steel doors, Montecchio Nord brings history to life in gripping detail.
This rare blend of ancient and modern heritage makes Colico the ideal stage for the Olympic Torch Relay.
The community is busily preparing the forts, ensuring trails and access points are safe, and planning events that fuse local tradition with the Olympic spirit. As the torchbearers approach, the world will watch as Colico’s battle-ready forts light up with pride and celebration, linking the glories of the past with the hope of the future—one step, and one flame, at a time.
