Traversata Torno-Blevio-Como 2026

In 1859, the waters of Lake Como witnessed the strategic movements of the Battle of San Fermo, where Giuseppe Garibaldi’s forces maneuvered to secure the city. Today, the shoreline that once hosted shifting military tides serves as a staging ground for the Traversata Torno-Blevio-Como, an event that calls on participants to navigate the same expanse with a different intensity. The race, organized by Como Nuoto, takes advantage of the lake’s unique thermal properties; the water acts as a massive heat regulator, which, combined with the morning 'brezza di lago', provides a predictable, refreshing environment for the 2500m and 5200m distances. Swimmers start their journey in the quiet waters near Torno, moving toward the urban heart of Como where the Cosia stream—now largely buried beneath the city streets—historically discharged its sediment into the lake, creating the marshy ground upon which much of the modern city sits.

Historical waters and race day

As you progress along the course, the view from the water reveals the architectural history of the region. The Basilica of San Fedele stands as a testament to the skill of the 'Magistri comacini', whose 12th-century stone carvings of griffins and zoomorphic monsters remain visible from the shoreline. The depth of history here is palpable; in 2018, excavations beneath the former Teatro Cressoni revealed a soapstone amphora filled with hundreds of gold coins dating back to 474 AD, linking the present-day race course to the late Roman era of emperors like Honorius. This connection to the ancient Golasecca culture is a constant silent witness to those who swim these channels today. For those seeking to compare their performance across the region's diverse conditions, the calendar offers the Traversata Torno-Moltrasio, which presents a different perspective of the western branch, while the Traversata del Lago di Pusiano provides a distinct, smaller-lake experience just weeks later. The event, held annually on June 27, 2026, relies on precise logistics, including support vessels and monitored traffic routes, to ensure safety throughout the crossing. The water temperatures in late June are typically stable, allowing for a comfortable experience while you track your progress past the historic waterfronts that define this corner of Lombardy.