Esino, officially known as Esino Lario, is a municipality in the Province of Lecco in the Italian region of Lombardy. Located about 60 kilometers north of Milan and about 20 kilometers northwest of Lecco, it is nestled in the mountains near Lake Como.
The town has a long history with human habitation dating back to Roman times. The main economic activities in the area include agriculture, craftmanship, and tourism. Esino Lario is especially known for its hiking trails, panoramic views, and ancient, rustic architecture.
The population remains relatively small, numbering under a thousand inhabitants. Despite its small size, Esino nevertheless gained global recognition when it hosted Wikimania, the official annual conference of the Wikimedia Foundation, in 2016. It was chosen because of its commitment to free knowledge and internet access, and the event boosted the municipality's profile as a tourist and conference destination.
The scenic beauty of Esino, including its forests, streams, and mountains, makes it a particularly attractive destination for nature lovers. Culturally, the local churches and the Ethnographic and Natural Museum of Val Sanagra also offer insights into the history and traditions of the region.
