The history of Isola Comacina is quite peculiar. In the 6th century, when the Lombards came from beyond the Alps, the island was still a remaining Roman stronghold under Francio.
Most of the areas surrounding Lake Como, including Milan, were already controlled by the Lombards, but Francio was able to withstand the siege for several months, after which he had to surrender and flee toward Ravenna.
After a long series of events, in 1118 the Isola Comacina took Milan’s side during a ten-year war against Como, which eventually led to Milan’s victory. In 1169, the arrival of Frederick Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor, presented an opportunity of revenge for Como, which could punish the surrounding rebel lands.