This is one of the earliest Christian churches ever built in the Lake Como area. It is named after Sant’Abbondio, fourth bishop of Como and patron saint of the city.
As was usual before 1000, the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio was built outside the walls of the city. It is located in Via Regina Teodolinda, the road that once connected Como to northern Europe.
The building is characterized by having two bell towers, which is an uncommon feature for Italian and Como churches, but quite frequent in northern and central Europe.
This is probably due to the strong relationships that Como has always had with transalpine territories, made possible by Lake Como and the ancient Via Regina, which facilitated trade.