The old Inn

In 1537 Paolo Giovio, in his book Larius, dedicated to Francesco Sfondrati, writes:

"From the village of Tremezzo, famous for the wine of Griante and for the fertility of its land, another point, no longer rocky, but plain and covered with vine and olive trees, stretches into the lake. It seems that drunk boatmen gave to it the name of Cadenabbia, because they joyfully take a rest from the hard rowing, being in the middle of their way; and they stop here because in no other place innkeepers serve a better and cheaper wine".

Tomaso Porcacchi from Castiglione Aretino writes in 1569:

"On the bank of the lake there is the ruined village of Tremezzo, well known for the excellency of the wine of Griante as well as for its fertile land. And here another promontory that is no longer rocky, but plain and covered with vine and olive trees, stretches into the lake. It is said that sailors had given it the name of Cą di Nabbia, which means house of exchange, because very willingly they stop here to rest and to change oarsmen, as they are half their way. Moreover, in no other place the innkeeper serves better and abundant wine to drink".

In 1735 Anton Gioseffo Della Torre Rezzonico wrote:

"Next to Villa Clerici (now Villa Carlotta) there is a promontory called by Baldoni Catena Apia, in accordance with the Archbishop of Nocera, who derives the origin of the name from the drunkenness of the boatmen, because, as they have reached half way of their journey, are here received with abundant and generous quantity of wine. The habit has not yet been abandoned so, still nowadays boatmen and couriers stop by the local innkeeper, whose place is also frequented by the neighbouring people. I (as everybody, including those that speak in a refined way, do not call that promontory Catena Apia, but Cadenabbia) will be close to those who derive the name from the words Casa (house) and nabbio (boatman). What the Greek call nablion for the Latins is nablium and for the Hebrew is nebel. It has also to do with the tax that must be paid for transportation.