Adalberto da Como was a 7th-century bishop of Illyrian origin who served as the fifteenth leader of the diocese of Como. During his tenure, he governed the region during the early years of Lombard rule, a period marked by raids on villages near the upper lake, including Samolaco and the Oratory of San Fedele. He is recognized as a saint within the Catholic Church and is commemorated annually on June 3.
Life and ministry
As a presbyter and later bishop, Adalberto led his diocese through significant political shifts. His leadership coincided with the presence of the Lombards, whose activities impacted the local settlements. Historical accounts, such as those by Paolo Giovio, suggest his roots lay in Illyria, though he became a central figure in the religious administration of the Como region.
Veneration and relics
His devotion has been recorded since ancient times. In the early Middle Ages, the oldest church in Tirano was dedicated to him, followed by an early church in Grandate. Originally buried beneath the altar of the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, his remains were exhumed in 1590 and distributed between the Como Cathedral and a Dominican convent.
Artistic legacy
The Basilica of Sant'Abbondio contains a series of frescoes, likely dating to the 12th century, which may depict the lives of Adalberto and Rubiano. These artworks serve as a visual testament to his historical importance and the continued remembrance of his role within the local Christian tradition.