The name Gera Lario derives from the dialect term gera (gravel); in fact, the village lies on the northernmost part of the lake, near the mouth of the river Mera which forms an alluvial plain with huge gravel deposits. Some finds prove that the region was already inhabited in the Roman Age. In the Middle Ages it became part of the Parish of Olonio but it could enjoy much freedom because of the great distance between the two towns. For example, it had its own font, a privilege that Gera maintained also when it came under the control of the Parish of Sorico. From 1580 on, it was ruled by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and became the headquarters of Spanish troops at war against the Suiss Canton of Grisons. Chronology of historical events 1st-3rd century: in a stone tablet found in Gera and now contained in the Museo Civico in Como, it is said that the shore of Lake Mezzola (today's Olonio) were inhabited by the Aneuniates. A mosaic pavement discovered nearby the church of St. Vincenzo prove the existence of a large important settlement in the area during the Roman age. 3rd-4th century: On the portal of St. Vincenzo is a gravestone dedicated from his parents to L. Duantus Valentinus, died young. 11th-12th century: the church of St. Vincenzo was rebuilt in the Romanesque style. The building is first mentioned in 1176, then repeatedly in the following century. 15th century: the church of St. Vincenzo was completely altered and reoriented. 16th century: the new church of St. Vincenzo underwent a series of decoration work. 1865: the famous painter Luigi Tagliaferri restored and partially repainted the church's frescoes. 1964-65: excavations revealed the remains of the old Romanesque St. Vincenzo and other important archaeological relics. 1980: the restoration on St. Vincenzo's decoration is completed.

Monuments:
Parish church of St. Vincenzo - The first recorded mention dates from 1176. The present structure has fine arched tympana and dates from the 15th century. The interior houses a rich pictorial decoration which sets the building among the most important churches on Northern Lake Como. The chancel wall is frescoed with cycles from the lives of the Virgin and St. Vincent. The decoration dates from the 1540 and was commissioned by the Società dei Naviganti di Gera (Gera's Sailor Society).

Church of Our Lady from Fatima - Erected in 1634, it features two 18th-century canvases on the building's false façade depicting a 'Madonna and Child', 'St. Charles and St. Agatha invoking the Blessed Virgin Mary' commissioned by the Confraternity of Emigrants to Palermo in 1630. The chancel houses two frescoes portraying the Nativity and the Assumption commissioned by Gera's fishermen in 1725.