The name 'Gravedona', as those of many other places on Northern Lake Como, derives from the ancient Ligurian root grava which means shore or rocky tongue. Today's Gravedona is no longer wild and rocky, of course. On the contrary, it is a typical colourful, flourishing lake town. Gravedona was first settled by Ligurian-Celtic tribes. It was then a Roman colony. In the 11th century, it became a 'Christening Parish' and took an active part in the wars between Como and Milan, allying itself first with Como, then with Milan. In 1522, it formed the seigneury or feud of the Three Parishes under Duke Gian Giacomo de' Medici. It came then under the control of the major prelate Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who obtained the feud from Philip II of Spain together with the title of Count in 1580.

Monuments:
Church of St. Maria del Tiglio - This little church is a gem of the Comacini Master architecture and the pride of the inhabitants of Gravedona. Erected in the late 12th century in the typical Como-Romanesque style, it stands on the site of an ancient baptistry (5th century) dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The church, unique in its genre, is a black and white building with symbols in relief, pilasters, blind rounded arches, columns representing the action of the Spirit rather than only an expression of art.

Parish church of St. Vincenzo - It was built in the Romanesque style in the 11th century and completely restructured in the 17th century. In 1726 a winged portico was built. The interior of the church is richly adorned with holy vessels and paintings, some of which are framed by imposing 18th century marble ancons.

Church of SS. Gusmeo and Matteo - Built on the site where according to tradition St. Gusmeo and St. Matthew were martyred, the church lies in a marvellous setting surrounded by plane trees. The construction of this Romanesque building begun in around 1248 after the relics' finding. The main point of interest is a fresco by Fiammenghino depicting the 'Glory of God the Father and Angels' (1608) on the chancel vaulting.

Church and Convent of St. Maria delle Grazie - The construction dates back to c. 1467 but most of the decoration dates from the period between 1496 and 1520. The church was then repeatedly altered. The cloister preserves its original appearance despite all following subdivisions and changes in its and use.

Palazzo Gallio - The building was erected on the site of an ancient castle belonged to Tolomeo Gallio, a cardinal from Como who got the feud of the Three Parishes in 1580. The laying of the foundation stone dates from 1586 or 1587. The villa is a solid square-shaped building with four corner towers (typical of castles). The two open loggias, one facing the lake and the other facing the mountain, are instead typical of Renaissance villas. Inside, all rooms are arranged around a large central hall and contain numerous works of art. Declared national monument, Palazzo Gallio is property of the town hall of Gravedona.