Abbadia Lariana is a village in northern Italy, on the shores of Lake Como, with about 3300 people.  There is evidence of a Roman settlement. The benedictine abbey was founded her between 770-775 by King Desiderius, King of the Lombards. During the 17th-19th centuries, a silk industry developed here.  Lake Como (Lago di Como) is 146 km2 and is the third largest lake it Italy. It is glacially fed and is 400 meters deep. The bottom of the lake is 200 meters below sea level. The lake has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times.