From the Hill Villages to the Liro Valley: Churches, Trails and Traditional Flavours
Behind Gravedona lies a surprisingly rich area of small hamlets, ancient rural settlements, frescoed churches, scenic roads and chestnut woods.
The route begins in the centre of Gravedona ed Uniti and climbs towards San Carlo, Negrana, Travisa and Rancio, before reaching Dosso del Liro. It then continues towards Peglio and Livo, through mountain villages and the flavours of local tradition.
This itinerary is ideal for anyone wishing to combine culture, nature, food and cycling.
Distance: approximately 22-28 km
Elevation gain: approximately 600 metres
By car: approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, excluding stops
By bicycle: 12 km MTB/e-MTB loop, approximately 3 hours
Ideal for: couples, families, cyclists and lovers of villages and local flavours
The Itinerary
1. Gravedona and the Climb towards San Carlo
From the centre of Gravedona, take the road that gradually leaves the lake behind and climbs towards the hamlet of San Carlo. The landscape changes quickly: vegetable gardens, stone walls and panoramic views over the northern part of Lake Como begin to appear.
2. The Church of San Carlo
A short stop allows you to see the small Church of San Carlo, which belongs to the hamlet of the same name. It is a simple, intimate place that reflects the devotion of the rural communities that once lived on these slopes.
3. Negrana and the Church of Saints Nabor and Felix
In Negrana stands the Church of Saints Nabor and Felix, documented as early as the late sixteenth century and renovated in the eighteenth century. Its polychrome marble high altar and the frescoes in the apse are the most notable features.
4. Travisa and Rancio
Continue towards the separate hamlets of Travisa and Rancio. Rural houses, woodland and panoramic openings accompany the transition from the lakeside town to the mountains. From here, follow the signs for Dosso del Liro.
5. Dosso del Liro and the Old Village
Dosso del Liro retains narrow lanes, stone houses and eighteenth-century doorways. The parish church and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception overlook the small square. A short detour also leads to San Pietro in Costa, an isolated church in the woods, built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and decorated with frescoes in the apse.
The Food Stop: Semuda Cheese and Spoon-Shaped Gnocchi
Semuda, also known locally as semuda or furmagela, is a raw, skimmed cow’s-milk cheese traditionally aged in cellars and crotti, the area’s natural stone caves. It is one of the most distinctive products of the valleys around northern Lake Como.
At Osteria Enoteca Aquila d’Oro in Dosso del Liro, you may find the famous spoon-shaped gnocchi served with semuda cheese. The menu varies according to the season and availability; booking ahead and confirming that the dish is available is recommended. Telephone: +39 0344 85882.
Other options include Bar Trattoria La Madonnina in Dosso del Liro, Agriturismo Zertin in Peglio and Ristorante S. Anna in Livo. Always check opening days and hours in advance.
1. Peglio and the Church of Saints Eusebius and Victor
From Dosso del Liro, continue to Peglio, a village characterised by old houses and votive frescoes. The complex of Saints Eusebius and Victor comprises the church, portico, ossuary, rectory and cemetery, and is one of the most important artistic stops along the route.
2. Livo and the Churches of San Giacomo
Livo retains a historic stone centre and two buildings dedicated to Saint James. The newer church stands in the village, while the older one, built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, lies in a more secluded position and is known for its portico and decorations.
3. Returning to Gravedona
From Livo, descend towards Gravedona as the view of the lake gradually reappears. The lakeside promenade or the Sacred Area of Santa Maria del Tiglio are ideal places to end the day with a peaceful walk.
The Active Option: Cycling the Trails
For those wishing to include cycling in their day, the main option is the official Gravedona-Dosso-Peglio loop. The route alternates between paved roads, the Via dei Monti Lariani, forest tracks and mule tracks. It is suitable for mountain bikes or e-MTBs and is rated as advanced.
Start and finish: Gravedona, car park on Via San Gusmeo
Distance: 12 km
Duration: approximately 3 hours Elevation gain: 625 metres Difficulty: advanced
Recommended bicycle: MTB; e-MTB strongly recommended
Best time: spring, summer and autumn, in dry conditions
The Cycle Route
From Gravedona, climb on paved roads towards Negrana and Dosso del Liro, tackling several very steep sections. From Dosso, join the Via dei Monti Lariani, which offers a succession of scenic climbs and descents.
On reaching the Ronzone stream, cross the bridge on foot while pushing your bicycle; a short flight of steps follows immediately afterwards. A forest road then leads to the Madonna del Gorghiglio and Peglio.
From Peglio, climb again on paved roads towards the Church of Santa Croce di Naro. The return to Gravedona follows well-maintained mule tracks, but their steep gradients require experience and reliable brakes.
Alternative Route through the Chestnut Woods of Dosso del Liro
A second route starts from the Church of San Martino and climbs towards the mountain pastures of Ciosino and Prennaro. It passes through centuries-old chestnut woods and offers sweeping views over the Liro Valley.
Distance: 13 km – Duration: approximately 2 hours – Elevation gain: 530 metres – Difficulty: intermediate
