From lake to mountain: villages, crotti and adventure
Gravedona is not only discovered by strolling along the lakeside. Behind it lies a surprising landscape of ancient villages, art-filled churches, panoramic roads, rural traditions and mountain scenery.
The route starts in the centre of Gravedona ed Uniti and climbs towards Consiglio di Rumo, Brenzio, Stazzona, Germasino and Garzeno, before reaching Sant’Anna in the green Albano Valley.
A route for anyone wishing to combine culture, nature, local flavours and fun.
- Route length: 14.2 km
- Elevation gain: 750 metres
- On foot: 4 hours
- By bicycle: 1 hour 50 minutes
- By car: 40 minutes, excluding stops
- Ideal for: couples, families, and lovers of villages and nature
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Stops along the route
1. Santa Maria del Tiglio
The route begins in Gravedona’s Sacred Area, at the splendid Romanesque church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, one of the most important monuments in the Upper Lake Como area. Its distinctive bell tower, built in alternating bands of pale and dark stone, dominates the lakeside.
2. Gravedona lakeside and beach
Before starting the climb, it is worth following the lakeside promenade as far as the public beach. Here you will find sports and leisure areas, the sailing centre and several delightful viewpoints.
3. Church of San Gregorio Magno
In the hamlet of Consiglio di Rumo stands the parish church of San Gregorio Magno, of Romanesque origin. Inside are works of art and decorations created over the centuries.
4. San Giovanni Battista in Brenzio
Continuing towards Brenzio, you reach the church of San Giovanni Battista, documented as early as the 15th century and recognisable by its imposing bell tower. The small historic centre preserves glimpses of old houses and a rural atmosphere.
5. San Giuliano in Stazzona
The road climbs to Stazzona, a village overlooking the Upper Lake. The church of San Giuliano, medieval in origin and later altered, contains interesting frescoes attributed to Fiammenghino.
6. The Crotti of Stazzona
In the hamlet of Vanzonico, in a secluded and shady area with glimpses of the lake, you will find the characteristic Crotti of Stazzona.
Crotti are ancient cellars carved into the rock. Naturally cool, they maintain an almost constant temperature throughout the year. They were once used to store wine, cheese, cured meats and other mountain produce.
Some were later turned into convivial gathering places and small inns. They still bear witness to the rural culture and culinary traditions of the Upper Lake Como area.
7. Santi Donato e Clemente in Germasino
In Germasino, visit the church of Santi Donato e Clemente, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. The village is characterised by old houses, stone doorways, washhouses and devotional frescoes.
Germasino is also linked to 20th-century Italian history: Benito Mussolini spent his last night here before being captured.
8. Santi Pietro e Paolo in Garzeno
The route continues to the centre of Garzeno, where the church of Santi Pietro e Paolo stands. Ancient in origin, it contains paintings by Fiammenghino, the De Magistris family and the Recchi family.
9. Sant’Anna and the Albano Valley
The final part of the route crosses the green Albano Valley and leads to Sant’Anna, surrounded by woodland. Here stands the 15th-century church of the same name, an ideal place for a pause in nature.
The fun part: Lake Como Adventure Park
Just a short walk from the church of Sant’Anna is Lake Como Adventure Park, an adventure park set in the woods.
Its treetop courses include bridges, walkways, nets, zip lines and other obstacles of varying difficulty. Suitable for both children and adults, it is a fun way to end the day in close contact with nature.
It is especially suitable for families: while the first part of the route explores the area’s history and traditions, the final stop gives younger visitors a chance for movement and adventure.
CaFelicita’s tip
Well-trained visitors can complete the entire route on foot or by bicycle. For families, we recommend travelling by car, stopping in the different villages and spending the final part of the day at the adventure park.
Before setting out, please check the opening times of the churches, crotti and Lake Como Adventure Park.
A journey from the shores of Lake Como to the silence of the woods, through art, ancient villages, traditional flavours and fun for the whole family.
