Itineraries: a walk through the heart of Gravedona
Gravedona is not only admired from the lake: it is best discovered on foot.
Romanesque churches, historic neighbourhoods, lakeside palaces and narrow lanes preserving the memory of forgotten crafts: this walk reveals the most authentic soul of Gravedona.
The main route is approximately 4 kilometres long and connects the most important historical and artistic sights in the centre. It can be completed in about one hour without stops, but we recommend taking your time to visit the churches, notice the details and enjoy the views.
The itinerary map
The main route is marked in green. The orange dotted line shows the optional extension to the churches of Santi Gusmeo e Matteo and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
The map is for guidance only and is not to scale.
The stages of the experience
1. The Sacred Area
The walk begins at the Infopoint in Piazza Trieste and continues along Via Roma to the ancient Sacred Area, home to two of the most important religious buildings in the Upper Lake Como area:
- Santa Maria del Tiglio, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture built in the second half of the 12th century over an earlier baptistery dedicated to Saint John the Baptist;
- San Vincenzo, built over an ancient early Christian place of worship and home to an atmospheric crypt.
This is one of Gravedona’s most fascinating places, where history, spirituality and landscape meet directly on the lakeshore.
2. Serenella and the lakeside promenade
Take the path behind the church to Viale Scuri and continue south towards Serenella. Here you will find the beach, sports centre, tennis courts, sailing club and several walking and cycling paths.
From here, the lake opens up in all its beauty, offering wonderful views of the mountains of the Upper Lario.
3. The old mill wheel
Returning towards the centre and following Via Mulini, you will reach the wheel of an old mill.
This interesting example of industrial archaeology recalls Gravedona’s productive and artisanal past, which is often less well known than its religious and scenic heritage.
4. Via Sabbati and Piazza Cavour
Returning towards the lake, you will find Via Sabbati, a small and charming street running parallel to the waterfront, once lined with the village’s traditional shops.
In the windows of former businesses, the Tira su i cler project—an expression in the local dialect meaning “Raise the shutters”—recreates old shops and crafts, bringing memories and atmosphere back to the historic centre.
The route then reaches Piazza Cavour, one of the most characteristic and lively places in the village.
5. The Gesiöö chapel
From Piazza Cavour, take Via Sale and continue uphill to the small chapel affectionately known as the Gesiöö.
Dating from the 18th century, the chapel remains a place of devotion particularly cherished by the people of Gravedona.
6. Palazzo Gallio
After descending towards the lake, continue to Palazzo Gallio, one of Gravedona’s most recognisable landmarks.
Standing directly on the water, this imposing building was constructed from 1586 onwards at the request of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio. Its spectacular position and elegant architecture recall the prestigious history of the County of the Tre Pievi.
7. The Castello neighbourhood
Continue along Via Ser Gregori, through the historic Contrada degli Orefici, or Goldsmiths’ Quarter, to reach the old neighbourhood known as Castello.
Small squares, closely packed houses, narrow lanes, porticoes and steep stairways create one of the most authentic corners of Gravedona.
Do not miss the Pra’ Castello viewpoint, which offers a magnificent panorama over Lake Como. At number 2 Via Volta, you can also see the house where the famous scientist Alessandro
Volta once stayed.
Optional extension: the churches in upper Gravedona
Those wishing to extend the walk can visit two more of Gravedona’s treasures:
- the Church of Santi Gusmeo e Matteo, which contains precious frescoes by Fiammenghino;
- the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and its ancient convent, richly decorated with frescoes dating from the late 15th and early 16th centuries.
This extension is approximately one kilometre long and takes around another 20 minutes without stops.
It includes steps, cobbled sections and fairly steep climbs and is therefore not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Practical information
📍 Start and finish: Infopoint, Piazza Trieste – Gravedona
🥾 Main route: approximately 4 km
⏱ Duration: approximately one hour without stops
🟢 Difficulty: easy
👨👩👧👦 Suitable for: families and people with reduced mobility on the main route
🔴 Optional extension: approximately 1 km, with steps and steep sections
👟 Recommended: comfortable shoes
📷 Bring with you: water and a camera
Church opening times may vary. We recommend checking them before setting off.
CaFelicita’s advice
Do not rush. Pause along the waterfront, enter the churches when they are open, admire the historic shops in Via Sabbati and wander through the narrow lanes of Castello.
Walk up to Pra’ Castello to admire Gravedona from above and take a break for a coffee, an aperitif or an ice cream by the lake.
When you return to CaFelicita, you will be able to recognise many of the places you have just visited from above—a different and surprising way to discover that Gravedona is not only about the lake, but also about history, art and authentic local life.
