The bell tower of the church of St.Nicolò in Lecco is, among those non-adjacent to the church itself, the second highest bell tower in Italy and among the highest ones in Europe. Due to its particular shape it is also nicknamed “The Pencil”.
It can be visited only on certain days and by appointment, thanks to a recent project intending to enhance this monument.
The guided tour of the bell tower is an interesting experience, both for the cultural and historical heritage, and for the panorama you can enjoy from the balcony on the belfry, with a 360° view over the mountains, the lake and the city of Lecco. Inside the belfry, there is a concert of 9 bells in B flat and the main bell alone weighs 27 hundred kilos.
In addition to the bell tower St.Nicolò Cathedral, the main church of the city, is also worth a visit. Coming first are a beautiful stone staircase and a large churchyard, then the Cathedral’s neoclassical facade. The interior, displaying three naves with side chapels and barrel vault, is decorated with frescoes and houses two well preserved pipe organs.
Informations fot visits to the Bell tower of Lecco:
Click here to find out the dates of the next openings.
For organized groups and / or schools
For more informations contact the Booking Center of Montagne Lago di Como.
Fuentes Fort is a Spanish fort of the seventeenth century built by Pedro Enriquez de Acevedo count of Fuentes with the aim to prevent any ambition of expansion from the Tre Leghe Grigie republic (modern region of the Swiss Grisons). The republic intended to broaden its dominance from Valtellina and from Valchiavenna to the upper part of Lake Como.
Built above eastern Montecchio high overlooking the natural reserve of Pian di Spagna, it is one of the few remaining examples of the Spanish domination described by Manzoni in his novel “The Betrothed”. It was the count of Fuentes who issued many of the “Grida” (the laws) which are discussed in the novel.
It was destroyed in 1796 by Napoleon’s troops.
The Fuentes Fort , alongside Montecchio North Fort , is a step of Forts’ Trail in Colico.
Fuentes Fort is in Via Forte di Fuentes 29 and it is open from 10am till 5pm on saturday and sunday. The fort is open every day in july, august and half september. The visits are free, with information points in italian, french, english and german.
For informations about visits, contact the Centro Unico Prenotazioni di Montagne Lago di Como.
The route leads to the discovery of Mount Sodadura and its characteristic pyramid shape, starting from the top terminal of Piani di Artavaggio cable car. Several mountain huts are found along the way.
The climb is challenging at some stages but from the view from the top is remarkable.
Take the cable car in Moggio and go up to Piani di Artavaggio. Once there follow the signposts. The first part goes almost flat. Pass on the left Sassi Castelli mountain hut and keep walking until a small church. From there it starts the climb leading to Nicola mountain hut and Cazzaniga-Merlin located at 1900 m.a.s.l.. Continue heading towards Sodadura, the mountain with a characteristic pyramid shape, recognizable from far away thanks to the shape itself. The climb to the summit is a bit challenging and it shouldn’t be underestimated. At some stages it’s necessary to climb the rocks with the help of own hands. Once at the top the view is magnificent.
The roundtrip walk is 2 hours and 30 minutes long.
For info on cable car timetable: ph. +39 0341 918152 and www.pianidibobbio.com
Discover also Sentiero degli Stradini and Campelli loop – trail.
In Dervio there is a characteristic fortified village carved into the rock and a medieval castle known as Corenno Plinio the One Thousand Steps Village.
The hamlet grew around the castle and the church located on the promontory and from there it’s possible to get a great view over the lake. Going up from the village, ancient patrician villas are seen and through steep “scalotte”, typical stone staircases with characteristic steps cut into rock, it’s possible to get to the cobbled square.
The castle, erected in the tenth century, stands out on the ruins of an ancient building which was not a house, but a fortess. It has a wall crowned with battlements and is a typical example of a castle-enclosure, that is a fortification built as shelter for the population in case of attaks. It has two towers: one is sail-shaped (meaning it’s open inside) while the other is square.
St. Thomas of Canterbury church is also worth a visit, with its ancient frescoes and the particular churchyard with gothic sculptures and arches.
Every year at the beginning of September a reminescent medieval demostration is held: fighting, knights wearing costumes and playing music, show the landing of Barbossa Emperor. Guided tours of the castle and the village are organized.
From 2022 the entrance to the Corenno Plinio hamlet and castle has become paid. Click here to find out more
The street in the village of Parlasco are an open air museum where it’s possible to trace the story of the novel written by A. Balbiani , and set in the seventeenth century. The name itself of the village would be linked to Lasco : the legend tells about Sigifredo Falsandri , count of Marmor , who at day used to be a beloved benefactor for his generosity the those in need , while at night used to be a bandit grappling with crimes an robberies.
For informations about visits contact the Centro Unico Prenotazioni of Montagne Lago di Como.
Photos by Stefano Zalaffi.
Discover also Taceno Frescoes.
The route leads to the discovery of the Mount Croce, located above Esino Lario, with remarkable views over Grigna and Lake Como. It’s a simple walk suitable to everyone. It’s possible to proceed on a more challenging loop-path leading to Bocchetta di Prada and Bietti mountain hut (check out at the end of the tab).
Go to Esino Lario in the hamlet of Cainallo and leave your car at the parking lot Vò di Moncodeno. Walk along the path leading to Grigna (the signposts indicate Bietti, Bogani and Brioschi mountain huts). Take the detour to path 23 going to Mount Croce, the trail continues uphill marked by signposts. After about 20 minutes at a crossroad turn right onto path 23a leading first to Baitello dell’Amicizia and then to Mount Croce. Baitello dell’Amicizia, a small hut belonging to the town of Esino Lario, shows up after a short climb in the wood. From here in a few minutes it’s possible to reach the cross located on the summit of Mount Croce (1780 m.a.s.l.). All together, from the start, it’s a relaxed 40 minutes walk.
Instead of going back on the same path it’s possible to take a circuit (loop-path) going through Bocchetta di Prada and passing Bietti mountain hut (about 2 hours long) returning then to Cainallo (another 1 hour and 10 minutes). Following are the directions. Take path 17D and move on along the ridge for a few minutes direction Mount Pilastro (1823 m.a.s.l.) with a great view over Grigna and the well known Porta di Prada. From there go downhill: it is the most difficult part of the whole trail, the path is a bit steep and it’s necessary to pay attention. Once arrived at Bocchetta di Prada (1653 m.a.s.l.) follow the path going down to Cainallo until Brigata Garibaldi. Path 24 will take you to Bietti mountain hut, going through Porta di Prada. Time needed is 2 hours. Go back to the parking lot Vò di Moncodeno through path 24. Time needed is 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Photos by Manuela Magni.
Premana Ethnographic Museum displays a rich collection of objects , instruments, clothes and tools of common use. They are ancient witnesses of peasant culture and of the material and economic life of Premana and High Valsassina.
Very intresting is the Hall of Costume , where traditional costumes are displayed together with those still in use nowadays and it’s possible to admire the recostruction of an ancient typical kitchen.
The Hall of Agriculture presents in an original way the various tools and rural life.
The most peculiar room is the Hall of Iron , where the visitors can retrace the historical steps of iron workimg in the territory of Premana , still known as the land of scissors and knives.
Outside the museum there’s a wide garden with kids playground.
Opening hours 2020:
Prices 2020:
For informations about visits contact the Centro Unico Prenotazioni of Montagne Lago di Como.
THE MUSEUM IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Bellano Gorge is a natural waterfall, formed in ancient times by Pioverna creek flown into Lake Como, after going through the entire length of Valsassina’s valley.
Over thousands of years water has carved a deep gorge and shaped the magnificent cliffs of the mountain, creating a gloomy and picturesque environment.
The grave rumble of the turbulent waters and the wild beauty of nature have always inspired mysterious tales and legends and even nowadays these places are surrounded by an aura of mistery.
In the collective imaginary Cà del Diavol evokes fears and satanic rituals, maling the mysterious charm of the Orrido even more palpable. A cement walkway allows visitors to walk through the steep rocks and appreciate the charm of these places.
The Orrido is open all year round. In particular, during the hot summer days, it’a also possible to enjoy the coolness of the gorge.
Visiting hours 2023:
Prices 2023:
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