- Active & Green
The Val Sanagra Park
A beautiful territory close to Menaggio
Just above the town Menaggio lies the splendid Val Sanagra Park.This magnificent valley, set in the heart of the Lepontine alps, lies in between 300 m and 2000 m altitude. It features the presence of rare botanical species some of which are endemic to the area. In addition the Val Sanagra contains some of the oldest rock formations in Italy and some go way back to the mid-Carboniferous period.
A mosaic of woods, meadows and pastures, a valley formed by the river Sanagra and modelled during the last Ice Age. The contained urbanization, the wild environment, the presence of rare or endemic species of plants, combined with a special microclimate, make this area one of the most interesting areas in the Como area.
The route loops along the River Sanagra
Numerous routes are tracked in the park. One of the most stunning routes is a loop that sets out from Menaggio, crossing Loveno and arriving in Piamuro, one of the accesses to the valley. From here it flows down towards the River Sanagra in Mulino della Valle, following the river course past Fornace Galli, Vecchia Chioderia and Mulino Carliseppi. The walk takes in woods, old stone bridges and places that reveal the importance of water to local manufacturing activities in previous centuries, following the river as it narrows between the rocks and crosses the more secluded spots in the valley bottom.
In the more open, easily accessible points, the little bays of smooth stones along the Sanagra turn into handy natural terraces, where you can stop in the shade, rest a while, and spend a little time near the water. When the flow is limited, in the calmer sections, these small banks become the ideal spot for a refreshing pause: you can sit on the stones, dip your feet in the cool water, and relax to the sound of the river, always being careful of the wet rocks.
Past the characteristic humpbacked bridge near Mulino Carliseppi, the route continues towards Sass Corbée, a large monolith that marks one of the most charming parts of the itinerary. Past this point, the route becomes narrower and more exposed, requiring greater caution, before heading up towards Barna and returning to Piamuro and Menaggio.
The full loop is around 10 kilometres and takes about three and a half hours. It is classed as medium difficulty. In summer it is a “mobile beach”, featuring water spots to enjoy along the way.
Another characteristic route is the one crossing Codogna, home to aristocratic residences, and leading up to the Rogolone, a large centuries-old oak.
At La Villa Camozzi at Codogna is the Ethnographic and Natural Museum Val Sanagra with rooms dedicated to the flora, fauna and fossils of the Park. Part of the museum is dedicated to the old railway Menaggio - Porlezza; for information www.museovalsanagra.it or tel. 0344 32115.
Along the river, close to Molino Vecchia Chioderia, you can visit the furnace Galli where bricks and roof tiles were made.
