Erba sits at the foot of the Lombardy Pre-Alps, on a plain of the same name

A literary name was given to Eupilio, between Lake Segrino and Lake Pusiano

Paths, woods, water and fountains

A journey in time on the banks of the lake

  A small village in the province of Lecco, also known as the Pearl of Valsassina because of its generous views over the valley and mountains, given its proximity to Milan, Parlasco makes the perfect inaugural stop on our tour.       It is a village of about 100 inhabitants, located almost 700 metres above sea level, nestling in the Parco Regionale della Grigna Settentrionale. Since 2007, the walls of the old stone houses in the shadow of the mountains have been the custodians of a collection of stunning frescoes by national and international artists. Created to bear witness to the history and legend of the place, these works help to keep the identity of the village alive.      Each with their own style and technique, they narrate the exploits of the legendary Lasco, or Sigifredo Falsanti, count of Marmoro (near Parlasco), benefactor of the needy by day and bandit of the valley by night: a character made famous by Antonio Balbiani in his historical novel of 1871. Created as part of the PARLARTI - Parlasco for the Arts project, Parlasco. A painted village now has 14 works depicting scenes from Lasco's life: each mural is accompanied by a plaque with the name and origin of the artist and some explanatory notes on the events that inspired it.  (Ph: montagnelagodicomo.it)

The town of Oramala in the Val di Nizza area is one of the most evocative places in the upper Oltrepò valley. Built in the 10th century on a high rocky outcrop by the Malaspina family, the castle's current appearance is 15th century dating to the period in which it was fortified with a massive semi-circular tower to bring it up-to-date with the new defensive requirements caused by the advent of artillery.

A barge bridge full of charm, which has left an indelible mark on the territory's history.

Commessaggio: a picturesque rural village with a close-knit community offering a blend of tradition, nature, and a historical Gonzaga Tower.

A village to be discovered near Milan

We continue to Leggiuno, a small town in the Province of Varese overlooking the Lombardy shore of Lake Maggiore nestled between the municipalities of Laveno Mombello, Monvalle, Besozzo and Sanzano and bathed by lake waters opposite the famous Borromean Islands.   Situated in a hilly area (its name deriving from the Celtic leze dunum, meaning “at the foot of a hill”), the village is a popular summer destination for tourists looking for refreshment.Birthplace of legendary footballer Gigi Riva, it owes its fame to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 12th century monastery that overlooks the waters of lake, which can be reached both on foot and using the Navigazione Laghi ferries. Built in the Middle Ages as a hermitage, it was founded by Alberto Besozzi, a wealthy local merchant who, having survived a shipwreck, decided to retire as a hermit on this stretch of coast. He is credited with saving some of the inhabitants of Arolo from the plague and having a chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine of Egypt built in the town. Refitted as a monastery between 1230 and 1250 by a group of Dominican friars, it was then inhabited by the Carmelites until 1770, when it was closed and left to fall into ruin. Restoration work on the Hermitage only began in 1970 when, having become the property of the Province of Varese, its artistic and architectural works were recovered, a commitment that in 1992 brought to light some splendid 14th century frescoes.  Still an ascetic and spiritual place, since spring 2019 the monastery has been operated by the Franciscan Fraternity of Bethany.  In addition to the Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, Leggiuno’s church of Saint Primo and Saint Feliciano and the delightful historic church of San Primo are also worth a visit.   

A fortress of the thirteenth century. Narrow alleys. The spa waters. On Lake Garda, Sirmione is a harmony of history and beauty