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La Crocetta
The trenches of the Linea Cadorna
La Crocetta (alt. 500 m) is a belvedere above Menaggio from where one can enjoy a lovely view of Menaggio and the central lake area.
Monte Crocetta is part of the great defence line called "Linea Cadorna", built in 1915 along the Swiss-Italan border, out of fear of a possible offensive attack from the North. In the province of Como it extended from Monte Bisbino near Como across the mountain are of Val d'Intelvi along Sasso Cordona, Monte Galbiga and Monte Crocione and from there down to Monte Crocetta.
The walkways have been restored and if you wish you can walk through them discovering the armored positions, the shelters for the troops and observation posts.
The belvedere la Crocetta can be reached on foot from the village Croce di Menaggio.
- Starting point: Croce (alt. 393 m);
- Walking time (one way): 0.40 hrs;
- Ascent: 100 m;
- Connections: from Menaggio to Croce bus line C12 or by car to Croce;
Route: Croce is the highest in elevation of the villages that are part of the commune of Menaggio and lies at the beginning of the Val Menaggio. It has a rural historic centre characterized by a typical little square of the 16th century. On its slightly raised surface the rituals of haymaking, of the harvest and the threshing, took place. Along via Rimembranze, just slightly past the bus stop in front of Hotel Adler, you can reach the small historic centre.
Our itinerary though starts at the opposite side of the main road 340 that connects Menaggio with Lugano. From the bus stop continue about 15 m on the main road then cross it and pick up the Via Wyatt in the direction of the golf course (there is a big sign). The Menaggio – Cadenabbia golf Club, founded in 1907, is one of the oldest golf courses in Italy. At the beginning of the road you pass an ancient washhouse and after about 200 m you turn left into Via Pigato. After some bends the road ends and you continue on a cart track. Before arriving at the Crocetta you encounter the trenches.
You then reach the little chapel dedicated to San Maurizio built by the "Gruppo Alpini di Menaggio" to remember the soldiers that fell during the two wars.
Inside the church there are two frescoes of the local painter Buno Azimonti. Below the church is a bunker that contains the Sacrarium where all the fallen soldiers from Menaggio are remembered. From the church you have a most wonderful of Menaggio.
Close by the church is the other view point called La Crocetta (little cross) from where the view embraces the whole Centrale Lake area, the branch of Lecco, the Orobie Alps and to the North the Upper Lake Area and the Rhaetian Alps.
