The Patriarch's Greenway Path

Walking slowly through Varenna and some of its most beautiful hamlets, alleys, and paths to savour glimpses and charming landscapes, immersed in a rich context of life and beauty: that’s the PATRIARCH’S GREENWAY PATH!

But, first of all, who are the “PATRIARCHS”? For a long time the “Varennesi”, the inhabitants of Varenna, have been nicknamed “Patriarchitt” (“Patriarchini”, because in the past they were practicing the patriarchino religious rite of Aquileia); today the so called “Patriarchi” represent the elderly inhabitants of Varenna, wise and long-lived people.

Every year there is a celebration dedicated to them (it is not important if they still live in Varenna or if they were only born here: this is a special occasion to enjoy being together and meet each other!). The get together is organized in autumn in the magnificently decorated rooms of Villa Cipressi.

With affection and gratitude this gentle footpath is dedicated to them as they represent the treasure of our village and we want to thank them.

Total walking time: around 2 hours (one way)
Total length: 6 km / 3.7 miles (one way)
Starting point elevation: 200 m / 656 feet
Maximum elevation: 320 m / 1050 feet

Full description of the itinerary available on Varenna Turismo website or at the Infopoint.