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Four curious places that enchant in Lombardy

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Lombardy presents many unusual and special places
and at least once in a lifetime, it will have happened to everyone to undertake some adventure or long weekends in search of these original places.

We have decided to propose four fascinating destinations that travelers often do not know about.

THE BLACKBIRD GARDEN (CO)

It is located on the border between the villages of Dongo and Musso, in the territory of Alto Lario (CO). It is an hour's drive from Lecco and a two-hour drive from Milan. It is so called because blackbirds used to nest here in the past.
It was built on the slopes of Sasso di Musso where once stood the ancient castle of Gian Giacomo Medici, known as the Medeghino, of which today only the ruins can be admired. A splendid botanical garden full of surprises.

There are many nooks and crannies to discover: caves carved into the rock, paths with splendid views overlooking Lake Como, stairways and panoramic terraces surrounded by a wild and particularly evocative environment. It consists of two slopes: one to the north, rich in alpine vegetation, and one to the south, characterized instead by the greater presence of exotic plants (prickly pears, palms, eucalyptus). At the top, the Church of St. Euphemia dominates.
Entrance to the Blackbird Garden is free and free, and can be visited every day of the year. There are no dedicated parking lots, but free parking can be found along the road bordering Lake Como.
The Garden was born in 1858 from an idea of Giovanni Manzi, a nobleman from Dongo, who wanted to create a park that would be inspired by the gardens of the Ligurian Riviera; he conceived a visionary place where contrasts still dominate, from the lush greenery and Mediterranean varieties typical of the Alps, in a succession of walkways, bridges, caves, gorges and small waterfalls.

But it doesn't end there. The Blackbird Garden holds another surprise that makes it for all intents and purposes a secret garden. In a cave. camouflaged among stones and vegetation. hides a secret passageway that leads to the old Keeper's House.
This treasure hunt is as fun and adventurous for children as it is for adults! Once you unearth the exact spot, you find yourself in an enchanted corner with wisteria-covered balconies and incredible views of the lake and mountains.


DOSSENA MINES (BG)

One dives into the past, however, at the Dossena Mines, in Paglio (BG).
In the ancient minesfluorite was extracted. Today, activities ceased, they represent a unique historical and natural testimony.
Recently opened was the unique Speleological Park in Europe: a mix of simple ferrata and adventure park. Through zip lines, bridges and suspended passages between natural caves and man-made tunnels, one can take another leap into history.

Once the visit to the mines is over, we continue, still in Dossena, with more adrenaline by tackling the longest Tibetan bridge in the world: the Bridge in the Sun . At 505 meters in length, it has a maximum height of 120 meters above the ground and is traversed with 1,200 discontinuous treads without lateral stays, you can experience the thrill of being safely suspended in the void, thanks to a harness anchored with two carabiners.
3.5 km of steel ropes to which you will keep yourself hooked with your breath "suspended," in an adventure that lasts about 40 min crossing.
The experience is very exciting and unrepeatable as well as priceless is the breathtaking view of the striking landscapes of the Orobic Pre-Alps.

*** Sports clothing and footwear are suggested. Access is also allowed to children, from 12 years of age.

GAUDI' CASTLE IN GROSIO (SO)

Definitely not to be missed in the province of Sondrio is Grosio . Here the area is known for the presence of the Park of Rock Engravings, but not only. The area hides an architectural gem that seems to have come out of an artist's sketch. Here the magic has come to life thanks to one man, Nicola Di Cesare, who is not an artist but has been working on his lifelong dream for more than 40 years.

Nicola has created a rock garden worthy of a fairy tale, dug into the rock, created as many as 207 staircases, arches and walls, and decorated them with mosaics made from waste material. Such a structure is also known as the Gaudí of Grosio, reminiscent in shape, color and features of the iconic Casa Batlló in Barcelona built by the famous Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. Amajestic work ofart, visible even from hundreds of meters away, it attracts hundreds of visitors every day.

The structure is privately owned by Nicola, who graciously allows visits upon request.


LADDER IN THE SKY (VA)

Those looking for scenic viewpoints cannot miss a striking and easily accessible place 5 min drive from Varese: it is the Stairway in the Sky in Campo dei Fiori.

To get there you have to drive along the road behind the station, and after a few hundred meters the stairway all carved completely into the rock begins, which then leads to the summit.
On one side the sky, on the other the Sacro Monte and the Po Valley: a unique view that sweeps from the mountains of Switzerland, Valtellina, up to Monviso and the Emilian Apennines.
Immense glimpses and spaces of a mountain that one does not expect at about 1,100 meters above sea level. In the clear blue sky during beautiful sunny days, floating in the cool air of spring days are the 5 colors of Tibetan prayer flags placed on the protective railing.

There are less than 500 meters of elevation gain, and the trail is suitable for those with a minimum of physical fitness who like to immerse themselves in solitary or unfamiliar places.
In itself not dangerous, but one must use common sense and evaluate well before undertaking it in case one is walking with young children. There are other ways to reach it, for example, drive up to the Astronomical Observatory and continue for a short distance on foot or over from Brinzio, another challenging climb.

Whichever route is used, the finish will always be worth it!

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