Four curious places that enchant in Lombardy

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.