Cycling from Morbegno to Colico

An itinerary, along the Adda River, where it is possible to relive history thanks to the presence of two ancient forts that can be visited, one dating back to the time of Spanish rule and one built just before the outbreak of World War I.

Mountainous reliefs will frame the route, which will end on the shores of Lake Como, also known as Lario.

The route starts from Morbegno station and ends at Piona station. From Morbegno station we arrive in the center by reaching the ancient bridge that crosses the Bitto stream. We continue until we reach Via Nazionale and then find a traffic circle, which is near the railway crossing.

On the left, after the railway, we follow the signs until we reach a suspension bridge to cross to the other side. At the next traffic circle we take Via Carlo De Magistris, which we take uphill, and on the left Via Roma.

The route continues on secondary roads to the Pian di Spagna Reserve and Lake Mezzola. Then we reach the bridge over the Adda River, which we follow until we reach Piona.

ITINERARY
Distance: 33.2km
Difficulty level: medium
Road surface: asphalt and dirt
Elevation gain:+355m, -329m (Max slope: 18.9%, -20.6%; Average slope: 1.7%, 1.7%)
Suitable for: all
Recommended type of bike: all
Average duration: 3 h approx.

AT LEAST FIVE POINTS OF INTEREST

Morbegno Civic Museum of Natural History
The Civic Museum was established by the municipality of Morbegno on March 14, 1974, thanks to the efforts of a local collector, Giacomo Perego (1922-2008), who donated the initial core of collections.
Useful info: Museum opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 to 5:30 pm.
Website: www.sistemamusealevaltellina.it
Phone: 0342-612451

Pian di Spagna and Lake Mezzola Nature Reserve.
The small plain (about 1,600 hectares) stretches at the confluence of the Valtellina and Valchiavenna. Majestic mountains and two lakes (Lake Mezzola and Lake Como) border this distinctive flat area.
Useful info: http://www.piandispagna.it/
Phone: 0344-84251

Fuentes Fort
The 17th-century Spanish fort was commissioned by the Governor of the State of Milan, Pedro Enriquez de Acevedo Count of Fuentes, to extend his dominion from Valtellina and Valchiavenna to Upper Lake Como.
Useful info: Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, only on specific days decided by the province of Lecco. For more information: https://www.fortedifuentes.it/

Fort Montecchio North
Built in a few months, just before the outbreak of World War I, it is the best preserved in Europe. Its visit allows us to understand the austere martial life of the place at the time of the conflict.
Useful info: https://www.fortemontecchionord.it/index.php?lang=it
Phone: 0341-940322

Piona Abbey
The priory of Piona is situated on the Olgiasca peninsula, immersed in an atmosphere of peace and serenity and where Cistercian monks still reside today. The church, in Romanesque style, dates from 1138 and is dedicated S. Maria.
Useful info: Via Abbazia di Piona, 55 in Colico (LC)
Hours: Monday to Sunday - 09:00-12:00, 14:30-18:00
Tel: 0341-940331
Website: https://www.abbaziadipiona.it/