Castelveccana

The municipality of Castelveccana includes a series of villages to the north of Laveno Mombello: the largest town is Caldé, a charming village on the coastline under a fortress with the same name on a promontory where many fortifications and defensive constructions have been built since antiquity.

Just at the foot of the Rocca, on the lake shore, there are ancient lime kilns, splendid monuments of industrial archaeology, which were operative from 1200 until the beginning of the 19th century.

The other villages in the interior region are ideal destinations for cyclists who have a minimum of skill on winding paths and uphill trails: scarcely trafficked roads lead to picturesque locations with splendid panoramic views.

In the small medieval village of Sarigo, there is an ancient Romanesque church dedicated to St. George that preserves the original apse and bell tower. Nearby, immersed in greenery, it is possible to admire the Froda Waterfall, a drop of approximately 100 meters that is truly spectacular in the spring.

From Castelveccana, the most popular paths for more experienced cyclists climb uphill to Sant'Antonio and San Michele, two challenging climbs that both continue up to Passo del Cuvignone, from where the descent for Valcuvia starts.

In the locality of Sant'Antonio, there is also an ancient chapel, well worth a visit: this is the small oratory of Sant'Antonio al Monte, which dates back to the 11th century and is located on a really remarkable panoramic terrace.