The parish church of S. Stefano is of ancient origins whose original Roman structures have however been lost; even the orientation itself is in the opposite direction of its primitive setting. The church has three naves which, in 1899, were covered with frescoes by a local artist named Tagliaferri. Quite noteworthy is the one of the martyr Santo Stefano located in the vault of the apse. In the presbytery, two works by the painter Castelli from Menaggio. Above the altar of the Madonna, at the front of the left nave, you find a copy of a painting by Bernardino Luino depicting Maria with Jesus and an angel. The original work is now at the Louvre. The altar is surrounded by copper medallions representing scenes from the Madonna’s life. In the middle of the right nave there is a large painting of San Giorgio but the artist is unknown. The altar of “Il Sacro Cuore” is embellished with stuccoes of the 17th century by the “maestri intelvesi” (famous sculptors and craftsmen of the Val d’Intelvi who passed their experience from father to son and worked all over Europe). Continue your discovery of Menaggio by following the historical itinerary through the town    

A short distance from the village of San Ponzo, a hamlet of Ponte Nizza, entirely built from local stone, lie the San Ponzo Caves, where the Roman-era hermit saint once lived. Near the caves, there is a spring of miraculous water and a rest area for visitors. The cave can be reached via a consortium road of about 3 km and is visited by pilgrims who collect the drops of water seeping from the cave, believed to be miraculous. From the Church of San Ponzo, the path continues along forest trails toward the caves where the hermit lived, one of the most important fossil sites in the Oltrepò Pavese. Walking through centuries-old chestnut forests, visitors reach the point where the sandstone, carved by natural elements, has formed the caves where the body of San Ponzo was discovered. A small chapel has also been built here. After visiting the cave, the itinerary continues through oak and hornbeam forests, leading toward Mount Vallassa, reaching a natural terrace with a stunning view over the Staffora Valley and the high Apennines. Mount Vallassa Located at the border between Val Curone and the Staffora Valley, the mountain stands at an altitude of about 756 meters above sea level. Mount Vallassa is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the Staffora Valley, stretching out at the mountain’s foot. Mount Vallassa is also an important geological site, containing numerous sedimentary rock formations dating back to the Jurassic period. These rocks have been studied by geologists and paleontologists for many years due to the presence of numerous fossils of plants and animals that lived in the region during that era. A Climber’s Paradise Helmet and carabiners in hand—climbers from all over northern Italy come to this valley. On the southern slope of Mount Vallassa, there are a series of stratified rocky ledges known as the Balze di Guardamonte, which serve as a year-round climbing area. The via ferrata routes vary in difficulty, catering to both beginners and experienced climbers. However, they should not be underestimated—they require good physical and technical preparation, as well as appropriate equipment. Beyond climbing, the Balze di Guardamonte are also a popular destination for hikers and trekking enthusiasts. (SOURCE: WWW.STARTOLTREPO.IT)

Take a walk in the "Garden City" and climb slowly up to the sacred mountain that is Unesco heritage

The route starts in the centre of Angera before climbing up to its fortress and Monte San Quirico (on a gravel track) before continuing to Ranco as far as glacial erratic Sasso Cavallazzo.It then heads towards Ispra in search of its historic furnaces and Laghetash di Brebbia, a marsh whose flora and fauna are extremely interesting. In Monate it cuts through top quality peach farm lands and then enters the forest, before continuing along a tree lined avenue to Quassa park and Uponne village and returning to Angera.

The Village of Varenna is divided into a grid of streets that steeply slope down towards Lake Como.

Breathtaking views and green woods characterize Castelveccana, a charming village situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Panoramic views from the hills to the plains

On the highest peaks of the Triangolo Lariano, visitors will enjoy a 360° view of the Alps and of the Po valley

Discover the oldest church in Varenna, one of the first built on Lake Como when Christianity was beginning to spread.

Churches at Tignale