The Rogolone and the Rogolino

A now mythological entity and protagonist of local history, the majestic Rogolone has been growing strong and vigorous in the Grandola ed Uniti woods for three centuries and is an actual pilgrimage destination of nature lovers.

Already in writings of the 1500s there was talk of the great oak tree, under which pagan rites were held and fundamental decisions for life in the villages of the valley leading from Lake Como to Lake Lugano were taken. In fact, through instrumental examinations it has been learnt that the present Rogolone is the successor to the tree that, as tradition has it, was already there in the Middle Ages.

In spite of this, the amazing sessile oak that can be admired today is beloved and of incredible size for the species. So much so that already in 1922 the green monument was placed (among the very first nationwide) under protection as an Italian natural beauty.

To reach it, the main route (trail no. 38) starts from the Codogna locality, more precisely from the 18th-century Villa Camozzi, today home to the town hall and the Val Sanagra ethnographic and nature museum.
Walking for half an hour along the pleasant trail, between dry stone walls and old rural buildings, you reach the clearing where the centuries-old tree appears with a trunk now close to 8 metres in circumference (diameter 252 cm) and a height of over 22 metres.
One is truly speechless upon seeing it. Completing the fairytale view is the “sister”, the sessile oak named Rogolino, planted in 1820 and also monumental with almost 4.5 metres in circumference.

The two beautiful trees seem to hold hands with their intersecting branches. Reaching their clearing is a unique and exciting experience; then continuing along the route you can first reach the fascinating Bosco Impero, then Carlazzo and the Lago di Piano Natural Reserve.

A green monument that is accessible to the public.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)