Cavallasca: Trails, Panoramic Views and History

In Cavallasca, trails and viewpoints sit alongside evidence of its prehistoric past and architectural history. The Sentiero 7 trail climbs to Sasso di Cavallasca; rock carvings, a Bronze Age chamber and fortifications add further points of interest.

Sentiero 7: Trail and Views

The Sentiero 7 – Cavallasca trail starts at Villa Imbonati. After crossing the provincial road, it climbs to Sasso di Cavallasca. From the panoramic terrace on Monte Sasso along Sentiero 7, the view stretches over Cavallasca and towards Milan. The trail route and the expansive view over the town are two practical reference points for planning your visit.

Parking near Sentiero 7 – Cavallasca is available on Via Dunant and Via Monte Sasso. Parking availability may change; check the current situation before setting off.

Rock Carvings and Settlement Traces

The Roccia di Pianvalle features rock carvings in several forms: cup marks, spirals, and geometric and snake-shaped motifs. In the Località Cavallasca, the Sito di Pianvalle e Fonte della Mojenca includes remains of a protohistoric settlement associated with the Golasecca culture and proto-Celtic populations. Guided visits to the open areas are available by appointment. Check in advance whether an appointment is possible.

The Camera Grande is a large rectangular chamber dating from the Late Bronze Age, between the 10th and 9th centuries BC. It was carved into the hill’s bedrock.

Sunlight and the Spina Verde Natural Area

At Fonte di Majonca, on the winter solstice on December 21, sunlight passes through a channel and illuminates the spring in the bedrock. The Spina Verde Regional Park extends to Cavallasca; the park has distinctive geological and botanical features. The park’s highest point is considered to be Pin Umbrela, at 610 metres above sea level. The two elevations serve different purposes: from Monte Sasso, the view stretches over Cavallasca and towards Milan, while Pin Umbrela marks the park’s highest point.

Fortifications, Villa and Religious Heritage

Within the Sasso di Cavallasca fortification complex, the Fortino del Monte Sasso is the principal defensive structure. A central U-shaped gallery is carved into the rock and surrounded by trenches, observation posts, mortar positions and machine-gun positions. The Cadorna Line in the Cavallasca area lies within the Parco Regionale Spina Verde.

Villa Imbonati in the Località Cavallasca was built by the Imbonati family in 1657. After the victory at Varese on May 25, Garibaldi set up his headquarters there to plan the attack on the heights of San Fermo, occupied by General Urban’s troops. The Chiesetta di S. Rocco in Cavallasca is a place of religious heritage.

Discover more destinations: Ossuccio, Erba, Valmorea, Casnate Con Bernate, Carlazzo, Sorico, Anzano Del Parco, Vercana.

For the main travel overview: Como.