Cusino – Mountain Views and Churches

Cusino lies in a hollow at the foot of Monte Pidaggia, near the beginning of the Val Cavargna. South of the village, Monte Pidaggia rises to 1,528 metres; its rocky spur, Sasso di Cusino, reaches 1,325 metres. Its steep northeastern slope is covered with beech trees. From Monte Pidaggia, the view extends across the entire Val Cavargna and to the lakes of Piano and Lugano.

Mountain Scenery and Hiking

Two hiking routes can be distinguished by their starting points. The hike from Cusino to Monte Marnotto begins in the village and follows the road to Monti di Lugone, Malè, and Madonna della Salute. By contrast, the first section of the Sentiero delle 4 Valli starts in Breglia and runs for 13 kilometres to Malè, at the beginning of the Val Cavargna. Both routes pass through Malè, but their starting points and paths differ. Access and conditions on the route to Monte Marnotto may change; check them before your hike.

The ascent of Monte Pidaggia also begins at Sella di Cusino. A route description from October 2008 notes that the drive from Cusino to Madonna della Salute follows a narrow, steep road, with parking available at Sella. Check access and parking before your hike.

Churches and Architectural History

The Parrocchiale della Natività di San Giovanni Battista is a single-nave church with side chapels; historical records about it date back to 1300. It was originally dedicated to Saint James. The church was extensively remodelled in the 16th century, incorporating the adjoining chapel of San Giovanni Battista. Numerous frescoes on its walls were transferred from the nearby bell tower and from other houses in the village. The parish church also houses a valuable collection of paintings and frescoes.

The Santuario della Madonna della Salute, also known as the Santuario di Lugone, stands on Motter Hill at an elevation of 1,240 metres. From there, the view extends across Lake Como from Bellagio to the entire Lecco branch. The viewpoints also offer different panoramas: from Monte Pidaggia, you can see the Val Cavargna and the lakes of Piano and Lugano; from the sanctuary, Lake Como, Bellagio, and the Lecco branch.

Sant’Ambrogio is a single-nave oratory with an apse, set on a rise near the provincial road from Carlazzo to Cusino. Romanesque architectural elements have been preserved; a stone relief of Christ, dated to the 11th or 12th century, is set into the façade. Construction of the Oratorio di Maria Ausiliatrice began in 1883 and was completed in 1890; it is especially revered by the faithful of Cusino.

Festivals and Local Products

The Festa della Madonna della Salute is still one of the festivals most deeply felt by the people of these mountains. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates locally in advance. Alpe di Logone is still farmed today, producing butter and Formagelle cheese.

Discover more destinations: Brienno, Lurago Marinone, Schignano, Grandate, Musso, Dolo, Acquaseria, Inverigo

For the regional travel overview: Como.