Lezzeno on Lake Como: Hiking and History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Lezzeno, you can choose your destination based on specific interests: an easy circular hike leads through small hamlets with views of Lake Como, alongside churches, traces of history, and local festive dishes. Consider whether hiking, architectural and local history, or a festival tied to a specific date will shape your stay.

Hiking the Strada Regia

The circular hike starts and ends at the Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta. It is an easy route of about 5 km and takes approximately two hours; the elevation gain and loss are each 125 m. The distance and duration are approximate. Together, the three figures provide a concrete framework for planning your day.

Along the Strada Regia, the trail passes through small hamlets with views of Lake Como. The Lezzeno section is marked as CAI 401; check the numbering locally before your hike. The route reaches the Chiesa della Santissima Trinità via a paved staircase and an approach along a Way of the Cross; there is a viewpoint there. The trail also passes through woodland and the village of Carzolina before reaching the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie in Bagnana. Check the route and trail conditions locally, as they may change.

Churches and Traces of History

The Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta is a Baroque church on Piazza Roma, just a few steps from Lake Como. The parish of Santi Quirico e Giulitta is mentioned in a document from 1434. A different dated event concerns the Oratorio di Santa Marta: the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary was founded there on May 1, 1578. The dates therefore refer to different events: 1434 to the mention of the parish, and 1578 to the founding of the confraternity.

Other places have their own historical significance. The Santuario della Madonna dei Ceppi is a 15th-century chapel in the mountain village of Cendraro in Lezzeno. Remains of medieval fortifications can be found in the village of Castello. On the steep lakeshores near Lezzeno lies the Grotta dei Bulberi, also called Grotta dei Carpi; it features displays of water and light.

Festival Traditions and Local Dishes

Two dishes are traditionally associated with the festival held in Lezzeno on June 21. Stopagoss are very thin rice cakes made with cornmeal and milk, toasted in butter and eaten with milk. Paradell are sweet or savory egg pancakes, decorated or filled with sugar, jam, honey, or cheese. The two dishes differ both in their ingredients and in how they are prepared. If you’re planning to travel for these specialties, check the festival dates for your travel dates in advance.

A competition between the contrade to build bonfires is also recorded for the Feast of Saint Joseph on March 19. If you’re planning your trip around this tradition, confirm locally whether it will take place during your stay.

Getting There

Lezzeno can be reached from Como by bus on the Como–Bellagio route. Check the latest timetable before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Rovello Porro, Lurago D'erba, Val Rezzo, Torno, Caglio, Moltrasio, Lurate Caccivio, Appiano Gentile

For the broader travel overview: Como.