Maslianico: Trails, Water and Cultural Heritage

Maslianico stretches from flat terrain along the eastern slopes of Monte Bisbino; its landscape is typical of the Lombard Prealps. Natural features, historic water management and border trails give the town its varied character.

Landscape, Caves and Water

Several short streams rise on the slopes of Bisbino. They flow through steep, almost parallel valleys and join the Breggia, which they feed. Both the river and the shape of its tributaries are part of the landscape: the streams connect the slopes with the valleys and the Breggia.

La Tana, one of three known caves, is near the hamlet of Scaletto. The caves are located at elevations between 420 and 480 metres. The La Tana trail leads to the cave of the same name.

The rock formations are another distinctive feature of the landscape: Moltrasio limestone is visible at numerous roadside cuttings in the upper part of Maslianico and at the disused Cava dei Pini quarry. Along with the caves, this draws attention to two different forms of the underlying geology: cavities and exposed limestone.

The Roggia Molinara reveals another side of the area’s relationship with water. The old artificial canal already existed in the Middle Ages and diverted water from the Breggia to the mills that once stood between Maslianico and Cernobbio. While the short streams shape the natural water landscape, the Roggia represents the historic use of the river’s water.

Historic Trails and Border History

The mountainous part of Maslianico has numerous historic paths and routes. They pass through the town’s forests and lead to neighbouring municipalities. The route of the Lake Como Poetry Way is clearly defined: it starts at the Valico di Roggiana in Maslianico and runs through Cernobbio and Como to Brunate. Along the route are Little Free Libraries where hikers can take and leave books.

The Scala di Ronda recalls the former surveillance of the steep border slopes by border guards. An original barbed-wire barrier and a reconstructed guard hut are located there. If you are planning a visit, check the condition of the border relics on site. Some paths at the Roggiana border crossing were also used by smugglers in the past.

Churches and Cultural Traces

The existence of the Chiesa comparrocchiale di Sant’Ambrogio in Maslianico is documented from 1290. The Sanctuary of Santa Teresa has a single nave and is designed in the Lombard Romanesque style; its interior wall decoration was completed in 1955. These details offer different ways into the buildings’ history: for Sant’Ambrogio, the focus is on its early historical record; for Santa Teresa, on its described architecture and the dated interior decoration.

The traditional LA VOCE DEL COLORE painting exhibition in Maslianico reached its 15th edition. Along with the churches, it shows that the town can be explored through more than nature and trails: sacred architecture and a recurring exhibition are also part of its cultural character.

Discover More Destinations

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