Stazzona: Forests, Cultural Heritage and Views of Lake Como

Stazzona lies in the Valle dell’Albano and overlooks Lake Como. Deciduous forests cover nearly 70 percent of the municipality. The wooded landscape is therefore an essential part of the town’s character; rural architecture and religious art are also distinct themes. If you choose a destination for its landscape and architectural heritage, Stazzona offers concrete and varied examples of both.

Rural character among the hamlets

The municipality has a long rural tradition, and its agricultural character is still visible in the paths between the houses in its hamlets. Stazzona is also home to distinctive rural buildings with rye-straw roofs. These two features are evident at different scales: the paths illustrate the connections between the houses, while the roofs are a specific example of building design. The rural character is thus apparent both in the layout of the hamlets and in individual buildings.

Tre Cappelle di Sariva: scale and design

The Tre Cappelle di Sariva complex is unusually large compared with Stazzona’s other votive chapels. It is divided into three sections, with a U-shaped protective gallery behind the complex, whose painted decoration was entrusted to Giovanni Tagliaferri. The comparison in size places the building among the local votive chapels, while its layout and gallery describe its specific design. The religious building was commissioned in the 19th century by the Cetta brothers, who came from Stazzona and emigrated to London.

Sacred art at San Giuliano

The parish church of San Giuliano in Stazzona houses a pair of polychrome, gilded wooden angels dating from the second half of the 16th century. “Polychrome” describes the use of multiple colours; the gilding adds a description of the wooden figures’ surface. This brings individual works of sacred art into focus alongside the larger buildings. At Sariva, the focus is on the complex’s layout and protective gallery, whereas at San Giuliano it is on the material, colours and date of a pair of figures.

Landscape and hiking

The upper areas of the Valle dell’Albano are designated as an area of natural and wildlife value in the 2014 municipal landscape plan. If you want to take current conservation or land-management rules into account during your visit, check them in advance. It is also important to note the different areas covered by these facts: the forest percentage refers to the municipality as a whole, while the designation applies to the upper areas of the valley.

The “Passeggiata per i borghi intorno a Stazzona” hike passes the Tre Cappelle di Sariva. At La Costa, it reaches its highest point at 980 metres and offers views of the lower Valtellina, the mountains of Alto Lario and the Valle del Liro. While the paths between the hamlets bring Stazzona’s rural layout into focus, these viewpoints look out over three named landscapes. The hike thus offers a contrast between close-up views of paths and buildings and broader panoramas along the route.

These features offer different points of interest when choosing a destination: the rural layout of the hamlets, sacred architecture and art, or the landscapes seen along the hike. You can weigh up these specific themes to decide which aspect best suits your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Olgiate Comasco, Valsolda, Zelbio, Nesso, Menaggio, Vercana, Sormano, Osteno.

For an overview of the wider area: Como.