Civate: Frescoes, Hiking Trails and Lake Annone

Plan a trip to Civate around culture and outdoor activities at a range of locations. San Calocero combines a Romanesque basilica with medieval paintings and a former monastic complex. Casa del Pellegrino recalls travellers on their way to S. Pietro al Monte and contains surviving frescoes depicting hunting and courtly scenes. Other options include the trail to the Basilica of San Pietro al Monte, accessible only on foot; mapped hiking trails from Civate to Monte Cornizzolo; and routes around Lake Annone, which can be enjoyed on foot or by bike year-round.

San Calocero: Basilica and Former Monastery

The present-day Basilica of San Calocero is Romanesque, has three naves and was built around 1050. The central nave contains a fresco cycle arranged in two registers, dating from the 11th to 12th centuries. Its Old Testament episodes include scenes from Exodus, Joshua, Judges and Kings, among others. The Romanesque church architecture is thus paired with a programme of images telling stories from several books of the Old Testament.

The complex includes the church and the former monastery. Several wings of the building form a large, two-storey cloister lined with arcades. An exterior-accessible route reveals the upper section of an incomplete medieval fresco cycle with an Old Testament theme in the attic. Luce Nascosta offers a tour of the entire complex, including the attic with its Romanesque frescoes. Check the provider’s calendar when planning your visit.

Casa del Pellegrino and Medieval Frescoes

Casa del Pellegrino offers a different perspective on the history of travel. The building historically served as accommodation for travellers on their way to S. Pietro al Monte; the earliest reliable documentary references date from the first half of the 15th century. In the two surviving frescoed rooms, red backgrounds frame hunting scenes featuring a wild boar, a falcon and a deer, as well as scenes of courtly life.

The fresco programmes at Casa del Pellegrino and San Calocero have different focuses: San Calocero features Old Testament episodes, while Casa del Pellegrino depicts hunting and courtly scenes. If you are interested in the area’s art history, these subjects offer two different ways to explore the surviving images.

Trails by Lake Annone and Monte Cornizzolo

The Basilica of San Pietro al Monte can be reached from the hamlet of Pozzo only on foot, via a mule track on the eastern slope of Monte Cornizzolo; the walk takes about an hour. Mapped hiking trails also run from Civate to Monte Cornizzolo. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the latest local hiking information before setting out.

The routes around the entire Lake Annone can be enjoyed on foot or by bike year-round. Alongside the exclusively pedestrian access to S. Pietro al Monte, this offers another way to get outdoors: you can also plan a bike ride by the lake. Rifugio Marisa Consigliere is located on Monte Cornizzolo and offers food and shelter. Check the refuge’s opening arrangements and services before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Casatenovo, Taceno, Montevecchia, Vercurago, Barzio, Dorio, Cremella, Garbagnate Monastero.

Return to the main travel overview: Lecco.