Olginate: Lakeside Nature, Cycling Routes and History

Olginate combines Lake Olginate with cycling routes and buildings from different periods. This makes nature, physical activity and history distinct interests to consider when choosing a destination. If you are looking for a hotel in Olginate, you can start by asking which of these interests you want to shape your stay.

Lakeshore and protected landscape

Lake Olginate is a shallow lake formed by the River Adda. Its shores are home to significant remnants of marsh vegetation, peat bogs and small woods. The Lake Olginate protected area covers 78 hectares and lies entirely within Adda Nord Park. Olginate therefore offers a specific landscape to explore alongside its historic buildings.

Cycling routes and their different features

The Lungolago di Olginate forms part of the Anello dei Laghi, a cycling route connecting Lake Olginate with Lake Garlate. The Ciclabile dei laghi di Garlate e Olginate runs along the right bank through Olginate. It is flat and accessible, making it suitable for leisurely walks, relaxed bike rides and outings with a stroller.

The routes can be distinguished by their different features: the Anello dei Laghi focuses on connecting the two lakes, while the Ciclabile is also described in terms of its terrain and possible uses. If you are planning your time around a particular kind of outing, you can compare these details with your interests without treating the two routes as one and the same.

Architectural history on the banks of the Adda

Villa Sirtori stands on the banks of the Adda. It was once a fortified house, built directly beside the river at the request of wool merchant Galeazzo Crotti. The tower dates from the mid-14th century. Today, the villa houses four exhibition rooms; visits to the exhibitions are organized separately. The Parco di Villa Sirtori is located along the promenade beside the Adda.

Another historic landmark is the Arco romano in the park of Villa Carmen. The structure is medieval and has been altered over time. It was built on the remains of a Roman bridge dating from the 3rd century, which was destroyed in the 6th century. The Arco is not directly accessible, but can be seen from Lungolago martiri della Libertà. Its history spans the Roman bridge, its destruction and the medieval structure that was later altered.

Churches and traces of different periods

The Chiesa di San Rocco is an 18th-century Baroque church. It was built as the seat of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary and the Holy Cross. The church contains works of art, including works by the painter Beghè.

The Chiesa e convento di Santa Maria La Vite was probably built within a fortified complex as a place of refuge and prayer for the local population. Frescoes dating from the 15th century were discovered inside.

The Chiesa parrocchiale di Sant'Agnese is also one of Olginate's historic buildings: it houses a Serassi organ dating from 1803. The Corte di Sant'Ambrogio, also known as Castello di Capiate, was a seat of power in the early Middle Ages. Together, these places illustrate different aspects of architectural and church history, from a Baroque church to an early medieval center of power.

Discover more destinations: Casargo, Mandello Del Lario, Vendrogno, Malgrate, Baita, Missaglia, Ballabio, Cernusco Lombardone

For the main travel overview: Lecco.