Asso: History, Landscape and Trails

Asso is the main town of Valassina. It lies on the valley floor of Valassina, just above the Vallategna waterfall, where the Foce stream flows into the Lambro. The landscape also includes the Orrido di Asso, a narrow, deep gorge carved by the Lambro River. Those who wish to combine nature and local history can include both themes in their personal travel plans.

Churches and Traces of History

The Chiesa prepositurale di Asso was completed in 1675, consecrated by Cardinal Giuseppe Pozzobonelli on 31 May 1752, and dedicated to John the Baptist, the patron saint of Asso and Valassina. A tooth relic of Saint Apollonia has been kept there for a long time. On 9 February, a painting depicting her martyrdom is displayed and the traditional “bacio del dente” ceremony is held.

The Chiesa del santo Crocifisso has a Serlian loggia and numerous frescoes. In the village of Gemù, the Chiesa S. Maria was built at the end of the 16th century at the behest of Giovanni Antonio Binda; for almost two centuries, it was served by the Olivetan monks of Civate.

Flint tools typical of the Neolithic period around 3000 BC were found during earthworks at the sports field and near the Castello di Asso. Roman heritage in Asso is evidenced by the Roman road discovered in 1794. With its imposing size, the Castello di Asso still dominates the entire town today. Churches, archaeological traces and the castle thus point to different periods in the town’s history.

Villas, Mill and River Landscape

Two villas with distinctly different backgrounds form part of the area’s architectural history. Villa Bertieri was built in the 1920s in the Florentine eclectic style on the site of a large building called Maldifassa, possibly of Spanish origin. Villa Oltolina in Scarenna dates from the late 19th century and combines a residential building with an industrial structure next to the textile factory of the same name.

The Mulino dei Mauri is a rectangular mill building parallel to the Lambro River; a diversion channel leads from above to the iron water wheel. Together with the Orrido di Asso and the Vallategna waterfall, this mill illustrates how closely the local architectural history is connected with the watercourse.

Hiking between Asso and Caslino

“Tra le cime del Triangolo Lariano” is a circular hiking trail between the municipalities of Asso and Caslino d'Erba. The Asso–Caslino circular trail is classified as moderately difficult and includes a steep ascent to Monte Barzaghino as well as several sections secured with chains. If you are planning a hike, therefore, take into account both the significant ascent and the secured trail sections. The trail descends to the village of Ponte Oscuro in Asso, where there is a drinking fountain. In Asso, the name Sentiero del Giubileo is associated with a trail.

More Places to Include in Your Travel Plans

Other places you can include in your travel plans are Garzeno, Uggiate-Trevano, Tremezzina, Valmorea, Musso, Carate Urio, Sormano and Mariano Comense.

For the higher-level travel overview: Como.