Carate Urio among churches, alleys and mountain paths

Carate Urio can be explored through its historic churches, townscape and paths to the Monti di Carate and Monti di Urio. Between narrow alleys, stairways, old portals and distinctive sacred buildings, a local character emerges that brings together an interest in culture and outdoor activity. In Carate, history and architecture take center stage; at the Monti, paths lead into the mountain landscape.

Sacred places and historic stages

The Church of Santa Marta, originally dedicated to Saints Nazaro and Celso, can be reached via a staircase. This staircase is flanked by 14 Stations of the Cross chapels built in 1752 and recently restored. The oldest part of Santa Marta probably dates from the 11th century. The Via Regina also passes Santa Marta in Carate Urio; the church is one of the artistically significant churches along the route.

The Santuario di Pobiano della Santissima Trinità can be reached on foot from the hamlet of Cavadino in about 15 minutes. A faithful reproduction of the Lourdes Grotto is located at the sanctuary. This means that different sacred sites stand side by side in Carate Urio and its immediate surroundings: Santa Marta combines a historic church building with the Stations of the Cross chapels, while the sanctuary is characterized by the Lourdes Grotto.

Alleys, parks and paths to the lakeshore

Carate's historic townscape is characterized by narrow alleys with stairways, typical round arches and the portals of old houses. At Castello di Urio, the park includes a grand staircase and a distinctive walkway leading down to the lakeshore. At Castello di Urio, an 18th-century staircase connects the landing stage with the parterre of the villa.

Mule tracks to the Monti

The Monti di Urio and Monti di Carate are connected by a somewhat rough mule track: the “Sentiero dell’alloro.” From Carate Urio, visitors can explore the Monti di Carate and the Monti di Urio; from there, they can reach the “Sentiero N.1” of the “Via dei Monti Lariani,” which extends at an altitude of around 1,200 meters. A steeply ascending mule track leads in about an hour to the Monti di Carate, a viewpoint with a spring.

Destinations around Carate Urio

The Museo Civico di Erba is a museum in the area around Carate Urio. The Monument of Alessandro Volta and the Camerlata Fountain are monuments in the same area. Monte Bisbino is a peak in the immediate vicinity of Carate Urio. Punta Caldera is a mountain in the area around Carate Urio. Further afield in the region is the Museo Moto Guzzi, a museum. The range of attractions therefore extends from historic churches and monuments to mountains, peaks and paths in the Monti.

For further travel destinations to help with orientation, see here: Asso, Turate, Lasnigo, Olgiate Comasco, Cima Di Porlezza, Inverigo, Torno and Bugiallo.

To the main travel overview: Como.