Maslianico between the Pre-Alpine Landscape and Historic Trails

Maslianico between the Pre-Alps and Border Trails

Maslianico extends from the flat terrain along the eastern slopes of Monte Bisbino. The landscape is typical of the Lombard Pre-Alps and combines different impressions: in the upper part of the town, Moltrasio limestone is visible at numerous roadside cuttings and in the disused small Cava dei Pini quarry. The nearby Monte Bisbino is also classified as a “Peak”. If you are planning a trip to Maslianico, you will therefore encounter both geological features and a landscape revealed through trails and historic traces.

Landscape with Caves and Watercourses

The Breggia is fed by several short streams. They rise on the slopes of Bisbino, flow down through steep, almost parallel valleys and empty into the Breggia. Near the village of Scaletto lies La Tana, one of three known caves at elevations between 420 and 480 metres. The La Tana trail leads to La Tana cave. This combination of terrain, watercourses and caves gives the mountainous part of Maslianico a distinct character, without requiring a specific route or length of stay.

Historic Trails and Distinctive Companions

The mountainous part of Maslianico has numerous historic trails and routes that lead through the town’s forests to neighbouring municipalities. The Lake Como Poetry Way runs from the Valico di Roggiana in Maslianico via Cernobbio and Como to Brunate. Along this route there are Little Free Libraries where hikers can take and leave books. The history of the trails is also present: the Scala di Ronda was used by border guards to monitor the steep border slopes; an original barbed-wire boundary and a reconstructed guard hut are located there. Some trails at the Roggiana border crossing were also used by smugglers in the past.

Churches, Canal History and Painting

The Roggia Molinara is part of the cultural history: an old artificial canal that already existed in the Middle Ages and carried water from the Breggia to the mills once located between Maslianico and Cernobbio. The Santa Teresa Sanctuary has a single nave and is designed in the Lombard-Romanesque style; the interior wall decoration was completed in 1955. The existence of the Chiesa comparrocchiale di Sant’Ambrogio in Maslianico has been documented since 1290. A more contemporary accent is provided by LA VOCE DEL COLORE, a traditional painting exhibition in Maslianico that has reached its 15th edition.

Putting Nearby Places into Context

The Monument of Alessandro Volta is located near Maslianico. The surrounding area also contains the Camerlata Fountain, classified as a “Monument”, Monte Generoso, classified as a “Mountain”, and Punta Caldera, classified as a “Mountain”. In the wider regional area are Villa Augusta and Villa Mirabello, classified as “Palaces”, as well as Cima del Costone, classified as a “Peak”. When choosing accommodation, it may be helpful to first determine your personal focus: historic trails and landscapes, sacred buildings and canal history, or exhibitions and places in the wider region.

Discover More Places

In addition to Maslianico, you can also include Bugiallo, Erbonne, Garzeno, Valmorea, Luisago, Torno, Olgiate Comasco and Albogasio in your wider travel plans for Italy.

For the higher-level travel overview: Como.