Gisazio: Forest Landscape, Village History and Trails on Lake Como

Gisazio is considered a small hamlet above Lake Como, situated amid forests. For you, the village presents itself as a manageable destination with an unusually close connection between landscape, village history and trails. Locally, Gisazio is also known by the dialect name “Sasc”. The local name is as much part of the hamlet’s character as the historical traces visible in its church, washhouses and community projects.

Church and Evolving Village History

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena in Gisazio dates back to 1596. Its altarpiece is attributed to Giovanni Battista Fumeo. In this small hamlet, you can therefore encounter concrete evidence of religious and artistic history, without Gisazio needing to make an impact through a large number of attractions.

The community book about Gisazio also focuses on the history and traditions of the village. It was created with the participation of local residents and recounts a culture of local remembrance that is not tied solely to individual buildings. Another example is the “Pollibreria”, a book-exchange project in Gisazio that became a focal point of the village. At least two events about the village are organised there every year.

Forest Trails and Historic Washhouses

If you would like to explore Gisazio on foot, a route description for the Sentiero del Viandante leads to Gisazio via a pleasant clearing with the Chiesetta della Maddalena. A small bridge on the Sentiero del Viandante also crosses the stream flowing down from Gisazio. These two trail connections make the landscape more than just a backdrop; they link the hamlet with specific sections of the well-known hiking trail.

Another route leads through the districts of Perledo to historic public washhouses, including the Lavatoio di Gisazio. The route is approximately 7 kilometres long. The washhouses of Perledo once served as communal meeting places: women washed laundry there and exchanged news. Those interested in everyday history gain an illustrative insight into earlier forms of community life along this route.

Local Cuisine and Village Life

The history of the village also includes the Maresi family, considered one of the oldest families in Gisazio. The family operated an Osteria of the same name in the village, which closed around 1958. The former Osteria is therefore a historical reference to the local food culture and to a place where village life and hospitality were once intertwined.

On-Demand Bus for Getting Around

Gisazio has a stop for the on-demand Perledo Night Bus, which can be reserved via WhatsApp. The free bus connects the railway station with the hamlets around the municipality of Perledo and has around 13 on-demand stops there. For the Gisazio stop, it is recommended that you send the reservation message at least 20 minutes before the desired pick-up time. When planning, this specific rule is just as much part of getting oriented locally as deciding which trails and cultural traces you would like to combine.

More Destinations

More destinations: Bosisio Parini, Cassago Brianza, Mandello Del Lario, Costa Masnaga, Vendrogno, Pescate, Cremella, Garlate.

To the main travel overview: Lecco.