Olginate between Lago di Olginate, the Adda and history

Olginate between the lake and the Adda

Olginate offers a clear combination of lakeside landscapes, cycle paths and historic buildings. Lago di Olginate is a shallow lake formed by the Adda River. Its shores are home to significant remnants of marsh vegetation, peat bogs and small woodlands. The Lago di Olginate nature reserve covers 78 hectares and lies entirely within Parco Adda Nord. If you would like to give both nature and culture a place in your stay, you can consider the two themes separately when planning your own itinerary.

Lake and river landscapes

The Parco di Villa Sirtori is also located by the water, along the promenade beside the Adda River. If you would like to combine landscapes with local history, this riverside area provides a useful setting for finding your bearings in Olginate.

Flat paths for cycling and walking

The Lungolago di Olginate forms part of the Anello dei Laghi, a cycle path connecting Lago di Olginate and Lago di Garlate. In addition, the Ciclabile dei laghi di Garlate e Olginate runs through Olginate along the right bank. It is flat and accessible, making it suitable for quiet walks, relaxed cycling tours and outings with a stroller. This also means that this part of your travel planning can be adapted to a slower pace.

Villas, churches and medieval traces

Villa Sirtori stands on the banks of the Adda and was once a fortified house built directly on the riverbank at the request of wool merchant Galeazzo Crotti. The tower dates from the mid-14th century. Today, the villa houses four exhibition rooms.

The Chiesa di San Rocco is a Baroque church. It was built in the 18th century as the seat of the Brotherhood of the Holy Rosary and the Holy Cross and houses works of art, including works by the painter Beghè. The Chiesa parrocchiale di Sant'Agnese houses a Serassi organ dating from 1803.

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 from the 15th century were discovered inside. Corte di Sant'Ambrogio is also known as Castello di Capiate and was a seat of power in the early Middle Ages.

Archaeological excavations beneath the rooms of the tower and the former Basilica di San Nazaro at Corte di Sant'Ambrogio revealed part of an extensive medieval necropolis, as well as walls and elements dating from Roman times.

The Arco romano is a medieval structure that has been altered over time, located in the grounds of Villa Carmen. It was built on the remains of a Roman bridge dating from the 3rd century; the bridge was destroyed in the 6th century. The Arco romano is not directly accessible, but can be seen from the Lungolago martiri della Libertà.

Further destinations for planning your trip: Brivio, Malgrate, Cremella, Limonta, Gisazio, Abbadia Lariana, Introzzo, Pasturo

For the overarching travel overview: Lecco.