Lezzeno on Lake Como: Strada Regia, Churches and Local Festivals

Lezzeno combines the lakeside landscape of Lake Como with mountain villages and historic landmarks. An easy circular hike leads through small hamlets, woodland and the village of Carzolina; churches, remnants of fortifications, festivals and local food complete the picture of the village.

Hiking along the Strada Regia

The hiking route through Lezzeno is an easy circular walk of approximately 5 km that takes about two hours. It includes 125 m of ascent and 125 m of descent and starts and ends at the Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta.

For planning the day, the approximate two-hour duration provides a fixed framework; the ascent and descent, the paved staircase section and the access along the Stations of the Cross should also be taken into account as components of the entire route. Those planning the loop in Lezzeno can set aside a separate time slot for it.

The route follows the Strada Regia through small hamlets with views of Lake Como. The Lezzeno section of the Strada Regia is designated as CAI 401.

Via a paved staircase and access along a Stations of the Cross route, the trail reaches the Chiesa della Santissima Trinità; there is a viewpoint there. It also passes through woodland and the village of Carzolina before reaching the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie in Bagnana.

Churches, Chapels and Traces of the Past

The Chiesa dei Santi Quirico e Giulitta is a Baroque church on Piazza Roma, just a few steps from Lake Como. The Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary was founded in the Oratorio di Santa Marta on 1 May 1578. The parish of Santi Quirico e Giulitta in Lezzeno can be traced back to a document from 1434.

The Santuario della Madonna dei Ceppi is a 15th-century chapel in the mountain village of Cendraro in Lezzeno. Remains of medieval fortifications can be found in the village of Castello.

The Grotta dei Bulberi, also known as Grotta dei Carpi, lies on the steep lakeshores near Lezzeno. It features fascinating displays of water and light.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

At the festival on 21 June, Stopagoss are prepared in Lezzeno. These are very thin rice cakes made from cornmeal and milk, roasted in butter and eaten with milk. Paradell are also made at this festival: sweet or savory egg pancakes decorated or filled with sugar, jam, honey or cheese.

At the Feast of Saint Joseph on 19 March, Lezzeno hosts a competition between the contrade involving bonfires. The two festival dates and their different customs give the local culture a clear seasonal character.

Getting There from Como

Lezzeno can be reached from Como by bus on the Como–Bellagio route.

More Places for Your Trip to Italy

Cerano D'intelvi, Blevio, Plesio, Consiglio Di Rumo, Casnate Con Bernate, Veleso, Maslianico, Dongo

Como