Visit Molina, Lake Como

A walk through the beautiful village of Molina

Villa Baragiola Cairoli and the chapel with belvedere over Lake Como

Drive to Molina and park here (45.85792563208085, 9.153787998103715).
From the parking lot, looking at the trattoria Tipitipici, take the road on the left going up towards the village, via Felice Baragiola. You soon come to the central Piazza di S. Antonio, where the Hostaria Antica Molina and a historic steep flight of steps capture the entire scene. The small porticoes overlooking the square offer truly fascinating views and perspectives too. Also the cute Da Pippi inn is something delightful.
Keep the church behind you and take the first street on the right, Via XX Settembre to cross, on your right, Via Carlo Pizzalla. Here a charming mansion awaits you, Villa Baragiola Cairoli, which belonged to an influential dynasty of politicians and entrepreneurs.

Pietro Baragiola (1854-1915) came from a family of silk industrialists, but he was able to extend his interests into public transportation and energy. Above all, however, he understood the tourist potential of the thermal baths and made Montecatini one of the most popular destinations in Europe. He was a deputy in the Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy for six terms, a patron and vice-president of the Society for Fine Arts. His son Carlo was also a deputy, explorer and author of numerous writings and travel notes.

Another heir of the family, Felice Baragiola, played a decisive role in the "Lariana," the company that operated civil steam-navigation on Lake Como. He was the last director before the company was incorporated into the current governmental Gestione Navigazione Laghi d'Italia. In the street dedicated to him, which always starts from the central square, you find another fun fact that deserves particular attention: a large Jurassic ammonite set in the wall of a house.

Returning to the square, still with the church behind you, take the second street on the right, Via Umberto I° to reach a beautiful amaranth-colored portal with a stone herald depicting a fern; it appears to be the entrance to an ancient fortified palace. Take Via Mario Prada here to arrive at the small chapel with a charming viewpoint over the lake.