Visit Griante - Lake Como
The foundation of Griante probably dates back to Celtic times. Certain is the presence of the Romans, witnessed by archaeological finds such as gold coins and furnishings. Griante, between 1400 and 1500, was the scene of continuous raids, fires and devastation. Many villas were built on the ruins of ancient castles and fortifications, and it is not difficult to find their remains among the various hamlets.
What to do, to visit and to see in Griante
San Martino: stunning viev over Lake Como in Griante
The first route starts from the Lido Al Puunt in Griante, right on the lakeshore. You drive up Via Indipendenza, turn right onto Via Vignolo until you reach this parking spot (45.99909844912764, 9.231029503845823). If you like, you can also walk up, the road is about 500 meters long.
The path to St. Martin's Church is well marked here. After 500 meters you reach the chapel of the Alpini, with a first lookout over the lake; continuing for other 520 meters you arrive at the church of San Martino. Here the view is truly enchanting.
A legend says that, at the time of the plague, a maiden from the village went with her sheep to the hillock of San Martino. The maiden entered a cave and found a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. The shepherdess ran back to Griante to bring the good news, and the villagers immediately followed her to the cave to verify her story. Once the deep emotion and astonishment had passed, as the cave was difficult to access, they considered taking the statue to the parish church in Griante, where they could venerate it. Legend has it that, at night, the statue of the Virgin came out of the cave and went to position itself on a rock from which it could dominate the village below.
The event was interpreted by the believers as the Virgin's wish for a church to be built at that location, which was immediately carried out.
The most beautiful villas in Griante
Starting from the parking lots at the Lido in Cadenabbia (45.9933857928548, 9.238537740057387) walk northward along the lake. On your left you will admire a series of historic villas and wonderful parks.
The first is Villa Margherita Ricordi (opposite the SS340 km 29 sign) built in 1853 at the behest of the famous music publisher Giulio Ricordi; Maestro Giuseppe Verdi was a guest here during the time when he composed La Traviata. Shortly after, you will run into Villa Giuseppina, built for the English Garwood family, whose garden contains a large number of fine, precious plants. Next is the magnificent Villa Maria, which hosts a spectacular Art Nouveau greenhouse made of glass and wrought iron, used as a botanical exhibit by the American Martin Clerc, the Villa's first owner. The neighboring property is Villa Giumello Roncoroni, built in the first half of the 19th century for a wealthy family of weavers. Along the way you encounter then Villa Brentano, residence of a noble dynasty of very ancient origins: it is presumed they arrived in Como together with Greek colonists sent by Julius Caesar; Luigi Brentano married Amalia Ricordi, sister of Giulio Ricordi. Soon after, a large park introduces Villa Bonaventura Sada, which was the summer residence of Alfred Trench, the creator of the legendary raincoat that still bears his name. At the end of the the walk is the entrance to Villa Ronconi or Castello Maresi, a mansion built on the ruins of a medieval fortification at the behest of the eccentric Italian-American Pompeo Maresi, who grew rich producing ice cream; the estate includes a vast territory which is part of the San Martino nature reserve.
Opposite the park of Villa Bonaventura is the Lido of Griante El Puunt, where you can stop for an aperitif or relax on the beach. The lido offers beach chair and kayak rentals. The reviews are great.
The Adenauer promenade.
Between Villa Giumello Roncoroni and Villa Maria you will notice an open gate: As you look out, you are welcomed by a flight of steps that rises in the shade of a beautiful forest (45.998790831392654, 9.237394866363926). If you walk it up, you will find yourself surrounded by the parks of the respective properties. Also, along the steps are small resting areas with granite benches where you will feel at peace and out of the world.
The steps end on a driveway, Via Indipendenza. Go right and immediately left onto Via Armando Diaz. When you reach the small church of S. Rocco, the road continues right to S. Martino, but you go left along the small pedestrian street Via Tommaso Grossi. Enter the village and continue until you reach the Adenauer promenade.
Just after the church S.S. Nerbore and Felice, go along Via Franzani and then right to Via Roma. Here you will find the entrance to Villa La Collina (also known as Villa Adenauer), an extraordinary mansion built on the ruins of a medieval tower with a priceless view of the Bellagio promontory. Villa La Collina was the summer residence of Konrad Adenauer. For this reason, many Heads of State from all over the world were received here. Did you know that the idea of a united Europe took shape in this villa?
Walk down Via Roma back to the lakefront, next to the majestic Hotel Britannia, where an aperitif in one of the cute cozy bars by the lake awaits you.
Museum, villas, monuments and sights
Events, festivals and music in Griante
Beaches and lidos, where to swim in Griante
Griante's Al Puunt lido is in front of Villa Bonaventura Park. The lido offers beach chair and kayak rentals. The reviews are excellent.
Best treks and scenic hiking trails in Griante
If you want to go trekking, hiking or nordic-walling on Lake Como and discover trails above the Griante mountains, we recommend the team HIKING LAKE COMO. Francesca and Mario are professional and passionate certified guides, as well as enthusiastic local people. Contact here
How to get to Griante