Gravedona

Welcome to Gravedona, considered to be one of the most important towns of the Lario for historic, religious and commercial reasons, situated in an inlet at the foot of the mountain.

Just a few kilometres away from Domaso and surrounded by a wonderful landscape, this village has become a summer resort thanks to its mild climate, mitigated in the summer by constant breezes.

It offers beautiful lakeside promenades, that have been recently renewed and many outdoor activities, starting from its’ well-equipped beaches.

The old town centre is characterized by narrow alleyways, steep step ways, and old houses all attached to each other. There are many artistic sites to see in town. Among them: Santa Maria del Tiglio, San Vincenzo, Santa Maria delle Grazie e SS. Gusmeo e Matteo and Palazzo Gallio, with its imposing aura, dominating a lonely corner of the lakefront.

Nearby you find the villages of Dongo, Peglio and Livo, and also some nice trekking routes.

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Gravedona – What to see
Gravedona is considered to be one of the most important towns of the Lario for historic, religious and commercial reasons, situated in an inlet at the foot of the mountain.

The church of Santa Maria del Tiglio, which dates back to the 15th century is one of the most important buildings of the area. This Romanesque church was built on the lakefront, with a bell tower incorporated in the centre of the façade and a wooden crucifix inside hanging in the apse.

Other churches worth to be mentioned are: San Vincenzo, built around 1000 with the original crypt, two inscriptions from the 6th century and an elegant golden cross; The church of S. Maria delle Grazie, built in a panoramic position, is richly frescoed with impressive paintings of the Renaissance Lombard school. The romantic church of Santi Gusmeo e Matteo, surrounded by a large garden of plane trees, with many paintings, the most important decorative intervention is a fresco by “Fiammenghino”.

In an isolated part of the town we find the impressive construction of Palazzo Gallio, that dominates the whole panoramic lakefront. This palace was ordered in 1580 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, it is square shaped with four solid corner towers and has overhanging balconies open out towards the lake and towards the mountains offering a breathtaking view.

Nearby, the village of Dongo, where Mussolini was captured, is worth a visit. Here you find some interesting churches and sanctuaries and the ancient villages of Plegio and Livio, from where you can set out on trips on Monte Duria (2264m).

Other excursions are possible in the valley of Livio’s stream (Valle del torrente Livio) and Livio’s valley (Valle di Livio) with spectacular panoramic views.

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Gravedona – Cuisine and Restaurants
Here listed are some good restaurants in Gravedona and nearby:

La Carapina
Viale Umberto I 25 – Gravedona Tel.+39 340 2655431
Homemade ice-cream.

Osteria al Vecchio Bacucco
Provinciale Quattro n.c. – 22010 Germasino, Gravedona
Tel. +39 0344 88238
Typical Tuscan cuisine. Florentine steak on stone . Homemade pasta. Terrace overlooking the lake.
From October open only weekends.

Ca’ De’ Matt
Via Castello, 6 – Gravedona
Tel. +39 0344 85640

Ristorante Cardinello
Largo Cesare Battisti, 5 – Gravedona
Tel. +39 0344 89450
Restaurant and Pizzas.

Gravedona – How to get there
By air
From the Milanese air Terminals of Linate, Malpensa and Orio al Serio, you should make your way to the centre of Milan and then take the train to Como. With the Malpensa Express it is preferable to get off in Saronno and then get the train of The Ferrovie Nord to Como. From Malpensa, it is also possible to get to Como by bus (line n250) in only an hour.

By train
From the centre of Milan take the train (Ferrovie dello Stato) that leaves from the central station line Lecco-Sondrio-Tirano, get off in Colico and then take the boat or the bus to get to Gravedona; otherwise make your way to Como and then you have to take the bus in direction Menaggio (line C-10). Bus timetable (www.asfautolinee.it).

By car
From Milan, take the motorway A9 and then exit Como Nord, then take the road statale Regina SS340, in direction Menaggio. Another quick way to arrive in Gravedona, is to make your way to Lecco, then take the SS36 in direction Colico, then at the end of the road follow the directions for Menaggio-Como.

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