This walk, which starts with the breathtaking cable car ride from Argegno to Pigra (860m), follows ancient cobblestone tracks with a beautiful view of the lake down to Colonno.
Description
From the boat dock at Argegno, walk to the cable car station which is at the northern end of the town where there is also a bus stop (bus stop Funivia). In just four minutes the cable car will take you from 200 m to 860 m.The view of the lake and the mountains is breathtaking. From the cable car station at Pigra you go straight on as far as the roundabout and from there continue straight on till you reach the post office (PT). From here take the street leading uphill to a wash house. Turn right and walk along via Sociale to the end of the town. Here stands a big building with the writing “Antica Societa Operaia” where you pick up the track with the sign for Lomia / Corniga.You pass a little chapel dedicated to the Madonna del Soccorso and from here the track leads down in wide bends into the “Valle delle Camogge“. Having passed some streams, you reach the farmhouse Lomia (800 m). The track reaches the stream of the Val Camogge and you cross it over a bridge. The trail then continues steeply uphill to Serta (830 m), where there are a few houses. From here a comfortable track leads to the big settlement Corniga (760 m) at 0.50 hrs. from Pigra. The little church dedicated to St.Anna is of 1631. Behind the church there is a “nevera,” a cylindrical formed construction. These stone constructions, which lead deep into the ground, were filled with snow (neve) and used in the summer to conserve food.
From the church continue downhill to the right and follow the track, at some points very steep, which connects Corniga with the town Colonno. After you have passed the settlement Cambianico, you enjoy a beautiful view of the “Dosso di Lavedo,” the Island Comacina, and of Monte San Primo (1600 m) on the opposite shore. At the end of the track, when you reach the paved road continue left and after 200 m, take the flight of steps to the left which lead down to the centre of Colonno. At the end of the steps, from the small piazza continue straight on till you reach the bridge over the stream Pessetta. Here you find yourself on a part of the ancient Roman road called “L’Antica Strada Regina.” This ancient route, used till the end of the 18th century, used to be one of the important connection routes between Como and the countries situated north of the Alps. At Colonno the “Greenway” starts, a most pleasant walk of about 3h 30 that follows parts of this historic road through the towns of Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo, and Griante.
At Colonno a Greek colony was established by the Romans.They founded in addition to Colonno the towns of Lezzeno, Lenno, Nesso and Griante, and introduced olive groves and vineyards. The typical small cobblestone streets of Colonno with narrow passages and alleys which lead down to the lake are typical of a medieval town.
Directions & Parking
By public transport
Argegno can be reached by bus line C10, by boat or hydrofoil
Cable car from Argegno to Pigra: ask for the time table tel. (+39) 031 821344
Colonno is connected with bus line C10
Gallery
