Valle d'Intelvi

The valley has been inhabited since prehistoric and Roman times. During the middle ages it saw the growth of various villages under the administration of the Como Council. For centuries the territory was ruled by the Visconti family and later by the Rusca family. However the valley’s fame remains tied to the works of the Intelvi masters who specialized in building, stone sculptures and stucco work, frescos and stone decorations, enriching the art treasures not only in Italy but also in the rest of Europe: from Spain to Austria to Russia.
Leaving Argegno, we pass through the villages of Dizzasco, Castiglione Intelvi and San Fedele, until we reach Lanzo and then the peak of Sighignola with its view from the “Balcone d’Italia” (the balcony of Italy) over the Alps and Lake Lugano below: it is an itinerary that continues to capture your attention with its ancient villages, villas, churches and monuments that even today safeguard valuable works of art.
The Intelvi valley is one of the most populated valleys in the Como Province and amongst its numerous villages we recommend San Fedele Intelvi, an important tourist and commercial centre located in a strategic position. Within its territory are various itineraries that take you in the direction of Pigra, a panoramic spot that acts as a balcony over lake Como and is connected to Argegno by a regular funicular service; and also in the direction of Casasco, Pellio and Lanzo, or down towards Claino with Osteno, on the Italian shores of lake Lugano, where you can visit the “ravine” and the Rescia caves.
Lanzo Intelvi, at 907 m. above sea level, is the most renowned tourist resort in the valley. It boasts not only a rich welcoming structure but also a variety of well organized sport facilities including horse riding centres, golf courses, ski lifts to the Sighignola peak and well organized footpaths for trekking.
Not far from San Fedele you can find Scaria, where it is possible to visit the churches of Saints Nazzaro and Celso and of Saint Maria, the latter full of frescos and stucco works by the Carloni brothers.
Another pretty spot is Laino, located in a panoramic location on the side of the valley that overlooks Lake Ceresio. It is the birthplace of numerous artists: Barberini, Caprani, Quaglio etc.
The wonderful position of Ramponio Verna, a balcony overlooking Lake Ceresio, makes this spot an oasis of tranquillity, but where it is also possible to admire monuments like the S. Pancrazio Oratory which was built using stone ashlar blocks between 1025-1050. The bell tower and the ancient apse can still be seen of this primitive construction. Inside are the precious frescoes and stucco-work by Diego Carloni and the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra which preserves objects and furniture from the various Parishes in the area, generally donated by wealthy families from this region.
The valley is a unique place to stay in all seasons, with its hotels, refuges and villas, and with the possibility of going for walks and excursions of varying difficulty, the most famous of which is the “Via dei Monti Lariani”.