A dense forest opens out onto a peninsula with Mediterranean colours, and at the bottom is a splendid 7th century abbey.
- Distance: 6 km
- Height difference: +200 m
- Walking time: approx. 3h
- Meeting place: 09.20 a.m. Piona Railway Station
It is recommended to come by train:
07.20 Milan – 08.29 Bellano (change) / 09.00 Bellano – 09.15 Piona
The return journey will be by boat! 13.50 Piona Abbey – 14.00 Colico
The Abbey of Piona, an oasis of peace and serenity where Cistercian monks reside. A jewel of Romanesque architecture in an enviable position, at the tip of a peninsula between deep green waters, cultivated fields and vegetation reminiscent of the Mediterranean maquis.
To reach it we walk along a forest path, mostly flat with a few ups and downs and vantage points where the tree canopies give way to views of the lake. Reaching the village of Olgiasca we climb through the historic core to the top of the hill where we continue along a spectacular stretch through olive groves, heather and rosemary that leads to the abbey.
We visit the cloister, the gardens, the church and have the opportunity to buy liqueurs, medicinal herbs, cosmetic creams and honey produced by the monks. For the return journey, a boat will take us to Colico, near the train station, in 10 minutes.
WHAT TO BRING:
Hiking boots/shoes, a change of shirt, sweater/fleece, rain jacket, walking sticks for those who find them comfortable, water bottle
ACCOMPANIED EXCURSION COST: €20 (does not include boat ride: €2.50)
- TO BOOK CLICK HERE YOU WILL BE ADDED TO THE EVENT’S WHATSAPP GROUP.
- x info: Gabri tel.328 7745508 mail: cortigabriele@yahoo.com