A walk in Brunate to the Volta’s lighthouse

Today we offer you some suggest for a trip that we can really consider a classic among the most popular for our guests: a walk in Brunate to the Volta’s Lighthouse. Brunate is a small and quaint village that dominates Como and its lake. The village, mostly made up between woods, is connected to the city by an easily and accessible asphalted road and the renowned Funicular, an historic road that dates back to 1894.

Discovering Brunate and the Volta’s Lighthouse

Brunate and the surrounding area offer interesting walks and excursions: from the Funicular square, located in Como in Alcide de Gasperi square, just a few minutes you can reach the “Fonte del Pissarrottino”, where you can admire a unique landscape: the first Lake Como’s basin, the historical Villa Erba (fairs and events’ location) and the beautiful prealpin chain with Monte Rosa.

The historic center of Brunate is made up of staircases and small historic streets all to be discovered, that are entering all into the main center’s street. The country’s civil buildings, famous by their imposing stone portals, have ancient origins. The most important are the Castle Court and the Jewish Court dating back to the 14th century. Immediately there is the Cappelletta, a small church dedicated to the Pompeii’s Virgin. In the village are emerging eclectic and liberty style’s villas surrounded by beautiful parks because in the past, the town was a holiday resort for the lords of the place. From the center of the village you can reach San Maurizio, a very touristic place, and continue to reach the Cima delle Tre Croci. Here there is the famous octagonal Tower of the Volta’s Lighthouse, that was built in 1927 during the celebrations of the 1st centenary of Alessandro Volta’s death, that was born in Como.

Along the Brunate’s Mount you can also see the Eremo di San Donato, erected by the Franciscan Friars in the fifteenth century. This place is no longer devoted to prayer because of the decisions of Maria Theresa of Austria that abolished the privileges of the Lombard church and desecrated and closed numerous convents. From here you can go on foot or reach, with a path that runs along it, the funicular to return to the Valley.

The most famous hiking trail that depart from Brunate? The Strada Regia

Exiting from the Funicular Station, you will easily find the Strada Regia: a route that crosses the eastern shore of Lake Como between the Como and Bellagio. It is remembered as the ancient mule track pattern that allowed travelers and merchants to trade. Today it is a pedestrian path, suitable for mountain biking. For convenience the itinerary has been divided into three stages: Brunate-Torno (6km), Torno-Nesso (11km), Nesso-Bellagio (12km). The first stage is easily accessible in one day and is also suitable for children and families. Arrive in Brunate, then you have to go along Via Roma and via Nidirino, overcoming the sports field and immersing yourself right on the forest path. In this post you will find the most precise directions of the first stage. Once you come to Torno you can decide to return to Como or directly in our Hotel Posta Moltrasio by boat (remember that the boat pier is right in front of our Hotel!), enjoying a fantastic view directly from the lake.

Upon your arrival at Hotel Posta Moltrasio, ask for further information at reception about hiking trails and excursions.
I look forward to welcoming you with all the staff to help you organize your vacation on our wonderful Lake Como!