Escape from the city : a dive in the green hill of Brianza
filled by Giulia & Romeo
Halfway between Milan and Lecco Lake, opposite the hill on which stands Montevecchia, there is a village which still has the charm of unspoiled nature that surrounds it: Colle Brianza is the highest point (887mt) is also the highest point of the whole Brianza.
According to tradition, it seems that the same name Brianza was born right here, and was later expanded to the entire area that is now identified as such. The name probably derives from the Celtic name Brianza brig (hill height) that still has the same meaning in many northern dialects including the one of Monza.
It s a great place for a Sunday drive, even better on a scooter, which you can easily move from one village to another exploring the entire hill: Bestetti, Nava, the town hall, Ravellino, Gagliano Giovenzana, Campsirago and ... then again, Piecastello, Scerizza, and Scerizzatta Panizzera and San. Genesius. In 1927, the number of residential areas were merged into a single town Colle Brianza. If you do not have a scooter and you like walking there are easy trails that will make you see the main points without much effort. (see end of page)
Every village and every location in the town is characterized by beautiful rural buildings, linked to a past which is still perfectly preserved, with beautiful churches, shrines and unique natural sights.
The strong spirituality of Colle Brianza is proved in the 11 churches and numerous chapels and shrines that dot the houses, fields and streets, and icons painted on the walls of the farmhouses, make a time to protect families and help the country life.
(Here are some in Scerizza and at L'Alpe and Fumagallo farrms)
Campsirago is the most rural villages of the hill, an ancient medieval village, and several years during the summer it plays an important theater festival.
At San Genesio a temple dedicated to Giano, which then underwent various transformations until it was trasformed into the building of the Church of St. Joseph made the Camaldolese monks in the nineteenth century, with the adjoining convent, being now private property, is open only during the last two weeks of July. In front stands the Alpino restaurant, opened only on Sundays, a refuge for walkers who reach the monastery on foot.
To note the washing in Ravellino, whose smallest basin with granite countertops can be traced back to the Late Middle Ages period.
Do not miss a visit to the Madonna del Sasso, which is found on the road leading up to St. Genesio, among chestnut trees and a branch of the river Molgora: the sanctuary was built in the last century to commemorate the apparition of the Blessed Virgin to the widow Giovanna Fumagalli while herding the flock. The witnesses say that Our Lady appeared to her three times, and miraculous healings worked recorded in the parish of Giovenzana.
Scattered among the various fractions are typical trattorias where the traditional dishes of Brianza can be tasted like polenta with braised and Cassola. At the restaurant "Stala del Re" in Campsirago, Trattoria Pizzagalli in Gagliano, the Bellavista Giovenzana Trattoria, the restaurant-pizzeria old Brianza in Nava ...
At Nava you can enjoy excellent beer at Peppo’s bar (120 types of bottled beers and 10 draughts), or sip a coffee or an ice cream at the Café del Colle.
Since some time now in the woods of the hill, where with a little luck you can spot a fox, a badger, or pheasants and squirrels, Softair is practices, Tactical shooting sports, team-based activity on the simulation of military tactics. Sniper rifles, camouflage and shooting, but the war is only for imitation. (Group Platoon, www.platoonsoftair.com)
Here are a few trails that are found in the guide made by the town of Colle Brianza
Giovenzana-Genesio-Campsirago-Gagliano-Giovenzana
Departure from Giovenzana, where, after having refreshed at the fountain of the village and having admired the beautiful church of St. Donnino, continue on the road on the left of the church, up until you reach the exit of the partisans. This is an important historical testimonial of the war period, a farmhouse where some dissidents hidden Nazi-Fascist forces were brutally murdered. Continuing the path, keeping left until you arrive in San Genesio, Camaldolese hermitage of St. Joseph, visited only in the last two weeks of July. You can relax in front of the hermitage at the Rifugio of the Alpe. The road will then lead you to Campsirago, a medieval village, and from there, going down the main road leading to the valley, on the right stands the Madonna del Sasso. Going down the same road you will pass the village of Gagliano and then arrive at Giovenzana, your starting point.
The silk route
It’s the most natural path, retraces the steps of the spinner in the beginning of last century used to reach the many mills in the surrounding area. Having taken the path that leads from the main road to the Cascina Panizzera, you have to keep right and continue for a few hundred meters. On the way you can see an old wash-house, once used by women of the country and still in use today. Turn left, direction "Bosina." The trail takes you into an almost magical atmosphere, the thick vegetation and the musical sound of the water of Gandaloglio.
Following the path you’ll arrive to Gandaloglio, which is in Bosina, old mill, marks the border with the town of Ello. A small bridge was renovated recently, marks the boundary between the two countries. Taking the path that leads to Ravellino, you can visit the beautiful fountain and the ancient Church of Our Lady of Ceriola, in which is preserved an interesting altarpiece of the early seventeenth century
Scerizza Crocione-Madonna-Alpe-Scerizzetta
From Scerizza take the path that leads to Alpe. Reach the Cascina: you'll see a breathtaking view. Take the path on the right, leading directly to Crocione. Going down the impressive steps in the woods, arriving to the top of the hill where you can admire the huge wooden cross that gives its name to the locality, you can see all the Brianza. Despite the antennas located at Crocione recently, the place has not lost its charm and is a destination for walkers. With your back to the cross, continue on the path that leads to the Madonna of the Alpe. After few meters you will arrive at the small chapel, erected to protect workers from the woods, and the "Terminon", the border between the towns of Galbiate, Colle and Valgreghentino. The path then takes you to the highest point of Brianza, with its 887 meters, and then to the church of St. Nicholas. Taking the path and then turn right, a road leads to the House Fumagalli, where you can see some of the most beautiful icons of the town wall. Fumagalli visited go back into the main road and passing through it will go back Scerizzetta.
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