A medium-length, very simple stage, with moderate height differences (only a long descent), along the panoramic ridge of the Lario and its minor peaks (Monte Palanzone and Monte Bolettone).
The hamlet of Torno is very beautiful: another small pearl of Lake Como.
The route from Bocchetta di Molina to Torno is a variation of the Sentiero Italia (which remains on the Larian ridge up to Como), preferred for visiting the delightful village of Torno.
The only water points are at the moutain lodges you pass by (Palanzone, Capanna Mara, Bolettone).
We take the comfortable path in ups and downs, very wide, along the vast ridge. Near the Caverna Guglielmo, we start the steep but short climb (approx. 100 m height difference) to the top of Monte Palanzone (1,436 m), where there is a small pyramid-shaped chapel. We continue towards the Bocchetta di Lemma and, after one more part on the ridge, we are on Monte Bolettone (1,317 m).
From there, we begin the long descent (approximately 1,100 m drop) and upon reaching the Bocchetta di Molina, we take the path towards Torno, almost all along the Strada Regia, a beautiful paved mule trail that winds its way through old mountain pastures. Finally, we are in the beautiful hamlet of Torno, overlooking Lake Como.
The hamlet of Torno, already inhabited in pre-Roman times, was occupied by peoples from the other side of the Alps after the fall of the Empire.
Between the 13th and 16th centuries, the monastic orders in the area gave impetus to the birth of a thriving woolen cloth industry. The importance reached by the small town led it to rival, alongside the French, against the nearby Como, an ally of the Sforza family. Because of this, it was destroyed in the early 1500s, which led to a massive emigration of the Tornaschi (people from Torno).
Today Torno is a municipality certified with the Orange Flag of the Touring Club.
In Torno, the wonderful church of Santa Tecla, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the lake, is worth a visit: the bell tower is magnificent and the rose window, in Gothic style, is remarkable.
Another interesting building is the 14th-century church of San Giovanni Battista del Chiodo, which seems to guard one of the nails of the cross of Christ (hence the name), brought here by a crusader. The portal was decorated by the same craftsmen (the Rodari brothers) who decorated the portals of the Como Cathedral.
The common bleaks are small lake fish that are eaten fried or marinated with onions, carrots, bay leaves, pine nuts, raisins, and wine vinegar.
B&B Tornoallariva, in Torno. Tel. +39 031 417 023 - +39 328 270 5950
In Torno, there are several accommodation facilities
Starting point reachable by car.
Departure point NOT reachable by bus.
The nearest location reachable by bus is Sormano with a change in Asso, starting from the city of Como.
Here the LINK to check the timetables.
Starting point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
