Strada Regia Lake Como: Brunate to Monte Piatto / Piazzaga
Strada Regia Lake Como: duration: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy route
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Strada Regia Lake Como: getting started: Brunate and Its Historic Liberty Villas
Once in Brunate, you can reach this charming village by funicular. Just a 7-minute ride from Como (for schedules, click here).
Alternatively, several walking routes from Como lead you there as well.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to the beauty of Liberty-style villas dating back to the early 1900s. These elegant residences, originally vacation homes for Milanese families, are part of Brunate’s unique character. Some notable examples include Villa Pirotta, designed by Federico Frigerio in 1902, the Three Fountains featuring a 1930s Campari bas-relief, and the picturesque Chalet Sonzogno from 1902.
Starting Point: The Sports Field
The walk begins at the sports field in Brunate, which is easy to reach by following the signs. For those arriving by car, there is a small parking area in front of the field. From here, take the downhill path marked as “Strada Regia” Lake Como.
Scenic Wooded Path with Panoramic Views
The trail leads through enchanting woodland with several panoramic openings offering views over the lake, Switzerland, and Cernobbio. You’ll cross bridges over small rivers, ultimately reaching the hamlet of Montepiatto in about two hours. The route passes through quiet seasonal hamlets, including the Blevio Mountains and Sorto Mountains.
Rest Points and Landmarks
From the Sorto Mountains, take a short stairway up to a chapel with a fountain, perfect for a scenic break. Following a flat path across meadows and valleys, you’ll encounter the clusters of Monti di Cazzanore, then enter the first part of Monte Piatto. Upon reaching the mule track from Torno (1 hour, 30 minutes), turn right and head up a short incline to reach the village, home to the Crotto Montepiatto.
Unique Sights: Sasso del Lupo and Historical Sites
Along the way, you’ll encounter the fascinating “Sasso del Lupo,” a massive ghiandone granite monolith (20 meters long, 10 meters wide, 8 meters high, weighing 4,000 tons). Moved here by glacial activity from Val Masino, local lore says a fierce wolf once lived in the cave beneath it, abducting naughty children.
From here, you can take a detour to the Church of Santa Elisabetta, once a convent in the 16th century before it was abandoned during the San Carlo plague (1575–1577). This spot offers stunning views toward Carate Urio and Faggeto. Continuing further, you can reach the Pietra Pendula—a large boulder, seemingly balanced precariously on a smaller stone, adding a final magical touch to this scenic hike.
