Hermitage of San Zeno – Cerano d’Intelvi
Distance 4 km (total), time of walk 1 h – 1 h 30.
The Hermitage of San Zeno is a small church located on the Monte di San Zeno, in the heart of the Valle d’intelvi, in the province of Como. From here you can enjoy a fantastic view!
The history of the Hermitage of San Zeno is truly fascinating: it was built before the year Thousand on a pre-existing sacred area and is the oldest sacred building in the valley. It was built by a group of “masters comacini” of the valley engaged in Verona in the works of the basilica of San Zeno.
During the journey home they were surprised by a storm off Bellagio.
They were able to save themselves and decided to build a place of worship, dedicated to Saint Zeno. In the following centuries the hermitage became a religious destination of the populations of the area.
In 1956 it was struck by lightning that caused the collapse of the roof and the bell tower.
In 1996 the “Pro San Zeno Committee – a church for 3°Millennio” began the reconstruction works.
The hermitage can be reached through an easy path that starts from Pian d’Alpe, near the picnic area. You have to go down along the meadow to the fence of a private property. Continue downhill until you find a dirt road.
A little further ahead a sign will indicate San Zeno.
On the right you go to Sasso Gordona, another very interesting panoramic peak. The path to the hermitage goes into the wood and is marked by a cross road formed by wooden crosses, made with railway sleepers and positioned by the Alpine Group of the valley.
After the ninth station the path becomes much steeper: the final trail leads to the foot of the hermitage of San Zeno.
For the return you follow the same road.
HOW TO GET TO THE HERMITAGE OF SAN ZENO
From the motorway A9 take the exit Lago di Como and follow the signs for Menaggio.
Take the SS340 (Strada Statale Regina) to Argegno, where you turn left into Val d’intelvi.
At Castiglione d’Intelvi turn left for Cerano and Schignano (sp15).
At fork follow for Erbonne.
You will pass the small village of Casasco (narrow mountain road) continuing to Erbonne until you reach Pian d’Alpe.
Parking on the street side near the sign indicating Cerano d’Intelvi, in front of a picnic area.
What to see in the surroundings: Erbonne, a small town where you can visit the Museum of the Guardia di Finanza and Contrabbando and leave for Monte Generoso.
