Madonna delle Grazie
A small church closely tied to World War II. A balcony overlooking the lake and the Legnone mountain. At sunset, it fills the heart.
What to see
A church born from a wartime vow and built by the hands of an entire community.
Spring 1944: the Germans threaten to burn Pozzolo to flush out two hidden partisans. The inhabitants, forced to empty their homes, climb the mule track and stop in front of a small chapel with a painted Madonna. They make a vow: if their houses are spared, they will build a church.
The miracle happens. And the vow is kept.
For five years, men, women, children, and the elderly work the land, carry stones from the Livo River on their backs with yokes, and organize raffles and lotteries. Mrs. Martinetta Battistessa donates the land. The statue of the Madonna arrives from Ortisei, welcomed among white sheets and garlands.
Every last Sunday of April, Pozzolo still celebrates that vow with polenta taragna, sausages, and local wine.
Why come up here:
Pozzolo is a natural balcony overlooking the Upper Lario. From the church, the view stretches across the lake towards Gravedona and the mouth of the Livo River. The silence, the air, the light: everything that the lakeside cannot give you.
Don't miss
- 1Segna
From the little church, a path quickly ascends (a 5-minute walk) through meadows and woods until reaching the tiny village of Segna. A characteristic place where one breathes an atmosphere of bygone times and everything seems to slow down.
- 2Santa Croce di Naro
From the Madonna delle Grazie, you ascend along the path that leads to Segna, and from there, you continue to the right, taking the mule track (which then becomes a path again) that remains immersed in the woods until you reach the small village of Naro. The hike takes about 1 hour and will be rewarded by the enchanting view you can enjoy from the Church of Santa Croce. It is possible to visit the church by asking the kind couple who live in the house adjacent to the church itself.
Getting there
By car to Pozzolo and then a 5-minute walk.
On foot from Domaso along easy, well-maintained paths. A walk worth taking, suitable for everyone. 20 minutes.