From the lakefront to the slopes of Mount Barro

A small village traditionally associated with fishermen and boatmen, Malgrate lies on the eastern branch of Lake Como, directly opposite the city of Lecco. Its districts—the historic centre, Porto, Fabusa and Gaggio—stretch from the lakefront to the slopes of Mount Barro, forming a fascinating patchwork of panoramic views, cobbled streets, historic villas and ancient votive chapels. An ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the timeless charm of a historic lakeside village, Malgrate welcomes visitors with easy walks overlooking the surrounding mountains, its picturesque harbour, a beautifully regenerated lakefront with plenty of amenities, a small beach, churches and cultural attractions.

Places of interest

Among Malgrate’s highlights is the former Bovara-Reina silk mill, whose magnificent hall has been carefully restored and now hosts cultural events. The building is a tangible reminder of Malgrate’s industrial past and of the role played by the silk industry in the area’s economic and cultural development. In the heart of the village, you can visit the parish Church of San Leonardo, with its elegant Neoclassical façade designed by Giuseppe Bovara. Of the votive chapels dotted around the historic centre, the best preserved is the Cappella dei Morti alla Crocetta, built in 1630 in memory of the victims of the plague—a place filled with history, mystery and atmosphere. Also worth visiting are the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate and the Church of San Grato, the saint traditionally invoked to protect crops.

The Chapel of the Plague Dead

The harbour

One of Malgrate’s most distinctive features is its picturesque little harbour, set along a stretch of lakefront rich in history and local amenities. Once at the heart of community life and a meeting place for fishermen, boatmen and washerwomen, today it is a delightful spot where echoes of the past meet bars and restaurants overlooking the harbour and surrounding mountains, as well as the striking Ponte Vecchio, the historic bridge linking Malgrate and Lecco. It is the perfect place for dinner outdoors, taking in the beautiful scenery or escaping the summer heat on the small sandy beach nearby—the only stretch of shoreline in the area where swimming is permitted.

Azzone Visconti Bridge

Mountains and outdoor activities

Malgrate is the closest starting point for reaching Pian Sciresa, a peaceful panoramic spot on the eastern slopes of Mount Barro. The walk is short but fairly steep, with no particular technical difficulties, making it suitable for families too. Once you reach the cross, the view takes in Mount Resegone, the Grigne, Mount San Martino and the Adda Valley in a single sweeping panorama. Further along the trail towards the summit, you will come across the Cippo degli Alpini, a memorial to Italy’s Alpine troops set in a peaceful, shady spot. To continue all the way to Mount Barro, follow Trail 306, a varied route passing through Pian Sciresa, Faée Basso and Scalògia before reaching the Archaeological Park. Along the way, the trail crosses the distinctive Bosco del Faée, one of the wildest and most unspoilt areas of the park.