The Grigne

The Grigne range, situated between Lake Como and Valsassina, is the beating heart of the Lecco mountains. This limestone massif is not only a favourite destination for international mountaineers, but also a place where geology blends with legend. The name itself, ‘Grigna’, seems to derive from the dialect term ‘grignà’ (to smirk), a reference to the numerous caves dotting the rock faces, resembling dark smirks in the rock. Geologically, they are of marine origin, as evidenced by the numerous fossils that can still be seen amongst the rocks today. Even Leonardo da Vinci was captivated by them, studying their characteristics and mentioning them in his famous Codex Atlanticus.

Northern Grigna: the Queen of the Lecco mountains

Commonly known as Grignone, the Northern Grigna is the highest peak in the range at 2,410 metres. A world-renowned destination for mountaineers, it also offers a wealth of trekking routes accessible to all. Grignone has three distinct slopes: the south-western slope, which is steep and popular with climbers; the eastern slope, which is wooded and gently sloping towards Valsassina; and the northern slope, characterised by a glacial cirque leading towards the Passo del Cainallo. From its summit, the view is boundless: on clear days, the vista stretches from the Matterhorn to Monte Rosa, all the way to the spires of Milan Cathedral.

The abysses and the underground heart of Grignone

The Northern Grigna is a true paradise for cavers. The massif is home to some of Italy’s deepest abysses, a labyrinth of caves and underground caverns where water flows to feed, kilometres away, the famous Fiumelatte spring in Varenna. These subterranean wonders were already a subject of great interest to Leonardo da Vinci during his stays on Lake Como.

Southern Grigna: a vertical paradise of spires and towers

At 2,184 metres, the Southern Grigna, or Grignetta, is considered the ‘younger sister’ of the range, yet it boasts a unique character. Characterised by a rugged landscape of towers, monoliths and spires, it is a world-renowned climbing area. Legendary figures such as Riccardo Cassin, Emilio Comici and Walter Bonatti have made mountaineering history here. Its slopes are separated by the spectacular Segantini and Sinigaglia ridges, with the southern face overlooking the Piani Resinelli and the town of Lecco.

The Ferrario Bivouac: a spaceship on the summit

Right on the summit of Grignetta stands the Ferrario Bivouac, a metal structure that has become an icon of the massif. Its octagonal aluminium shape is reminiscent of a spaceship that has landed on the rock. Inside, lined with wood and cork, mountaineers find shelter whilst enjoying a breathtaking view overlooking the Po Valley, which is bounded to the north by the imposing mass of the Grignone.

The Legend of the Grigna

The rugged profile of these mountains finds a poetic explanation in the mountain ballad ‘The Legend of the Grigna’. It tells of a beautiful warrior woman with a heart of stone who lived amongst these peaks. When a knight came before her to declare his love, the ruthless woman ordered one of her sentries to kill him. To punish such cruelty, God transformed the warrior into a mountain — the majestic Grignone — and the sentry who had obeyed the cruel command into the Grignetta, condemning them both to remain as rock for all eternity.