Val Cavargna e Val di Rezzo
altitude 852 mt.
The Val Cavargna valley is divided into three municipal areas: Cavargna, San Bartolomeo Val Cavargna, and San Nazaro Val Cavargna. You can reach it from Menaggio and from Porlezza.
The population is now only partly devoted to agriculture, to sheep-farming and to handicraft activity typical of the valley, because of the increasing number of commuters to Switzerland. In the low part of the valley, there are numerous rich forests of chestnuts and mushrooms. The place also offers various opportunities for trips and excursions on the neighboring mountains, among which the Pizzo di Gino (2,245 mt.).
Cavargna is a mountain town: its 4 valley trail is noteworthy,the ethnographic collection in the Museum is quite important. The S. Lucio Sanctuary of Cavargna merits a visit.
San Bartolomeo in Val Cavargna, a point of departure for many excursions, is in the heart of the valley. The S. Rocco church, with several interesting paintings, merits a visit.
San Nazzaro Val Cavargna, in the upper part of the valley, is the ideal spot for various excursions. In the past, it was an area where iron was mined. The parish church of S. Nazzaro e Celso merits a visit.
The Val Rezzo valley is ideal for hiking and excursions, and its parish church of S. Maria Assunta is noteworthy
SIGHTS
San Bartolomeo church
Building of the beginning of the twentieth century, is supported by a bell-tower dated 1626. Inside: ripped frescos of the XIV and XVI centuries; paliotti in scagliola; stuccos and marble altars.
Museum:
ethnographic collection
Oratory of Tavaino (suburb)
Fine frescos inside of sixteenth century
EVENTS
August: market show of local craftsmanship. To make the show more interesting, some craftsmen display various works, above all copper, still present at Vegna, Mondanico and S. Nazzaro. In the near village of Cavargna, two particularly significant events are the festivals in honor of S. Lucio. The first is held in July, the second on the 16th of August. In both cases people climb up the little church dedicated to the Saint and there the Mass is celebrated. Many visitors arrive by helicopter from the close Val Colla, in the Swiss territory. Picknicks after the ceremony, to commemorate the Saint, patron of the cheese makers and of the fine weather.
