Lanzo Intelvi
altitude 907 mt. , 35 Km. from Como
Lanzo, the main center of the Val d’Intelvi, is situated on a spacious plateau bordering south-west with the Sighignola Mountain, near the Swiss border. From the end of the nineteenth century, the center became a much appreciated residential area and numerous villas were built, among which the remarkable Villa Castelli and Villa Cirla.
A few kilometers away from the village we can find Scaria, once the main center, that later lost its importance due to the tourist development of Lanzo; here, in 1968, the Museum of the Valley was created, a detached site of Diocesano Museum of Como. From the centre of Lanzo, you can reach the Belvedere, not far from the Swiss border, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of Lugano, Porlezza and the Valsolda. Another well-known “Belvedere”” with view on Lugano and Capolago, is that of Sighignola, 6 Km. away from Lanzo. At Pian delle Noci you can find the hydro-therapeutic centre of Paraviso, which was built after the discovery of the spring, that took place in 1868. Lanzo is also a well known winter tourist resort, provided with climbing facilities and skiing tracks; it is also a point of departure for climbing routes on the neighbouring mountains.
SIGHTS
SS. Nazario and Celso curch, at Scaria
Little traces of the wall and the bell-tower with its mullioned windows facing the inside of the nave, is all it is left of its original Romanesque structure (XI). The present church is a remake of the XVI century of which it preserves, inside, a cycle of frescos.
S. Maria church, at Scaria
Built in the XV century, broadened and changed in the eighteenth century, it presents a typically baroque inside, with sculptures, decorations in plaster and frescos by the brothers C. and D. Carloni. Of the original building it preserves some frescos (XV century).
S. Siro Church
Dating back to the XIII-XIV centuries, reshaped several times, presents an bell-tower open by mullioned windows and, inside, sixteenth-century frescos, in part to be attributed to the Luini school, and a seventeenth-century reliquario. Works by Giuseppe Sommaruga.
Of the famous art nouveau architect (1867-1917) we can see; Villa Poletti (1915), Villa Cirla (1915) and the Salmoiraghi mausoleo (1915-16). These are the last works realized by the Milanese architect.
EVENTS
Last weekend of January: celebration of the Beata Virgine of Loreto, known as the celebration of the Black Madonna. The celebration with its religious background involves all the community. On Saturday the statue is prepared and a fire is lit next to the sanctuary. On Sunday the procession is held, with the children dressed so as to to represent the various mysteries of the Rosary.
July and August: concerts and theatrical shows as part of the programme “Lanzo Evening”. In such occasions the historical center is closed to the traffic. In these evenings you can enjoy typical products and to listen to the Bandella.
In the summer, also in midweek days, performs the Band of Lanzo.
1° and 2° week of September: horse-race of the Contrade. A parade with traditional local clothes, to represent the families that, in the past, ruled over Val d’Intelvi.
LOCAL SHOPPING
The handicraft production offers wood objects for the house. Honey from the mountains, cheese from the high valley. You can find all these products at the “Dosso” of Scaria.
