Sanctuary of San Martino - Griante

Sanctuary of San Martino to Griante

The church of San Martino also known as the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie and it rises above the village of Griante in a splendid panoramic position looking out towards Bellagio and the central part of Lake Como. Some historians date its foundation back to the sixteenth century, as confirmed by a pastoral visit by the Bishop of Como Feliciano Ninguarda in 1593. The structure of the building is composed of three distinct parts, the eldest are a watchtower and the shelter of the soldiers, who together formed an earlier place of worship, dating back to the Roman times. Over the centuries, the church has been enlarged and remodeled, the most important work took place in the nineteenth century and today the building is in good condition.

According to an ancient legend, the reasons why it became a sanctuary date back to the period of the great plague (1627 - 1630) also described by Manzoni in The Betrothed. It is said that a girl from Griante, following some grazing sheep, saw a wooden statue in a cave depicting the Virgin Mary. The young woman went down to the village and communicated the discovery, so that evening a group of religious villagers led by the shepherdess managed to recover the statue and it was then placed in the village parish church. The next morning the statue had disappeared but miraculously it was found on the plateau from where, with its gaze, it dominated the central part of Lake Como. The inhabitants then decided to store it in the church of San Martino where it is still preserved to this day.

The sanctuary of San Martino can be reached on foot starting from Griante, with an easy excursion that in less than an hour reaches the homonymous plateau passing through the characteristic Via Crucis (Way of the Cross). Near the Sanctuary you’ll find a rest area with tables and benches where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Lake Como and perhaps of the whole world.

Excursion from Griante to Sasso di San Martino - Excursion from Griante to Sasso di San Martino Sasso of San Martino

Menaggio

Menaggio

Menaggio's particularly mild climate, ventilated by two winds known as Breva and Tivano, and its optimal sunny position allows for a surprising flora along the lake shore. Its supply of receptive and sporting facilities is excellent.

Menaggio

Navigation Lake Como

Navigation Lake Como

Various theme cruises are organized by the Lake Navigation Management, besides the normal lake navigation service, in July and August, it is possible to take a cruise on the Concordia with restaurant service.

Navigation

Tremezzo

Tremezzo

The most famous of Tremezzo's villas is Villa Carlotta, open to the public, surrounded by a wonderful Italian garden with a graceful fountain in front of the villa's entrance, box tree hedges, exotic and rare plants.

Tremezzo