Strada Regia Trail: Stage 3

Third Stage of the Strada Regia from Nesso to Bellagio

The Nesso Gorge Split: High Variant vs. Low Variant

The third stage of the journey along the Strada Regia offers the possibility to choose between two scenic variations of the route, with both tracks starting from the bridge over the spectacular Nesso Gorge and coming back together at the Muro farmhouses. For the high variant, from the bridge over the gorge, we climb the historic stairway known as the Salita al Municipio leading to the hamlet of Lissogno, and then follow Via della Castagna until crossing the road to Pian del Tivano. At the crossroads, we turn left toward the church of Santa Maria (St. Mary), where just beyond the hamlet of Vigo, the path enters the woods and, after a steady stretch, intersects with the mule track climbing up from Via Borgonuovo.

The Low Variant along the Waterfront through Lezzeno

Taking the low variant from the Nesso Gorge, we descend toward the lake and cross the historic Civera Bridge, walking along Via Coatesa and Via Borgovecchio to the church of Santi Pietro e Paolo (Sts. Peter and Paul). Proceeding carefully along the Provincial Road 583, upon reaching a small chapel, we turn right onto the path that climbs back into the woods. After a long uphill stretch, we reach Punta della Cavagnola, where the western end of the Mount San Primo ridge dips into the waters of the lake. We are now in the territory of Lezzeno; the first hamlet we encounter is Carvagnana, located near the mule track that ascends to Sasso Calvarone and the Alpe di Colmenacco. We continue through the villages of Sormazzana and Calvasino, quickly reaching Bagnana, where the Nautical Museum of Cantieri Molinari is located.

From the Madonna dei Ceppi Church to the Devil’s Bridge

Following the Provincial Road 583 up to the church of Santi Quirico and Giulitta (Sts. Quiricus and Julietta), we look just behind the parish to follow the signs for Rozzo, eventually reaching the historical church of the Madonna dei Ceppi. From this little church, we head down to Cendraro and Casate and, after another short stretch on the Provincial Road 583, we turn left to climb along the slopes of Mount Nuvolone, traversing the dramatic Sassi Grosgalli cliff area. After passing a waterfall and a beautiful vantage point overlooking the center of Lake Como, we descend toward the historic Devil's Bridge on the Bellagio border, where the Strada Regia officially ends. Near the parking area on the provincial road, you will find bus stops connecting to both Como and Bellagio. To reach the center of Bellagio on foot, you would need to continue along the Provincial Road 583 for about two kilometers (1.2 miles); given that this stretch is highly trafficked, narrow, and lacks sidewalks, we strongly suggest taking the bus or arranging alternative transportation.