Greenway dei Patriarchi: an itinerary in Varenna among ancient villages

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The Greenway dei Patriarchi is a walk that crosses Varenna and some of its closest towns such as: Olivedo, Fiumelatte and Pino, offering spectacular views of Lake Como.

Narrow alleys, ancient villages rich in history … during this itinerary they met the locals, inhabitants of the hamlets, often used with the sympathetic term “Patriarchitt”, from the Como dialect Patriarchi, because at the time they were practitioners of the patriarch religious rite of Aquilea and today long-lived and wise people who live and live in these places.

The route was inaugurated in March 2017 thanks to the will of the Councilor for Tourism.

The path is simple, easy and for everyone. In fact, it is recommended for the whole family.
To help you not to get lost, the itinerary is marked by yellow plates and arrows.

Journey time: 2 hours (one way)
Total length of the route: 6 km (one way)
Starting altitude: 200 m
Maximum altitude: 314 m

Itinerary

The starting point to access the Greenway dei Patriarchi is located a few steps from the ferry port in the country of Olivedo.
We continue along the famous “Passerella degli Innamorati” enjoying the magnificent view of Lake Como, reaching the Riva Grande di Varenna.
Continue until you see the walls of Villa Cipressi and immediately after those of Villa Monastero, both have magnificent botanical gardens that can be visited.

Villa Monastero

You then crossed via IV Novembre. Crossing the road near the entrance to the Parking Varenna, take the climb on Via Roma. After a few minutes you arrive at the Varenna Cemetery, nicknamed the English Cemetery, because between the end of the 19th and 20th centuries there were many Anglo-Saxons who chose Varenna as a burial place (curious!)

After passing the cemetery, cross the Parco delle Rimembranze you will arrive in the town of Fiumelatte where you can see the white river, the foam that is created by the speed and impetuosity of the waters.
If you are lucky you will be able to see this magic …

Fiume Latte

Take Via alla Stazione Fiumelatte, to get to the panoramic balcony.
Head south along Via ai Mulini. After passing Fonte Uga (perennial source in the hamlet of Fiumelatte), head towards the small and narrow underpass.
This ancient pathway track leads to an enchanting place: the area of the “countryside”, the olive and lemon trees and the place called El Mutt.
From here take the new via Pino, with the fish farm, going up and taking the road Via dei Boschi.

Then continue downhill which will take you to the old part of the country of Pino.
Passing under the railway underpass, you still meet the outward journey, you can travel it to go back or you can use the train (Fiumelatte stop) that takes you back to Varenna.