The Abbey of San Pietro al Monte

The hiking described in this article is a little far away from the eastern branch of Lake Como. In fact, it starts from the town of Civate, a few minute drive from Lecco where, at the base of Monte Cornizzolo, there is a splendid Benedictine abbey in Romanesque style surrounded by nature.

In order to reach this place, we suggest you park your car in Via del Pozzo in Civate, where you will find the indications for the path. The abbey of San Pietro al Monte can be reached in about 45 minutes, the hiking is 2.5 km long and the path is well kept and slightly uphill. Anyway, it is suitable for everyone. Along the path you will find a lot of panels about the history and the structure of the abbey, a good opportunity to learn more about it and to take some breaks.

Once you reach the abbey, you can enter it going through a portal with the latin carving "Ora et Labora", an evidence of the presence of the benedectine monks.

From here you can enjoy a nice view on the lakes of Annone and Pusiano, th Brianza and the sorrounding mountains. It is also possible to lie down on the panoramic lawn to relax and have a picnic with friends or family, but don't forget that this is a sacred place.

What are the origins of this place that connects nature and spirituality? According to legendary and historical sources, its construction was commissioned by Desiderio, the last King of the Lombards. In fact, it is said that one day his son Adelchi was chasing a wild boar and he got to a small church located on this mountain. The boar suddenly crouched down in front of the altar, as if to ask God for protection. And so Prince Adelchi, punished for the murder he was about to commit, lost his sight. However, a hermit helped him cure his eyes at the source near the church and Adelchi's eyes miraculously regained sight.

King Desiderio then had a large church built here in the year 772. It is thought that the buildings were completed in the 11th century, but starting from the 12th century they were slowly abandoned and the situation remained the same until Giuseppe Polvara, architect and painter from Lecco, began to take care of the abbey during the 1900s. This job is currently carried out by the volunteers of the "Amici di San Pietro al Monte" association thanks to which the buildings are well maintained. Moreover, upon reservation only, guided tours are guaranteed. For more information, we recommend visiting the https://www.amicidisanpietro.it/ website.

The abbey of San Pietro is therefore the ideal destination for a simple trip out of town, but also a necessary stop for those who pass next to it on their way to the peak of Mount Cornizzolo.