MOLTRASIO

Lookout point

One of the numerous lookout points in Moltrasio from where you can admire a glimpse of the neighbouring villages and Lake Como. In particular, from this lookout point you can see Palanzo, Lemna, Molina, Faggeto Lario, Torno, Villa Tanzi Taverna, Villa Roda Roccabruna, Blevio, Brunate e Como

Pasètt Bridge

Pasètt Bridge, also called Rusca’s Bridge, is probably the most ancient bridge situated in the “Watermills valley”. The Rusca family was a noble family from Como and landowners in Moltrasio in the past. It is believed that the ancient route of Regina Street passed through these lands, and later it was part of a medieval road network, the Francigena Renana, which connected Rome with Northern Europe. More specifically, this bridge was part of the path that united St. Agatha’s Church, in Moltrasio, with St. Martha’s Church, in Carate Urio, both builded in the 1000 A.D. It was possible to admire the other bridges, now united forming the shape of a square, from the Pasètt Bridge.

St. Martin’s Church and Square

The Moltrasio’s parish church and its square are deeply connected not only because of their adjacent position and the same name, but because their current appearance is the result of the reciprocate transformations undergone on both the church and the square. Until 1923, in fact, the church was connected to the town hall through a cuert – meaning portico in the local dialect. From 1935 began the constructions to realize the square, to build Roma street, where there were the so-called “ponti di Borgo” (two bridges in the centre of Moltrasio) and to enlarge the church, because of the increasing population

Microturbine and ancient watermill

During the twenties, the water coming from the Vesporina natural spring was enough not only to run through the aqueduct, which was inaugurated in 1888, but also to activate a microturbine that produced energy to power the public lighting. In 2012, it was installed a new 25 KW microturbine, capable of taking advantage of the 160 meters waterfall. In 2013, in the stone building where the microturbine is located, was located an ancient watermill that was in operation in the area of Rungia, present Durini Street. The watermill, powered by the water of the Pizzallo stream, was in operation in 1806 producing wheat and chestnut flour. It was also equipped with a grindstone for pressing olives.

Cam’s waterfall

The path leads to the small waterfall of Cam, where the water flows through a surface of stone of Moltrasio, forming a small pool before continuing its course to flow into the main lake. This water once powered Cam’s watermill, but unfortunately there are no remains of it in the present day.

Lookout point

One of the numerous lookout points in Moltrasio from where you can admire a glimpse of the neighbouring villages and Lake Como. In particular, from this lookout point you can see Palanzo, Lemna, Molina, Faggeto Lario, Torno, Villa Pliniana and Villa Tanzi Taverna, Blevio and Brunate.

St. Bernard’s Chapel

The votive chapel dedicated to St. Bernard dates back approximately to the end of the 17th century or the early 18th century. The restoration, conducted by the Accademia di Belle Arti Aldo Galli, made it possible to identify the different phases of the history of the chapel: the first one, the construction, dates back to the second half of the 18th century; in the second one, at end of the 19th century, it was done a structural change; the third one, during the first half of the 20th century, is characterized by a second structural change; the last phase, in 2014, was the state of the chapel before the restoration activities.

Small creek

In Moltrasio it is frequent to see rivulets on stony riverbeds. Here, in particular, you can see part of the course of the Arbusél stream. The stream, so-called because of its short course (the word means bush/branch in the local dialect), passes through Moltrasio slipping through cracks in the surface and crossing private properties, until it reaches the Pizzallo stream before ending its journey in the main lake.

Drinking fountain

One of the 30 drinking fountains present in Moltrasio. Their construction began at the end of the 19th century, after the inauguration of the municipal aqueduct which brought potable water in some areas of the village. They were used also to quench the thirst, especially on warm days. Some drinking fountains, in recent days, have been restored thanks to the contribution of Associations and individuals.

Wash-house of Proo

Its name derives from the name of the area, called “Proo”. Designed by the engineer Antonio Zannini, this wash-house was built in 1894. Its purpose was to fulfill the necessity of running water in the area of Tosnacco, in which at that time there were almost 400 inhabitants. In doing so, the locals did not have to walk down to the lake for doing the laundry, which was more than one kilometer away. It is still possible to admire the original construction, including its water tank made of stone of Moltrasio.

Fountains of Proo

Few metres away from the wash-house, it is possible to admire the fountains of Proo. Built before the wash-house, the two tanks made of stone of Moltrasio still have running water from the Orivo stream, coming from the mountains above the village. It is forbidden to drink from this fountain, except from the little faucet indicated by a specific sign.

Pizzallo stream’s waterfall

The waterfall, that - as it is said - inspired Bellini (1801-1835) to compose La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker), influenced the inhabitants not only because of its beauty and its emotive nature, but also because was the core of the so-called “Watermills valley”. Since 1722, the Pizzallo stream had been powering around 11 watermills located all over the course of the stream. Taking into account that in that time there were around 500 inhabitants, it is clear that the water mills also worked for the neighbor villages, which brought wealth to Moltrasio.

Wash-house / Small fountain

One of the main wash-house in Moltrasio, used in the past to do the laundry. It dates back to the early 20th century, built after the inauguration of the municipal aqueduct from which it received water. The wash-house is situated close to Umberto I’s square, just above the Pizzallo stream’s riverbed, along the so-called “Watermills valley”. The latest usage goes back to the 80’s of the 20th century.

Drinking fountain

One of the 30 drinking fountains present in Moltrasio. Their construction began at the end of the 19th century, after the inauguration of the municipal aqueduct which brought potable water in some areas of the village. They were used also to quench the thirst, especially on warm days. Some drinking fountains, in recent days, have been restored thanks to the contribution of Associations and individuals.

Arbusél stream

The word arbusél means bush/branch in the local dialect, -indicating the short course of the river- which comes from the italian word arboscello. The confluence between the Borascia and Orivo streams, which flow down the mountains behind Moltrasio, forms the Arbusél stream. The stream passes through Moltrasio slipping through cracks in the surface and crossing private properties. Then, after a small fall, it rushes under the houses of the centre of the village to continue its course. Towards the end of it course, it reaches the Pizzallo river before ending its journey in the main lake.

Villa Salterio Erker

This villa is the home of many stories about arts and its tenants. Its most famous dweller is the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835), who lived in Moltrasio for many years. The villa with its large garden during years passes into ownership to different families. From the Baron Filippo Durini, is bought in 1820 by the Salterio family who rents it to the Milanese Cantù family for the daughter Giuditta. From 1885 is property of the Gallone family until the second half of the 20th century, when it is bought by the Austrian Erker Hocevar family.

Small port

Surrounded by a pier dating from 18th century, the municipal small port was an important place for the carriage by gondola and “comballo” (a typical boat) of the local high-quality stones and other goods, as well as for fishing activities, until the early 20th century. Nowadays, on one hand, it is used by Moltrasio’s Rowing Club, Association that leads a number of its athletes to win international competitions; on the other, it is used as a dock for recreational crafts, with a pontoon reserved for embarkation. There is also a boat rental service that offers the possibility of renting speedboats and wooden inglesina rowboats.