Discover Valmadrera: Culture, Landscapes and Trails

Valmadrera offers a blend of religious history, rural culture and striking natural landscapes. Between the Santuario di San Martino, the Piana di San Tomaso and the trails along the Torrente Inferno, the town reveals many different facets. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Valmadrera, you can therefore plan your days according to the balance of culture, scenery and activity you prefer.

The Santuario di San Martino and its history

The Santuario di San Martino stands on a hill to the right of the Torrente Inferno. Its first medieval structure probably served military observation purposes before presumably being converted into a place of worship towards the end of the 13th century. The santuario can be reached on foot via a road following a Way of the Cross. Inside is the 14th-century fresco “Madonna del latte” (“Sancta Maria Veteris”). The Madonna di San Martino is commemorated on the second Sunday in October. Opening hours vary depending on liturgical activities and can be confirmed directly.

San Tomaso: Terrace, museums and rural heritage

The Piana di San Tomaso is a natural terrace above Valmadrera offering views of the lake and Brianza. The plateau is home to characteristic dry-stone buildings known as “casotte”, where farmers stored hay and equipment. The Piana can be reached on foot from the town centre via easy trails. The Museo dell’Agricoltura opened in 2000. The Museo della vita contadina in San Tomaso presents objects from agricultural work and domestic life in a permanent exhibition and documents Valmadrera’s rural customs since the 19th century. The Chiesina di San Tomaso retains its 19th-century structure, although it has medieval origins.

Hikes by the water

The Sentiero delle Vasche follows the bed of the Torrente Inferno and leads to the Marmitte dei giganti, so-called potholes. The first section runs from the hamlet of Ceppo to the Cascata De la Prisun, which has a drop of 30 metres. The complete loop takes around three to four hours. The Sentiero delle Vasche is rated EE in difficulty; because some rock sections are very slippery, wearing trekking or hiking shoes is recommended.

A boulder, plants and culture under one roof

The Sasso di Preguda is a boulder of Ghiandone granite approximately seven metres high. During the Quaternary Ice Age, glaciers transported it from Val Masino to its present location. The main trail to the Sasso di Preguda is an easy hike of approximately 40 to 60 minutes. The Centro Culturale Fatebenefratelli houses a library, an auditorium and several exhibition rooms. The Orto Botanico “Riccardo Villa” is home to more than 900 plant species and is part of the “Sistema museale della Provincia di Lecco”.

Choose a holiday apartment in Valmadrera based on your holiday focus

When choosing a holiday apartment in Valmadrera, you can use your preferred mix of activities as a guide. The Santuario, the Chiesina and the two museums are ideal for days focused on cultural history, while the Piana di San Tomaso, Sasso di Preguda and Sentiero delle Vasche offer different nature and hiking experiences.

Discover more places

More destinations to choose from: Perledo, Rovagnate, Piantedo, Barzio, Primaluna, Oggiono, Barzanò, Imbersago.

To the main travel overview: Lecco.