From Lecco to the Santuario of San Michele in Galbiate. Easy path suitable for families even with babies.

We love so much this excursion on Monte Barro getting to the Santuario of San Michele in Galbiate for many reasons: you can easily get the path directly on foot from Lecco, the path is immersed in the great variety of this mountain, last but not least you can enjoy wonderful views on lakes Garlate and Olginate and the surrounding mountains.
The path is quite large and not demanding at all, in fact we suggest this excursions to families with kids.

Hiking data

• Departure: Lecco (Ponte Azzone Visconti)
• Arrival: Santuario San Michele
• Path: n. 304
• Time: 00:25
• Difference in altitude: 138 m
• Difficulty: E
• Hut: Baita Pescate
• Download: GPX

Itinerary description

The starting point of path n. 304 is on the main road near to Azzone Visconti Bridge. In the nearby (about 200 m) there is a public parking area.
Here we are ready to reach the Santuario of San Michele. The first part of the path is characterized by a stone staircase and we reach the hill. Go on walking the path, there are no deviations so you are sure to be on the right way. This path runs into the woods and you can see many different flowers and plants.
As soon as the climbing is finished, after 15-20 minutes, you can rest drinking some water from the fountain on your right, while on the left you can see some signals and a stake. From the stake the path getting to the Baiti of Alpini begins, but we don’t care right now. We go on on the large dirt road and in approx 5-10 minutes you arrive to the Sanctuary of San Michele.

This church is unfinished. It was built in last 1752, but never finished. Anyway, we feel a silent charm when we are closed to it. Maybe you too.
There is nothing to admire inside, but looking through you can imagine.
In front there is a slide for kids.

Time to reach the Santuario of San Michele: 25-30 minutes.

Now.. you can decide to stop here or otherwise going on. We suggest you a short walking along the narrow path between the houses. It takes 5 minutes to get to a Votive Chapel. Here you can admire a wonderful view on the above mentioned lakes, the Adda River and on Lecco and its surrounding mountains.
There is no other paths here, you have to come back to the Santuario.

Here look at your right: there is a green signal (a big bottle cap) “Baita Alpini”. Take this path and reach the old wash portico and a pond where you can see frogs and river shrimps (on the evening). Go on walking down, cross the small wooden bridge and then continue climbing into the woods.
This path is particular because you can learn to discover the different plants Monte Barro hosts. Each plant has its sign with the relevant name. Very interesting for kids.
After 10 minutes you arrive to the Baita of Alpini of Pescate.
Here there is another surprise: you can see some of the many flowers of the regional park of Monte Barro, including its emblem: the Pulsatilla Montana.

At the Baita of Alpini there are tables, but you cannot leave rubbish. There are no bins.
You can have dinner directly at the Baita on its open days: Wednesday and Sunday, booking is recommended – mobile 334.3982112

From here, in about 5 minutes, you reach the stake you met during the way, then you go down to the road and Lecco.

Cover’s image: eccoLecco

Articolo aggiornato il 8 June 2022 da eccoLecco