Private Apartments Gravedona

Gravedona

Gravedona is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Como. The town of Gravedona offers you a beautiful beach with a promenade which takes you as far as Dongo, a pretty old town with many restaurants and bars and of course all the shops, and sporting facilities including tennis, sailing, windsurfing, motor boating, swimming, etc.

A very nice waterfront with ferry boats below the romantic backdrop of the old Palzzo Gallio. Some nice restaurants with outdoor seating and cozy coffee shops invite you to enjoy your stay. Park and public beach with a terrace café / kiosk. On the extension of the promenade to the south, past the church is the sports stadium, parking is avaialbe on the first and second street on the left (Viale Scuri). The historical town lies at the mouth of the valley, on the top western shore of Lake Como, in a picturesque bay, almost exactly opposite the mouth of the Valtellina valley. Gravedona was colonized by the Romans and a fortified settlement was built, and was fought over by the Milanese and the local Como inhabitants. Gravedona, Sorrico and Dongo belonged to the community 'Tre Pievi' and later passed into the hands of the Visconti, and then finally released by the Spaniards to the Cardinal Gallio.

Gravedona is also an ideal starting point for hiking and mountain biking. With the passenger ferry or speedboat there is easy access to many parts of the lake as far as Como and Lecco.

Worth seeing in the town and its surroundings 
The Basilica di San Vincenzo , antique construction, was restored in the 11th, 17th and 18th Centurys. There are still traces of the ancient Roman buildings. The interior is interesting, especially the crypt. 

The church Chiesa della Regina Teodolinda S. Maria del Tiglio  was restored in about 1100. The interior (valuable paintings), let you clearly see the later building modifications.

The church Chiesa dei S.S. Gusmeo e Malleo , Romanico (1200), rebuilt later (1500/1600 approx).

The former monastery church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , built during the 15th Century belonged until the 18th century to the Augustinian monks. Inside are priceless frescoes and sculptures. 

The Palazzo Gallio , 16Century, the residence of Cardinal Gallio. Today is a protected historic monument. Built in 1582 on behalf of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, according to designs by Pellegrino De'Pellegrini, is at the center of the territory of the Tre Pievi (three parishes), to which Gravedona, Dongo and Sorico belonged. Today the building houses the administration of the Comunità Montana. The Palazzo Gallio is publicly accessible, but only part of the garden and corridors and the Information Office of the Comunità Montana Alto Lario, where Tourist Information is available.

Walks and hikes
To Peglio, 633 m, about 1 hour. To Livo, 675 m, about 1.45 hours. To Dosso del Liro, 625 m, over Madonna delle Grazie and S. Martino, about 1 hour.

Restaurant tips
In the square of Gravedona there are very nice street cafes right on the lake where you can breakfast in the morning. Along the beautiful waterfront are also several good restaurants.

 
- Saltamartin small romantic restaurant above Consiglio Rumo (between Gravedona and Dongo), turn right. Magnificent view, with an outdoor terrace, very good home cooked local produce, reservations highly recommended Tel 0344/ 80 819.

-Osteria "Ca'di'Matt" Very pleasant atmosphere in the old restored vaults. You get original, very good food. In addition there is a daily menu. You can find the restaurant in a small street just before the former castle, parallel to the harbour. Closed on Wednesdays. Via Castello 10, Tel. 0344/85 640.

-Ristorante Hotel La Villa Very nice restaurant with nice atmosphere and full up market menu. Bright dining room with large glass sliding doors to the garden. In the summer, you can also eat on the garden terrace by the pool. The owners also speak German. You can find Hotel La Villa on the main road on the left side of Gravedona located slightly below the road you will see a detached villa-like building with a swimming pool. Via Regina 17 Tel 0344/89 027.

Weekly market (mercato settimanale)
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month (from about 8.00 until about 12.30).