Italy in Photos

Via Statale, 23852 Garlate LC, Italy (September 2024)

Walk from Garlate to Pescate and back to Garlate

Situated along the serene shores of Lake Garlate, a peaceful extension of Lake Como, the charming Italian communes of Garlate and Pescate capture the timeless essence of Lombardy. Located in the Lecco Province in northern Italy, these neighbouring villages offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage, blending natural beauty with a strong sense of community and history. With a landscape that draws from the stunning lakes and mountain vistas, Garlate and Pescate are small but large in cultural and historical value. They reflect both the idyllic quietude of Italian village life and the dynamic past of the Lombard region.

Garlate: A Historic Mill Town by the Lake
The commune of Garlate boasts a long history that dates back to Roman times and the Middle Ages when the area flourished due to its location along the lake and river network. Known for its traditional role as a mill town, Garlate has preserved its industrial heritage through landmarks such as the Civico Museo della Seta Abegg, a silk museum housed in a historical mill. This museum is a testament to Garlate’s role in the silk industry, a craft that brought prosperity and growth to the region over centuries. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of antique looms, machinery, and artifacts, gaining insight into the ancient techniques of silk production that shaped the region’s economy and cultural identity. Aside from its historical attractions, Garlate offers a peaceful ambiance framed by nature. The town is located directly on the eastern shore of Lake Garlate, which is bordered by lush, green hills and gentle slopes. The Lungolago di Garlate, a lakeside path, offers locals and visitors a place to stroll, cycle, or simply take in the views of the surrounding mountains. The proximity to the water provides not only scenic beauty but also opportunities for outdoor activities, such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. Garlate’s local restaurants and cafes celebrate Lombardy’s culinary traditions, serving locally sourced dishes and delicacies that are as authentic as they are delicious.

Pescate: A Gateway Between Lake and Mountains
Just a short distance north of Garlate lies Pescate, another picturesque commune along the banks of the lake. Though smaller in population, Pescate offers a vibrant atmosphere that reflects both its natural surroundings and its community-centred values. Known as the “gateway” between Lake Garlate and Lecco, Pescate occupies a strategic location where the lake narrows into the Adda River, connecting it to the broader region. This position has historically made Pescate an important point for trade and travel, linking Lake Como’s waterways with the Po Valley to the south. Pescate’s main draw is its blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The area is popular among hikers and cyclists, with trails that wind through the hills and offer panoramic views of the lake, river, and surrounding mountain peaks. For those interested in sports and recreation, Pescate’s parks and trails provide ample opportunities, attracting locals and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors. The Parco Adda Nord, a protected regional park, extends partially into Pescate, adding another layer of natural beauty to the area.

Together, Garlate and Pescate reflect the enduring traditions and strong community spirit characteristic of Lombardy’s lakeside villages. Both communes are known for their local festivals, where townspeople come together to celebrate with food, music, and dancing, maintaining a close connection to their heritage. These events often highlight traditional Lombard culture, from folk dances to regional cuisines, allowing visitors to experience the communal spirit and warm hospitality of northern Italy. The communes of Garlate and Pescate stand as quiet treasures in the Italian landscape, embodying a unique mix of history, nature, and community. While small in scale, their proximity to major destinations like Lake Como and the city of Lecco makes them ideal spots for those seeking an authentic Italian experience off the beaten path. Through their enduring traditions, scenic beauty, and welcoming locals, Garlate and Pescate invite visitors to discover a slower, richer side of Italy, where history and nature converge in an unforgettable lakeside setting.

The Chiesa di San Giuseppe in Pescate, a small town nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Como in Italy’s Lombardy region, is a hidden gem that embodies centuries of religious and architectural heritage. Located on Via Roma in Pescate, this charming parish church is dedicated to St. Joseph, the revered patron saint of workers, families, and the universal church in Catholic tradition. Though small compared to some of Italy’s grand basilicas, Chiesa di San Giuseppe boasts a rich historical and cultural significance that resonates with the local community and attracts visitors seeking an authentic experience of Italian spiritual life. Built in the late 16th century and subsequently modified over the centuries, Chiesa di San Giuseppe’s architecture represents a fusion of styles reflective of the various periods of its construction. The exterior of the church is humble yet dignified, with a simple, symmetrical façade framed by clean lines and traditional Lombard design elements. The entrance is crowned with a triangular pediment, and above it sits a modest belfry, which has called the faithful to prayer for generations. Although its architecture may lack the grandeur associated with Italy’s more famous churches, Chiesa di San Giuseppe stands as a fine example of regional ecclesiastical architecture, reflecting the spiritual dedication of the small communities around Lake Como.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an interior designed to evoke peace and contemplation. The walls are adorned with frescoes and paintings that depict scenes from the life of St. Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus, providing a visual journey through biblical stories and Catholic tradition. Though many of these artworks are attributed to local artists rather than celebrated Renaissance masters, their historical value and aesthetic quality offer a compelling glimpse into the artistic heritage of the area. Some paintings even feature unique stylistic elements associated with Northern Italian religious art, emphasizing the church’s cultural ties to its region. One of the highlights of Chiesa di San Giuseppe is its altar, an intricately carved masterpiece that stands as the focal point of the sanctuary. The altar, adorned with delicate sculptures and ornate detailing, reflects the craftsmanship of the Baroque period, which influenced much of Northern Italy’s ecclesiastical art. Each detail of the altar is designed to draw the eye and elevate the spirit, fostering a sense of reverence and awe. This altar has been a fixture for countless religious celebrations, from daily masses to significant rites of passage for the parish’s community and remains central to the church’s role as a gathering place for Pescate’s residents.

Chiesa di San Giuseppe is more than a religious site; it is a cornerstone of community life in Pescate. Over the years, the church has hosted a variety of events that unite the local population, including religious festivals, charity gatherings, and processions in honour of St. Joseph. These traditions, passed down through generations, reinforce a shared cultural and spiritual identity among the people of Pescate, who see the church not just as a place of worship but as a space for communal connection. Today, visitors to Chiesa di San Giuseppe can experience a unique combination of tranquillity, history, and cultural richness. It offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to the grandeur of Italy’s larger cathedrals, allowing visitors to engage with the church’s history, art, and spiritual ambiance in a meaningful way. As such, it stands as a testament to the enduring role of small churches in Italy’s vast religious landscape, preserving local traditions and faith with humility and grace.

Photo Gallery of Walk 1 – Piazza Giacomo Matteotti to Path alongside the Lake in Pescate
Approximately 0.00 km – 0.00 miles

The walk starts in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti – Vicolo Glorietta – Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Via alla Chiesa – Piazza S. Stefano – Via Statale – Via Alzaia – Via Statale – Path alongside the Lake

Photo Gallery of Walk 2 – Path alongside the Lake to Via Statale
Approximately 0.0 km – 0.0 miles

The walk starts in Path alongside the Lake – Via Roma – Chiesa Parrocchiale del Divin Salvatore e Santa Teresa di Gesù bambino, Via Giovanni XXIII – Via Don Paolo Barzaghi – Parco La Fornace – Parco La Punta – Ciclabile Adda Ovest pescate trezzo sulladda – Path alongside the Lake – Via Statale