Are you looking for relief from the grip of the summer heat? Do you want to treat yourself to a regenerating walk among uncontaminated nature, centuries-old legends and idyllic views? There is a place where the fresh mountain air meets the magic of Lake Maggiore, giving you the sensation of walking suspended between sky and water. I’m talking about Lake Delio, a little place waiting to be discovered in Lombardy, more precisely in the Upper Varesotto above Maccagno with Pino and Veddasca.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
How to reach Lake Delio
Located at approximately 1000 meters above sea level, this basin of glacial origin lies between Monte Cadrigna and Monte Borgna. Reaching it is an evocative experience: from Milan it takes about two hours by car, along a panoramic road full of hairpin bends (pay attention to the width, especially in the final part) which offers breathtaking views of the Cannero Riviera castle. During the twentieth century, human intervention transformed the basin: the two dams built by the Subalpine Hydroelectric Society today power the Enel power plant in Ronco Valgrande.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
Among the forest paths and breathtaking views
Our exploration began from the free parking near the reservoir. The circular route runs for approximately 5 kilometers and can be covered in an hour’s walk. The first part of the route follows the asphalt road, leading us to the picnic area equipped with tables and grills. Continuing towards the north dam, we took the dirt path on the right, immersed in thick vegetation.
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Walking in total peace, we crossed a ganda, evidence of an ancient stone landslide, enjoying the play of light that reflected on the body of water. For those who want to walk further, there is a detour towards the Monte Borgna viewpoint, while walking down to the shore you can appreciate the crystalline transparency of the water.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
The mysteries of the submerged village
What makes this body of water magical are its folk tales. The first legend dates back to the 4th century and features San Silvestro. Having arrived in the village to convert the inhabitants who venerated the sun god Helios, the saint was chased away and chased away. Divine wrath punished the village’s impiety by unleashing a flow of mud and water that submerged it forever.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
A second narration tells of the rich country of Elio, populated by arid and selfish inhabitants. Only a woman and her daughter, busy cooking chestnut soup, offered shelter and food to a poor beggar. The man, later revealed to be San Rocco, predicted catastrophe to the only two generous souls. As they fled towards the hamlet of Campagnano, a roar engulfed the town. It is said that even today, on the quietest nights, the bells can be heard ringing from the bottom of the lake.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
The small church of San Rocco and the Froda waterfall
On the way back we stopped in Campagnano to visit the small church dedicated to San Rocco. Its panoramic terrace offers a sublime view, capable of embracing the Italian and Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
If you still have energy, the nearby Froda Waterfall is an unmissable detour before ending the day. Lake Delio is freely accessible all year round, but expresses its maximum charm in spring and summer. Remember to wear trekking boots, bring a sweatshirt because the weather changes easily here, a bottle of water and a towel to relax on the lawn: not being an equipped beach, it keeps its authentic and wild soul intact.
@RebeccaManzi/GreenMe
