Excursions and trekking
in the surroundings of Cavargna
Our refuge is strategically located for easy walks or more challenging hikes.
The refuge is located at an altitude of 1,542 meters. Its sunny exposure and the abundance of rural trails offer the possibility of a variety of itineraries, accessible year-round.
The trails of Val Cavargna
Other trails begin near the San Lucio Refuge and allow you to visit other locations in the Cavagna Valley. Including those already described, we reach an altitude of 13 meters.
For those who use the "Komoot" app , this link takes you to the dedicated section.
Capanna Monte Bar Trail (Switzerland)
⏱ Duration: approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
📏 Length: 8 km
🎯 Difficulty: Intermediate
Description
Scenic route that crosses the Garzirola slope, with continuous ups and downs and steep sections.
Some sections are exposed and require sure-footedness, but offer spectacular views along the entire trek.
Ideal for hikers with a minimum of experience, looking for a varied and evocative itinerary.
Monte Garzirola Trail
⏱ Duration: 1h 30' – 2h
📏 Elevation gain: over 500 m
🎯 Difficulty: Challenging
Description
A short but intense route, characterised by a significant difference in altitude, making it suitable for trained hikers.
The route leads to the refuge of the same name, an ideal base for a break or as a starting point for continuing towards Monte Camoghè and other fascinating destinations in the Alto Lario.
Visit the mountain pastures
During the summer, it is possible to reach and visit various mountain pastures located near the refuge, immersed in nature and still active in pastoral traditions.
Alpe Colmine
Located along the path leading to Cima Fiorina, easily accessible during hikes.
Tabano Alps
Located shortly after our refuge following the path towards the Garzirola refuge.
Alpe Corte di Certara
Located in Switzerland, it specializes in goat cheese production. Here, you can watch demonstrations of the cheesemaking process right at the dairy.
Thanks to all the mountain pastures, it is therefore possible to encounter various grazing animals during your walks.
Holidays and celebrations in the valley
Saint Lucius
📅 July 12th
⛪ Mass in the church
🍽️ Convivial lunches
🎶 Traditional songs with accordions
⛺ Overnight stay in a tent
Saint Rocco
📅 August 15th and 16th
🌙 August 15th (evening): music, convivial gathering, overnight stay in a tent or at the refuge
☀️ August 16 (day): main celebration and traditional lunches
The church of S.Lucio and S.Rocco
Before telling its history, we remind you that the church can be visited by requesting the keys at the Rifugio San Lucio, located right in front of it.
Position
On the pass on the border between Italy and Switzerland, at over 1,500 meters above sea level, in the deanery of Porlezza, stands an ancient oratory known by all as "the little church."
Origins and Architecture
The Oratory of San Lucio, located in front of the Rifugio, was built towards the end of the 13th century, on the site where, according to tradition, the martyr San Lucio was buried.
The simple, gabled structure has undergone renovations and expansions over the centuries.
Beginning in the 14th century, the oratory was entirely frescoed. Unfortunately, many frescoes have been lost over time, but some have been recovered thanks to restoration work.
The Saints enshrined in the Church
Inside, two saints are venerated:
Saint Lucius
Protector of cheesemakers and shepherds, he is commemorated on July 12th.Saint Rocco
Patron saint of animals, he is celebrated on August 16th.
The figure of Saint Lucius
Until 1610, San Lucio was also known as Luguzzone or Uguccione.
Tradition remembers him as a very poor shepherd, in the service of a greedy master, who did not hesitate to give everything he owned to the poor.
Driven out by his master for his generosity, he entered the service of another man, whose flocks and crops began to multiply, while the first master fell into poverty.
Blinded by envy, the latter killed Saint Lucius on the very pass that today bears his name.
The legend of the lake
Legend has it that at the site of the martyrdom a spring gushed forth, forming a small lake.
Saint Lucius is also invoked as the protector of sight: the sick washed their eyes in the water of the lake, which according to tradition turned red on July 12, the day of his martyrdom.
The chapel of San Lucio
Near the refuge there is also a small chapel dedicated to San Lucio, which houses a statue of the saint:
in his left hand he holds a wheel of cheese, while in his right he holds the cheesemaker's knife, in the act of cutting the cheese to distribute it to the poor.
Text adapted from historical sources: valcavagna.org and chiesadimilano.it
