The best walks and hikes around Calusco D'Adda

A valuable 17th-century monument of Lombard Baroque, but also a bulwark that rises in a panoramic position overlooking the Adda Valley in Imbersago, in the province of Lecco. A perfect blend of religious devotion, commemoration of a mystical past, and immersion in lush nature, a symbol of vitality and timeless beauty. The history of the Sanctuary of Imbersago is rooted in a past of apparitions and miraculous events. It all began on May 9, 1617, when three shepherds who were grazing their flock in the woods saw a celestial figure among dazzling lights and harmonious melodies on the three large chestnut trees that stood around the Sorgente del Lupo (so named for the animals that roamed there). At that point, Pietro, one of the children, with great wonder, spotted and picked up a ripe hedgehog, an unlikely event in the middle of spring. And for all the people, this represented the prodigious sign that the Blessed Virgin wished to be honored in that very place. From here, from this miraculous vision, began the devotion to the Madonna del Bosco, also known as Madonna del Riccio, referring precisely to the miracle just narrated, or Madonna dei Miracoli di Imbersago.

The river is very clean and the view is really suggestive, even if I wouldn't call this place a "lagoon".

view from above on the Robbiate dam

The Robbiate Dam (also called the "New Dam" to distinguish it from the older one built in Paderno d'Adda) is an artificial barrier on the Adda River located in the municipality of Robbiate, approximately 700 metres upstream from the Ponte San Michele.

Wonderful natural oasis. It is a marshy area, rich in river vegetation and very rich in fauna, ranging from amphibians, to dragonflies to grebes, herons, woodpeckers etc. Unfortunately, the Louisiana red crayfish is also present, which as the name suggests is an invasive species. Correct behavior is recommended, do not scare the animals, be careful where you walk so as not to step on amphibians, do not leave waste, no noise etc. However, there are information signs with the rules to follow

Very beautiful location, made even more characteristic by the presence of Leonardo da Vinci's rope boat. Excellent starting point for the most beautiful bike excursions on the Adda.

Reachable by bicycle avoiding traffic following the Adda river.

The Sanctuary, a valuable monument of Lombard Baroque, stands in a panoramic position over the Adda Valley. On May 9, 1617, three shepherd children were grazing their flock in the woods, when, on the three large chestnut trees that stood around the Wolf Source, they glimpsed the great Lady among celestial lights and splendors and harmonious melodies. Peter, one of the children, with great wonder picked a beautiful ripe hedgehog (in spring!) and for all the people this represented the prodigious sign that the Blessed Virgin Mary desired to be honored in that place. Thus began the devotion to the Madonna del Bosco or Madonna del Riccio or Madonna dei Miracoli of Imbersago. Among the first graces bestowed stands out that of the liberation of a child from the jaws of a wolf, as soon as his mother invoked the Holy Mary. Out of gratitude, on the site of the apparitions, a small chapel, "the Scurolo", was erected, enriched by a valuable fresco by Barabino, representing the Virgin and Child. The Church was then built above it, solemnly blessed in 1646 and later enlarged. In 1954 the Patriarch of Venice, Cardinal Roncalli, crowned the statue of the Virgin with the Child Jesus. As Pope, Blessed John XXIII wrote: "All the Shrines of Mary are dear to me, I have visited many... But I remember the Sanctuary with particular affection of the Madonna del Bosco, because she was the smile of my childhood, the guardianship and encouragement of my priestly vocation... Let us rejoice together in this building of Marian piety, which is a reason for festive and encouraging peace for these good people of ours who... love to turn the looks and prayers towards Her, the Queen and Mother of Mercy". At the top of the 349-step Holy Staircase stands the majestic bronze statue of the Pontiff himself, inaugurated by the then Cardinal Montini, the Servant of God Pope Paul VI. The room of the Blessed Cardinal Schuster is also kept in the Sanctuary. There are many spiritual favors granted to the Sanctuary, which today is entrusted to the care of the Oblate Fathers of the Sant'Ambrogio Institute of Milan.