TOUR “SARNICO E LE GEMME DEL LIBERTY” - 7,5 km

Sarnico is home to five architectural jewels in Art Nouveau style, including three private villas, open only on special occasions. We propose a walking itinerary that will accompany you to discover these "gems" and the beauties of Sarnico.

The starting point of the itinerary is in Piazza SS Redentore, where there is the Parish Church S. Martino Vescovo and one of the first stages of this style: the Kindergarten "A. Faccanoni". The Kindergarten preserves only the Liberty facade, the interior has been transformed to adapt to new regulations.

The walk continues down via Buelli (on the left you can see the Medieval Tower) then turn right, you reach Villa Passeri. At the time it was a small spinning mill, Sommaruga later added a side body. From the outside, you can see graffiti concrete decorations that are distributed on the vaults of the loggia with light drawings of flowered pergolas.

Following the lakeside promenade for about 1.5 km, you reach Villa Faccanoni, the most evocative and well-known of those designed in Sarnico. Represents the personal definition of Sommaruga "cottage", in fact, the original project was "cottage for bachelor". The Villa, being directly overlooking the lake and surrounded by a large park, remains the most hidden, you can see the details of the elaborate Mazzucotelli gate. The facade can be admired from Lido Cadè, a beach with free access open all year round, where you can also relax after the walk.

The route continues along the cycle-pedestrian in the direction of Predore. On the way, on the right, you can see the headquarters of the Riva di Sarnico Shipyards, an atelier of timeless craftsmanship. Continue 700 meters to Villa Surre, also known as the "Grande Villa". Majestic and complex buildings, the medieval and romantic inspiration is enhanced with a characteristic cave and an exedra entrance with the wrought iron gate of Mazzucotelli.

At this point, you can take the same road and reach the last Liberty site, the Faccanoni Mausoleum, inside the cemetery. The Mausoleum is a monumental tomb built in 1907, apparently inspired by the Mayan pyramids.

At this point the itinerary dedicated to Art Nouveau ends, you can return to the Old Town, in the ancient "Contrada" to take a ride through the shops or linger in one of the ice cream shops on the lake for a refreshing break. In the center, you will also find many restaurants to round off your visit to Sarnico.

Itinerary without architectural barriers, suitable for everyone