SHARRYLAND
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Hiking in the history of Canzo
The Larian Triangle is a land of mountains and close to the border. The wilderness and the ingenuity and determination of the people of these places have given rise to a dense network of paths that are not always easy to follow. Some of these paths are well traced even today, and linked to the history that passed through them. This is the case of the Senterùn and the Budraghera, which pass through Canzo and around Lake Segrino and recall the tense atmospheres of smuggling and tiring journeys in the company of pack animals.
Walking in the footsteps of smugglers on the Senterùn
The Senterun, an ancient trail located high above Lake Segrino, is a place steeped in history and mystery. This well-preserved trail begins in the area of the Canzo lazaretto, a location that was once a key point in the network of paths used by smugglers to descend from Vallassina to Lake Pusiano. Before the shores of Lake Segrino were made accessible by the receding waters, this trail was an important passageway.
Smuggling in Canzo
Over the centuries, many families engaged in the practice of smuggling in this region, often trying to supplement their meager agricultural income. Smugglers adopted nicknames for animals, often related to the area they traveled. These nicknames served to keep their identities secret, especially from customs authorities known as "burlanda."
Lake Segrino seen from the SenterùnThe Senterun was a labyrinth of paths hidden among the dense mountain vegetation. Along the way, centuries-old trees provided a natural canopy that protected smugglers from the watchful inspections of the "burlanda." These brave smugglers risked everything to transport valuable goods such as sugar, tobacco and alcohol from Vallassina to Lake Pusiano, with Milan as their final destination.
The carters' trail: the Budranghera
The Budraghera, another ancient path, was traveled by the "Budracch," oxen drivers. This path ran halfway up the hillside, offering an alternative and less dangerous route than the valley floor road. A fresco painted outside the chapel at the head of Lake Segrino commemorates an extraordinary story. it depicts Antonio Molteni, nicknamed "Ul carraduur," the carter.
The legend of the carter
One winter day, while transporting goods along the road from Mariaga to Canzo, Antonio fell asleep on the wagon. His oxen, following an inexplicable instinct, deviated from the path and took the route that cut across the then frozen lake. When Antony awoke, he stood in the middle of the frozen lake. The miracle had occurred: the ice had held the weight of the wagon and Antony, allowing them to survive the crossing. In honor of this miracle, a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady was erected to thank the deity who had protected "Ul carraduur."
Suggestive trails
Today, the Senterun and the Budraghera are silent witnesses to a past rich in adventure and fascinating stories. These historic trails represent a valuable cultural heritage that connects the present to the past, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of a time when the courage and determination of smugglers and drovers were legend.
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