La Crocetta: the trenches of the Cadorna Line

La Crocetta: the trenches of the Cadorna Line above Menaggio and Lake Como

La Crocetta is a panoramic viewpoint above Menaggio offering breathtaking views of Lake Como, the Bellagio coast, and the small neighboring villages.
From La Crocetta, you can also spot the ferry as it slowly crosses the lake, connecting the main lakeside towns.
Mount Crocetta was a fundamental location during the First World War. Its strategic position overlooking the lake, nestled in the valley with Switzerland behind it and a view directed toward Milan, made this the perfect site for the construction of defensive fortifications. This defense line, named "Occupazione Avanzata Frontiera Nord" (Northern Frontier Advanced Occupation), is commonly known as the Cadorna Line.
The walkways, paths, trenches, and bunkers have been cleared and restored, and can be explored to discover armored positions, shelters, and observation posts. The La Crocetta viewpoint is easily accessible from the hamlet of Croce di Menaggio.

Our itinerary instead begins on the opposite side of the state road 340 that connects Menaggio to Lugano. From the bus stop, continue for about ten meters along the carriage road. Cross the state road and take the road toward the Menaggio – Cadenabbia Golf Club. Pass in front of a beautiful washhouse and, after approximately 200 m, turn left into Via Pigato. Continue on the paved road, which further on becomes a dirt track where the trenches are located.
You will reach a small church dedicated to San Maurizio, which was built in 1975 by the Menaggio Alpini Group in memory of the fallen of all wars.
Inside are two frescoes by Bruno Azimonti. Beneath the church, in the bunker that forms part of the Mount Crocetta fortifications, is the shrine where every fallen soldier from Menaggio is commemorated. From the church, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Menaggio. Just beyond the church is the La Crocetta viewpoint, which overlooks the center of the lake with a vast view of the Lecco branch, the Orobie Alps, and to the north, the Upper Lake and Valtellina.