Holiday apartment in Grantola – churches, waterfall and cycling routes

Historic churches and walls

The former parish church of San Carlo stands in the historic centre of Grantola and was deconsecrated in 1965. It was built in the 16th century at the instigation of Cardinal Carlo Borromeo. Today, the former church, acquired by the municipal administration, serves as a venue for cultural activities. The sequence of construction in the 16th century and deconsecration in 1965 clearly distinguishes its former religious function from its current cultural use.

The church of San Pietro is one of the oldest churches in Valtravaglia. Despite alterations in the 17th and 18th centuries, it retains large parts of its original structure, including substantial sections of the masonry and some sections of the bell tower.

The medieval walls of Grantola were probably part of a fortification designed to control and defend the area. Palazzo De Nicola is privately owned and cannot be visited. The walls therefore represent a different historical context from the churches: their probable association with a fortification.

Forest waterfall and cycling routes

The Cascata del Calderone is a small, graceful waterfall in the forests of Grantola. The path to the Cascata del Calderone begins at Grantola’s ancient washhouse. This creates a specific connection between the waterfall and this old local landmark. The starting point at the ancient washhouse and the location in the forests mark two fixed points for orientation along the route.

The Valtravaglia Tour, a cycling route, passes through Grantola. The Margorabbia cycling route runs through Grantola and continues as far as Luino. For cycling enthusiasts, this means two different route connections: in one case, Grantola is part of the tour; in the other, the route has the further destination of Luino. The difference for cyclists lies in the route: one passes through Grantola, while the other continues to Luino.

Food events and regional cuisine

The local cuisine also has its own highlights. In 2026, the Sagra del baccalà alla vicentina will take place for the 11th time as a food event on Saturday, 5 September 2026, and Sunday, 6 September 2026. The event therefore falls on a weekend in September 2026 and comprises two consecutive event days.

At the 17th Busecca dell'Alpino, Trippa alla moda alpina is prepared; the dish can only be collected with a suitable container.

More places for planning your trip: Cadrezzate, Brebbia, Bodio Lomnago, Lonate Pozzolo, Gavirate, Somma Lombardo, Monteggia, Lavena Ponte Tresa

For the main travel overview: Varese.