Cremeno
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
Cremeno can be easily reached by car along the state road of Lake Como and Spluga as far as Ballabio, and then take the provincial road that goes up the Valsassina. The nearest railway station is Lecco, connected to Milan, from where there are regular buses to Cremeno. The most convenient airport is Milan-Malpensa, about 90 km away, while Milan-Linate is 70 km away. The well-maintained local road network makes it easy to reach all the mountain hamlets.
.Introduction
Located in the verdant Valsassina, about 70 km from Lecco, Cremeno is a typical Lombardy mountain municipality that lies between 700 and 1,200 metres above sea level. This Alpine village, nestled in the Orobic Pre-Alps, boasts a centuries-old history linked to rural traditions and transhumance, with an architectural heritage ranging from typical stone huts to frescoed churches. Today Cremeno is popular both as a summer resort and as a base for excursions to the beautiful Resegone and Grigne mountains.
Description
The territory of Cremeno is characterised by a particularly evocative alpine landscape, with large wooded expanses of fir and beech trees that give way, as they climb in altitude, to pastures and mountain pastures. The Pioverna stream, which flows through the valley, contributes to an environment rich in water and small waterfalls. The main town rises to 792 metres, while the numerous hamlets - including Artesso, Campelli and Ronco - are spread out on the mountain slopes, offering breathtaking views of Brianza below and, on clear days, even of the Po Valley.
The town's origins probably date back to medieval times, when it served as an outpost to control the Alpine passes. Documents from the 13th century attest to Cremeno's strategic importance as a crossroads for trade between Milan and the transalpine regions. During Visconti and Sforza rule, the village experienced a period of relative prosperity thanks to cattle breeding and cheese production, a tradition that continues to this day. Among the historical figures linked to the area is Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, who had one of the first villas of delight in the valley built in nearby Introbio in the 18th century.
The local economy is mainly based on tourism, both in summer and winter, with several ski resorts in the higher hamlets. Mountain agriculture keeps the production of typical cheeses such as taleggio and branzi alive, while local crafts specialise in woodworking and soapstone. In recent years, an interesting industry has also developed linked to the production of hydroelectric energy, exploiting the area's numerous watercourses.
Cremeno's cultural life revolves around centuries-old traditions such as the 'Festa del Mascher', an ancient celebration of Alpine carnival with carved wooden masks, and the 'Misultin' festival, dedicated to the typical dried lake fish. The local cuisine abounds in robust and tasty dishes: from polenta taragna to the 'sciatt', cheese fritters, to the 'marscarpinade', sweets made with the famous local cheese. Particularly evocative is the Good Friday procession, which winds its way through the streets of the village lit by torches.
For nature lovers, Cremeno offers endless hiking opportunities. The path leading to Monte Due Mani (1,351 m) offers unique views of Lake Como, while the more challenging route to Pizzo dei Tre Signori (2,554 m) crosses some of the most beautiful alpine areas of Lombardy. In winter, the lifts at Pian delle Betulle offer slopes for skiers of all levels. A curiosity: according to legend, the name Cremeno derives from 'cream', referring to the particular consistency of the clay soil in the area.
Information
Area: 13.18km²
Altitude: 792m
Maximum elevation: 1,666m - Monte Due Mani
Number of inhabitants: 1,833 as of 31.12.24
Name in dialect: Cremée in Valsassina dialect
Inhabitants: cremenesi
Patron Saint: San Rocco, celebrated on 16 August
Bordering municipalities: Ballabio, Barzio, Cassina Valsassina, Morterone, Pasturo
Website: www.comune.cremeno.lc.it