Santuario di Santa Rita / Capanna CAO from Como

13 August 2024. Quite a tough climb, which does not let up for a moment. Up from Como and at the start long, straight pieces that make you think a little. The road, especially from Brunate to the Faro and then to the Santuario, is not the best, but if you are careful, it goes well. I recommend bringing a chain, because to climb up to the lighthouse there is a long flight of steps, but at the top there is a beautiful view of the lake and the hills. After the lighthouse, it is another kilometre to the smallest sanctuary in Europe, dedicated to St Rita. Here the last 500 metres are on cobblestones. You can then descend from Civiglio, but from the upper intersection (from Brunate) because the diversions further down is currently closed due to a landslide. Don't miss the photo of the Campari fountain: there are only three left in Italy of the 12 commissioned by the aperitif company in the 1930s.

An ascent that is often part of the Tour of Lombardy, so definitely do it. I recommend going up around 12 noon so that there is less traffic at lunchtime. Not hard at all, it climbs smoothly. Very sunny until Brunate. There is a drinking fountain immediately on the right after the Garzola hairpin bend. Then, shortly after the arrival of the funicular, you cannot miss the Campari fountain. At the top of the roundabout in the lighthouse area, there is one last fountain on the square. Initially excellent asphalt becomes very bad at the top. Unmissable views of the lake and the town of Como. Period villas scattered everywhere.

At the beginning wide and good asphalt, but the further you come, the narrower and worse it gets until you end up on square paving stones. Occasionally a tough piece of climbing, but overall good to do and regular climbing. Back is (as often in Italy) moderate with all the (filled) cracks and holes.