A Farmhouse
n t h e W o d
On the southern slope of Monte Barro, nestled within a protected natural oasis, Selvetto emerges.
This magical place, just a short walk from the center of Sala al Barro, is shielded by an isolated mountain of the Prealps, standing 922 meters tall.
Here, where lake meets mountain, landscapes are intertwined with history: ancient paths and forgotten villages reveal archaeological parks dating back to the Gothic era.
This area, historically traversed by shepherds, farmers, and affluent landowners, has witnessed a transformation of its landscape with the introduction of olive groves and vineyards, establishing an agricultural tradition in this terrace-rich and verdant locale.
Rock Climbing
l i f f
A short walk from Cascina Selvetto leads to the Camporeso Cliff, a well-regarded and frequently visited rock climbing gym with numerous equipped routes – recently updated (2017). Positioned on the southern slope of Monte Barro with a panoramic view over Lake Annone, the rock face attracts climbers year-round thanks to its sunny exposure, allowing for climbing in any season.
The routes span heights from 15 to 30 meters, offering about 150 climbing paths.
In addition to its proximity to climbing opportunities, another point of interest in the area is the nearby expansive agricultural area of Camporeso-Migliorate – home to the Ethnographic Museum of Alta Brianza (MEAB). Opened in 2003 and located in the ancient agricultural core of Camporeso, the museum focuses its activities on ethnographic and anthropological research concerning the lives of the working classes in Brianza and the Lecco area during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Specifically, the Camporeso area is included in the “Ethnographic Trails – social and ethnographic history outside the Ethnographic Museum of Alta Brianza” project; these are equipped trails that, near Selvetto, particularly highlight the unique aspects of the ancient terraced agricultural landscapes, marked by dry stone walls.
Ancient village
a m p o r e s
Plains of
a r r a
For those looking to combine trekking with a cultural visit, we recommend starting from Selvetto on trail 311 of the Monte Barro Park, leading to the archaeological area of the Plains of Barra, the largest Gothic era settlement excavated in Italy.
The Plains of Barra represent the park’s principal archaeological site, stretching across a mid-slope plateau within a charming beech forest where a circular route winds through the fortified nucleus, preserving the remains of ancient buildings uncovered by archaeologists.
Just a short walk from Selvetto, following the Camporeso loop, one can reach the historic Villa Bertarelli, constructed in the early 1700s and distinguished by its magnificent gardens, fountains, and stone mosaics.
In addition to housing the headquarters of the Monte Barro Park, the villa also accommodates the Autochthonous Flora Center, an experimental station of the Lombardy Region dedicated to conservation and rehabilitation activities for the environmental restoration of native species.
Historic
i l l a B e t a e l l i
