Parco Monte Barro

Characteristics

Of moderate height (922 metres), Monte Barro lies on the southern limits of the Lombardy Prealps. At its feet lie Lakes Annone and Garlate, as well as the branch of Lake Como. Along its slopes can be seen moraine, fluvio-glacial deposits and erratic boulders originating in Valtellina. The territory of Monte Barro is almost completely in the Municipality of Galbiate.

Brief history

Thanks to its strategic position as a lookout post, Monte Barro had an important role throughout prehistory as well as in Roman times and the Early Middle Ages. Archaeological investigations carried out between 1986 and 1997) have revealed the presence of defence works attributed to the Goths, while it is certain that also the Longobards occupied those sites to watch over the vital trade and defence routes that followed the line of the lakes towards Bergamo and Aquileia in the East and towards the mountain passes to North-west.

Flora

There is considerable biodiversity in the environments of Monte Barro, which is the protected area with the greatest diversity of flora in Lombardy (1,200 classified plants). This heritage is protected and studied by the CFA (Centre for Autochthonous Flora) recognized by the Lombardy Region.

Fauna

From the point of view of wild life, on Monte Barro a high number of species of insects and spiders have been recorded, even rare ones. Crayfish live in the streams,while particular species of molluscs and crustaceans have been found in the underground waters. Another interesting aspect of Monte Barro is its position along the migratory route of bird life, which allows important observations and studies in that sector

Monte Barro presents some locations with particular features, including:

• the spectacular panoramas that can be admired from all sides of the mountain and particularly from its peak (922 metres a.s.l.);
• the 44 km of footpaths, all suitably marked, offering access to all the most interesting sites;
• the rocks and grasslands rich in rare endemic flora;
• the ornithological station at Costa Perla, a historic rural building now devoted to the study of bird migration;
• the medieval centre of Camporeso, home of the Ethnographic Museum of Upper Brianza (MEAB);
• the remains of a settlement of the Gothic period (5th-6th century AD) at Piani di Barra, excavated from 1986 to 1997, with the respective museum;
• the Falesia, or rock face of Camporeso, with its 160 gear-protected routes;
• the trekking routes connected to the trail "From the Plain to the Lake", going from Lecco to Merate through the Park of Monte Barro, the PLIS San Genesio and the Park of Montevecchia and of the Curone Valley;
• the unfinished eighteenth-century church of San Michele;
• Villa Bertarelli in the nearby town of Galbiate with its gardens and the laboratories of the Centre for Autochthonous Flora (CFA) of the Lombardy Region;
• the hermitage with the "Park Visitors Centre", the Barro Archaeological Museum (MAB), the grand panoramic terrace and the church of Santa Maria dating back to the 15th century, but probably of late Roman origin.

A Park for everyone, amidst history, archaeology, ethnography, bird life, botany, hiking and mountaineering.