Leaving Campodolcino eager cyclists on the “Rampegada alla Madonna” outing can expect to tackle differing types of terrain whilst enjoying some magnificent landscapes. You set out from P.zza Sant’Antonio at Campodolcino across from Mu.Vi.S, the ethnographical museum which bears witness to the civilisation of the entire Valle Spluga and its international role over the centuries.
It heads off in a southerly direction along the SS36 Lake Como – Spluga and you are immediately confronted by a steep climb up to the Parish Church of San Giovanni Battista where you shift to the left and follow the signposting to the village of Fraciscio. Unless you are all too focused on the climb ahead you can’t miss the “Roman Bridge“ which you are leaving behind on your left, something of an icon of the area.
After a series of bends you come to a crossroads, turn right and follow the signposts for Gualdera and 150 metres after the first bend bear left and take the path that will lead you to Fraciscio crossing the bridge over the Rabbiosa Torrent.
Fraciscio is the birthplace of San Luigi Guanella in 1842, and it remains possible to visit his childhood home. If you feel like taking a “cultural” break in this attractive little village, the Ca’ Bardassa, a typical rustic “unitary” home built in several stages between the 17th century and 1823/24 is certainly worth a look.
Leaving the village follow the signs for Motta and adopt the “Fraciscio/Motta cyclepath” with its exacting slopes (maximum gradient of 29% on this section – on dirt road or concrete), but from which you can appreciate a magnificent view of Pizzo Stella (3.163m).
Once you’ve made it to the top (and you will!), swing left at the junction along a dirt track towards Alpe Motta. Entering the tiny nucleus, take the path that crosses the ski slopes to reach the statue of Nostra Signora d’Europa at 1.925m, on the mound of the Serenissima and from where you can enjoy a 360° panorama over the entire upper Valle Spluga. The exertions of the climb are suitably repaid by the sheer majesty of the mountains all around.