The little red church of Pomelasca: Tuscany in Brianza

It would seem like we are in the heart of Tuscany but instead we are in the heart of Brianza, precisely in the hilly area between Lurago D'Erba e Inverigo (CO). The little red church of Pomelasca it has become famous over the years because it was used as a set for both advertising and Rai dramas, but has now returned to the limelight thanks to social media.

Perhaps we can go so far as to say that it is one of the most "Instagrammed" places in Brianza and this does not surprise us at all because its beauty is palpable!

The History of the Little Red Church of Pomelasca

The Rossa della Pomelasca church is part of the Pomelasca estate, a park with stately villas, farmhouses and the little church inside. Commissioned by the Sormani family, owners of the majestic church Villa Sormani, the Lombard terracotta church has a rather recent history.

Built in 1952 among the green hills near Inverigo, Count Ferdinando Sormani wanted a votive chapel for the Madonna. Unfortunately it cannot be visited inside, but we assure you that the outside and the surrounding area are already worth the visit!

The walking itinerary via Viale dei Cipressi

We decided to leave our car in the furthest car park, at the Parish of Sant'Ambrogio in front of the church. It is a free parking with parking disc only on weekdays. Once past the church we invite you to take the road on your left and go up via Pretorio.

Here you will find the Crivelli Castle and a beautiful panoramic point that acts as a balcony over the entire Lambro valley. In front of you the stupendous profile of Grigne, from the Cornizzolo, from the Resegone and Prealps. From here you can take the wonderful staircase of Avenue of Cypresses until you reach the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Noce.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Noce and arrival at the small church of Pomelasca

The sanctuary is definitely worth a visit. It is located in what is called the “market square”. In fact, in the past the silk market was held here. The Madonna della Noce was built in 1519 and owes its name to the apparition of the Madonna above a walnut tree to two children who were lost in the countryside.

Little curiosity: behind the Crivelli Park in via al Gigante you will find a curious statue of a giant. It is a statue of Hercules with gigantic dimensions. Here you will find another staircase and a balcony overlooking the surrounding area. You can take a walk around before returning to the car. 

Finally, we invite you to walk along the entire perimeter of the sanctuary and continue along via Trento and then turn right until you reach via Alberto da Giussano. Here begins the beautiful climb that leads to little red church of Pomelasca. For the entire itinerary, consider approximately 1 hour return. The only significant difference in altitude is found near Viale dei Cipressi.

The itinerary is suitable for everyone (less trained and children), even to strollers in the lower part from Sanctuary of the Madonna della Noce to the little church of Pomelasca. For those who wish to continue their tour in nature, we recommend reaching the Baggero oasis.