The Blackbird Garden in Musso: The secret door to Lake Como
Located between the picturesque villages of Dongo and Musso , in the Alto Lario, at the foot of the Sasso di Musso , the Merlo garden offers a unique experience. Its vegetation, enveloping scents and landscape will transport you to an atmosphere reminiscent of Liguria, creating the perfect context for an out-of-town trip to Lombardy, even with children .
The Giardino del Merlo is steeped in history, with the remains of Gian Giacomo Medici di Marignano's Castle , known as Il Meneghino, which once dominated this place.
Today, despite being reduced to ruins, the castle offers a fascinating setting with breathtaking views of the lake, visible from the windows and from the terrace.
The Giardino del Merlo path , although easy, has sections carved into the rock that recall the landscape of Tracciolino . Among prickly pears, eucalyptus, carob trees, agaves and olive trees, the Mediterranean vegetation blends harmoniously with the view of the lake, creating a magical atmosphere.
The absence of precise indications along the route adds a touch of adventure. The advice, especially with children, is to pay attention, considering some exposed sections of the path delimited by iron ropes.
The Giardino del Merlo , although revealing an intrinsic beauty, may require more careful care. In our case, in February, without the blooms of the season, some parts appeared neglected.
However, the visit can become even more complete by combining it with other nearby attractions, such as the Sistine Chapel of Lombardy or the Piona Abbey .
The "Secret Door" of the garden proves to be an intriguing element. Finding it may require a bit of searching, but the reward is a journey into the past through a dark corridor that leads to the guardian's rooms, providing a unique and evocative experience.
Continuing, the path leads to the Church of Sant'Eufemia , dating back to 1622, which offers an extraordinary panoramic view of Lake Como . Benches and a surrounding lawn create the ideal setting for a picnic after this short excursion in Lombardy with children.
In conclusion, the Giardino del Merlo in Musso presents itself as an authentic hidden gem, a place to explore to immerse yourself in nature, history and the spectacular views of Lake Como .
To reach the Giardino del Merlo in Musso , just enter "Giardino del Merlo Musso" in the navigator. The entrance, marked by a gate, is free and open to all. Limited parking is located near the garden walls, especially recommended on busy weekends .
If you can't find parking near the entrance, you can leave your car near the Church of San Biagio and continue on foot, adding just 10 minutes of pleasant walking. Along the way, the view of the lake and the suggestive glimpses make the experience even more rewarding.
Alternative on foot: If you can't find parking immediately near the entrance, you can park near the Church of San Biagio and continue on foot. Just add about 10 minutes of walking to your route.