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The territory was already inhabited in prehistoric times in fact remains of a fortified village was discovered after
an operation of drainage of the lake bottom. Remains of Roman age came to light in 1907 during the construction of
Villa Faccanoni and along all the coast near Predore. But first documents go
back at 862 a.C.
HISTORIC CENTRE The walk, for who loves to do some shopping, has a medieval semicircular structure with the back turned towards the mountain. Some remains of castles of Counts Martinengo are still visible.
The historic centre is well-known with the name of “Contrada”.
Going along “via Lantieri” (in a multicoloured setting of shops) you can still note some architectonic proofs of the old village: portals, narrow streets, passages under arcades, old houses with solid walls.
It’s advisable to follow the running of the Contrada to arrive at the top of historic centre: the SS.Redentore square, where there is the parish church of the eighteenth century. The parish church is in baroque style and it’s dedicated to Saint Martin of tours. The stately front, executed in 1777, is planned on two floors and it’s made rich by series of statues and by the recently bronze portal (work of Meli).
Inside it’s possible to admire works of particular artistic interest. They are:
- the picture that represents “Saint Martin Bishop with the emperor Valentiniano”. It’s set in the apse behind the altar (work of Cappella);
- the “paliotto” in white marble of the high altar (work of Andrea Fantoni);
- the picture “The Virgin Mary and Saints” of Cavagna (put in the third chapel from left);
- the statue in golden wood of “The Virgin Mary with child” (work of Andrea Fantoni).
The church of Saint Rocco rises next to the parish church. It was built in 1705 to enlarge a votive chapel in 1630. Going on you can enter again in the lanes of the historic centre, that keep characteristic places.
In one of these lanes, via San Paolo, you can arrive at the fifteenth century church of Saint Paul (for the visit apply to the keeper in the house beside).
Inside you can admire beautiful pictures of XV century (for example the picture behind the altar, that represents the “Madonna addolorata e santi”). “The tower of the clock” rises in the little square. It was raised in 1850 on the base (still visible) of a perimetric tower of the castle.
Going on towards “via Santo Stefano”, you can go towards the lake for a restorative pause.
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