Location
Civate lies in the Triangolo Lariano, on the shores of Lake Annone and at the foot of Monte Cornizzolo.
History
The earliest settlements were of Celtic farmer-warriors at the foot of the mountain. The name derives from “Clavis” (key), later “Claviate” in Lombard times: it was during this period that the celebrated Abbey of San Pietro al Monte was founded, to which the history of the municipality has always been tied. In the Middle Ages a castle defending the village was destroyed in the fighting between the Torriani and the Visconti; around 1500 Civate became a commenda under various families (Sforza, Trivulzio, Sfrondati, Borghese, Busca).
What to see
- Abbey of San Pietro al Monte: a jewel of Lombard Romanesque, built around the year 1000 on 8th-century monastic settlements, at 630 m on the slopes of the Cornizzolo, with views over Lake Annone and Monte Barro. It can only be reached on foot (2.5 km, 460 m of elevation gain, about an hour). Guided tours are run by volunteers of the Amici di San Pietro association; there is a picnic area.
- San Calocero: on the square of the same name, once a single Benedictine complex together with the abbey; today partly a retirement home, but the church, cloister and crypt (with visible Roman remains) remain open to visitors.
What to do
From Civate you can climb in a short while to the abbey or to the summit of the Cornizzolo. Lake Annone, the largest of the Brianza lakes (divided in two by the isthmus of the Isella hamlet, a favourite spot for anglers and swimmers), can be explored on foot or by mountain bike around its perimeter, or by canoe and kayak.
Getting there
A thirteen-minute train ride from Lecco, on the Como-Lecco line, is enough to reach Civate station; by car you arrive via the provincial roads of the Triangolo Lariano.
Festivities
15 June — Saint Vitus, patron saint of Civate.