Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Lezzeno-Bellano

Between faith, silence and legends, overlooking Lake Como.

My family has been from Bellano for generations, and today I’m taking you with me to a place where time seems to stand still—where every stone tells a story: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Lezzeno.

📍 Where is it?

The sanctuary is in Lezzeno, just above Bellano. You reach it on foot via a panoramic walk through woods, stone steps and breathtaking glimpses of the lake. It takes around 30–40 minutes on foot from the village centre, or about 10 minutes by car, with parking just a few metres away.

💡 Local tip:

if you can, go at sunset or early in the morning: the atmosphere is magical, and you’ll often find only birdsong and the sound of the wind in the trees.

A place born of a miracle

• The miraculous fresco of the Madonna and Child, now protected by a richly decorated altar
• The painted vaults, full of flowers, angels and Marian motifs
• A splendid 17th-century altarpiece, attributed to the school of Cerano
• The ex voto offerings—small paintings and objects donated by the faithful for graces received (there are dozens, and they tell moving stories of simple lives, illnesses overcome, rescues at lake...)

The path of silence

For us in Bellano, the pilgrimage up to Lezzeno is more than just a walk: it’s a moment of reflection and quiet. During religious celebrations (especially in May and September), people go up together, saying the rosary along the old mule track.

💬 Local anecdote:

Curiosities and legends

• It’s said the place was sacred even before the miracle: perhaps a medieval votive chapel already stood there, near a spring.
• On clear days, from the sanctuary square you can see as far as Bellagio and the tip of Lenno.
• According to an old belief, touching the altar stone with your forehead brings luck with important decisions.

Events, key dates and how to get there

🚶‍♀️ On foot: from Bellano’s centre, follow Via Lezzeno or the chapel trail

🚗 By car: tarmac road with nearby parking (but limited!)

🥾 As a hike: you can include it in the loop route Bellano–Orrido–Sanctuary–Pendaglio

In short:

Lezzeno Sanctuary isn’t only a place of faith. It’s a terrace over beauty, a refuge for the soul, a corner of history that lives in the hearts of those who call Bellano home.

Whether you’re religious or not, stop for a few minutes. Look at the lake from up there. Breathe. And feel whatever you feel.

And for your stay, I recommend basing yourself in Bellano, in a Villa Vista Lago apartment.

© 2026 Your travel and discovery blog on Lake Como by villavistalago.it