The Manzoniana Walk, a timeless event
26 July 2025
In the green heart of Casargo: the silent patriarch of Val Piancone and the 30 giants of time
In the wild and still authentic mountains of Alta Valsassina, amidst chestnut woods and silences broken only by the rustling of branches, lies a tree heritage of extraordinary historical and natural value. The Municipality of Casargo, a small mountain gem in the province of Lecco, is home to as many as 30 monumental trees, surveyed and protected by the State Forestry Corps and listed in the official Provincial register. A living collection of native species – largely centuries-old chestnut trees, imposing beech trees, and delicate birch trees – that tell centuries of Alpine history and biodiversity.
But among these green guardians of time, only one holds the absolute record: the extraordinary Beech of Val Piancone, A silent giant whose grandeur is breathtaking. Standing 28 metres tall and with a circumference exceeding 9.3 metres at its base, this tree is more than a mere botanical specimen: it is a true natural monument, believed to be the oldest beech in Italy, with an estimated age of over 600 years. When Ludovico il Moro governed Milan and Christopher Columbus was preparing to cross the Atlantic, he was already there, sinking his roots into the mountainous land.
Val Piancone's beech tree is today the subject of study by botanists, dendrologists and enthusiasts of ancient trees. Its extraordinary longevity is probably due to the favourable altitude, the quality of the acidic and well-drained soil, and its relative isolation, which has kept it safe from invasive human intervention. Its majestic crown and smooth bark, with silvery hues, are the living symbol of nature's resilience.
Reaching this green patriarch is possible, but requires respect and preparation. Two main paths lead to the majestic beech tree. The first starts from the location Faedo, ascending through Snore and then following the path to the picturesque Val Marcia. A journey through the woods, amongst the ruins of mountain pastures and ancient dry stone walls, where time seems to have stood still. The second itinerary, less known but equally fascinating, begins from the Premana industrial estate, in the locality of Cricket, then cross the Varrone stream and go up to the’Chiarino Alps.
Both paths feature steep gradients and steep sections: it is therefore recommended to tackle them with adequate equipment, mountain boots and caution, especially in case of bad weather. But the effort will be amply rewarded by the encounter with a silent witness of alpine history, which has witnessed landslides, epic snowfalls, pastures and wars, always remaining there, firm and majestic.
The inclusion of the beech tree in Val Piancone – and of the other monumental trees in the area – in the official Provincial list represents an important step towards protecting Casargo's natural and cultural heritage. It's not just about protecting plants: it's about safeguard the green memory of our mountains, a legacy that speaks of people, nature, and centuries of coexistence.
In an era where haste consumes everything, the invitation is simple: slow down, walk, and listen. Because amidst those gnarled trunks and those branches that caress the sky, every tree tells a story. And the beech tree of Val Piancone tells more stories than any other.
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