What to see and what to do in Valtellina

Ancient facades with paintings of great charm and of great importance, fountains and portals in ollàre stone, decorated with floral and geometric motifs, are the elements that characterize the fascinating historic center of Chiavenna. There are numerous arcades overlooking the river Mera and the architectural treasures to be discovered by wandering through the streets of the village; courtyards and hidden gardens such as the Córt di àsen, represent characteristic corners, which have remained intact over time. A historic center, dating back to the sixteenth century, already surrounded by Sforza walls, partly still visible, which is testimony to how rich and important Chiavenna was at the time of the great trade with central Europe.

Built in 1048, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century with a military function for its important strategic position. Later, he went into inheritance to Beccaria undergoing a total reconstruction. At the end of the 90s, with the renovation of the castle, its high architectural quality was highlighted.

The museum collects and exhibits artifacts of firefighting origin present from the beginning. The material was ordered to offer visitors the opportunity to evaluate the technical evolution of the various fire-fighting and rescue equipment during the first half of the 1900s. Among the exhibited pieces is the "MERA 3" hand pump, complete with transport wagon, supplied to the Chiavenna Fire Brigade from 1883 to the second post-war period, fortunately found in 1989 during a fire in a farmhouse. In addition to some accessories and service uniforms, the parade helmet of the Civic Firemen of Chiavenna (1889) is preserved. To recreate the atmosphere of the time, a typical peripheral service center was also set up, such as that of Chiavenna around the end of the 1930s. The Historical Gallery is completed by documents, photographs and relics, kindly made available by the local population. Finally, the Historical Gallery houses an impressive collection of fire vehicle models, self-built in 1:14 scale by a firefighter from Chiavenna. The collection, which currently consists of about 100 pieces.

The Historical Museum Masegra Castle of Sondrio, Valtellina, Lombardia, tells, in its three halls, history and key moments of domination of the Grisons region of Switzerland (Swiss canton).

The Valtellina Museum of History and Art of Sondrio has been based since 1994 in the historic Palazzo Sassi de' Lavizzari, an austere sixteenth-century building donated by the owners to the Municipality in 1922 for cultural purposes. The collections of the Museum collect archaeological evidence from the prehistoric and Roman times and works able to offer an overview of the history of Valtellina art from the Middle Ages to the present day.

This charming village located in Valtellina, in the town of Sondrio, founded around the eleventh century , will offer you a journey into the heart of the ancient Sondrium , during the age of Lombard. Traditional and typical, well worth a visit.

The Sanctuary of Sassella in Sondrio is a place of spiritual peace built around the tenth century after the apparition of Our Lady. Inside the sanctuary there are wonderful works of art to see and admire.

The park is affected by phenomena of glacial origin: smooth rocks, furrows, basins but above all giant pots, deep wells dug ten thousand years ago in the rock of the melting waters of glaciers. There are numerous and easily practicable paths and itineraries that unfold in the nature reserve equipped with rest areas.

The Stelvio Glacier is one of the most popular ski resorts in the Alps. It is open from May to November, allowing you to practice skiing even in summer. Among the two highest peaks, the Passo and Monte Cristallo, the Italian ski champions are also practiced.

The botanical-archaeological park of Paradiso is made up of two hills, the "Paradiso" and the "Castellaccio", which are located on the eastern edge of Chiavenna in a magnificent panoramic position, both over the city and the surrounding area. The two hills, separated by the deep crack of the "Caurga" (ancient Roman ollàre stone quarry), are connected by a daring walkway and crossed by a dense network of well-equipped paths that allow an easy visit and ascent to the most high. There are numerous attractions that justify a visit, in fact on the two cliffs there are concentrated: singular environmental, geological and landscape aspects, botanical varieties of flowers and plants, with rare species and exotic vegetation; various archaeological and historical remains such as the ruins of the old walls and the fortress; artistic and architectural artefacts in soapstone, flooring in "botòn" (scraps of soapstone turning). Inside the Torrione there is the naturalistic section of the Valchiavenna Museum in which geo-mineralogical and faunal installations are presented that illustrate the natural environment of the valley. In the building at the entrance to the ollàre stone quarry, it is possible to find the Archaeological Museum of Valchiavenna on the first floor. During the visit to the rooms it is possible to "walk" in the millennial history of Chiavenna and its Valley. We are accompanied along the path by didactic panels, reconstructive drawings of scenarios and landscapes and, above all, the finds, objects that directly from the past are able to tell us about the life, work and beliefs of those who lived in these places over the centuries.

It is located in the charming collegiate church of San Lorenzo. It preserves a vast set of vestments and sacred furnishings. Main piece: “Peace of Chiavenna” covered with a twelfth century evangelary in embossed gold, gems, pearls and enamels, medieval masterpiece.

The mill of the former Moro pasta factory is located in Bottonera, the artisan district of Chiavenna, built in the 19th century in the upper part of the village and represents an important work of industrial archeology. It was Carlo Moro who gave life to the pasta factory. The foundation dates back to 1868, although as early as 1851 the Chiavenna Chamber of Commerce reported the presence of a "non-sweet pasta factory", known as "wheat mill and pasta factory" in 1890. The complex has come down to us almost intact. The mill was in operation day and night and the work, distributed over three shifts, was coordinated by a chief miller who, with a team of workers, supervised the operation of the machines and the loading into the bags of processing products: flour, bran, flour and half grains.

Palazzo Vertemate Franchi is located in Prosto di Piuro just two kilometers from Chiavenna, in Val Bregaglia. Erected in the second half of the 16th century by the brothers Guglielmo and Luigi Vertemate Franchi, exponents of one of the richest families who had flourishing commercial activities in Piuro, it is the only building of the properties that was saved from the landslide of 1618 which submerged the town with many of its inhabitants. The palace is a beautiful Renaissance masterpiece immersed in an enchanting environment that allows you to read the reality of a noble family of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The facade is sober and essential, surrounded by airy and functional spaces, such as the Italian garden with the fishpond and the double exedra balustrade.

The Park covers almost the entire southern slope of Valtellina with an altitude between 2000-3000m. The woods are different like deciduous and chestnut groves at lower altitudes and classic needles at just higher altitudes up to the alpine prairies rich in typical flora and in summer “crowded” of herds in the mountain pastures where the most delicious cheeses in Valtellina are born. As for the fauna, we can say that it is typical Alpine: deer, roe deer, ibex and also the populations of tetraonids, such as the Capercock, not surprisingly the symbol of the Park.

The Flavio Grazioli Mineralogical Museum is located in the municipality of Sondrio. It is one of the most important civic museums in Italy. It was established in 1991 to promote knowledge of the geological and mineralogical environment. The Museum exhibits a large collection of minerals, rich in more than 460 species and about 12,000 samples of minerals.

The Ligarian Tower is located in the center of Sondrio and is both civic and bell tower of the Collegiate Church. The project was entrusted to the architect Pietro Ligari. The community was unable to deal with the expenses of the first design and asked the architect Ligari to develop simpler proposals. Today it is among the most visited monuments in the city.

The Foundation was established by Giuseppe Fojanini, in order to create a doctrinal center for local agricultural problems. It was started in 1971 and has always contributed so much in enhancing and promoting the activities of the first sector. Over the years, the processes related to the aforementioned activity have been improved. Today, at the foundation, there are several institutes linked to these purposes.

The Palazzo Pretorio presents a portal from the sixteenth century. In many rooms we can admire beautiful decorations, frescoes still intact, a beautiful courtyard with double loggia decorated with gray scratch and much more. Currently the Palazzo Pretorio is the seat of the City Hall of Sondrio.

The Mineralogical and Naturalistic Museum was opened in 1972. The largest collection that presents all the secrets of nature through a map showing the treasures of the mountains of Sondrio is that of Edy Romani with more than 14,000 crystals and minerals. At the Museum you can also admire curated naturalistic reconstructions and the workshop with the stone cutting machine.

This building was built in 1433 by Azzo I Besta and represents one of the most important Lombard Renaissance residences. It is a typical example of Renaissance architecture Patrizia Lombard. All rooms on the first floor are frescoed with mythological motifs, while the “Antiquarium Tellinum” museum is built on the ground floor.

The Stelvio National Park, founded in 1935, is the largest in Europe and covers the territory of four provinces. Thanks to its extension, each visitor can find an itinerary or a nature trail in tune with their preferences.

The Gallo's Lake, also known as the lake of Livigno, is an artificial lake that marks the border between Switzerland and Italy

It offers a remarkable cycle of frescoes dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries; its walls of the nave portray the most revered saints once in the valleys of Bormiese, while the vault portrays apostles, evangelists and fathers of the church in addition to the depiction of the Holy Spirit

It took on its characteristic arched shape in 1591 and still preserves two votive chapels dedicated to St. John Nepomuceno and to the transport of a copy of the Holy Crucifix of Combo to Catalonia. In the Middle Ages it was the only way to access the town from the Frodolfo stream.

It was destroyed by the Spaniards in 1621, before being rebuilt during the '600. The interior offers chapels rich in shovels, paintings and wooden altars. The organ, built in 1638, is located above the chapel of the Lamentation. The presbytery is rich in artistic elements including the two canvases dedicated to the patron saints Gervasio and Protasio

Built in the Middle Ages and several times rearranged over the centuries, the tower houses two bells obtained from the merger of the Bajona, the great bell that recalled the population for meetings, parties or dangers.

The first testimonies of the square date back to 1000 BC. Located in the Middle Ages, it was rebuilt after a glimpse of Mount Reit buried the district of Drossorovina. Most of today's buildings date back to a period after the fire set by the Spanish in 1621.Among them the Palazzo del Podesta, the Cortivo and the Kuerc.

The Basilica Madonna di Tirano has three naves, a Latin cross and is the most beautiful example of the Renaissance in Valtellina. Almost exaggerately rich in stuccoes and sculptures, it preserves, inside, a colossal organ, precious work of carving.

The magnificent building of Palazzo Quadrio is located in Via IV Novembre, Sondrio Lombardy, home to the important and interesting local public library Valtellinese Museum of History and Art. Moreover, visit the Diocesan Museum, which is inside.

This beautiful building of the XVIII century is situated in Sondrio, Valtellina, Lombardy, with interesting and fantastic traditional works done by local artists. Worth a visit.

The traditional Piazza Campello in Sondrio, Valtellina, Lombardy, is home to beautiful buildings, churches and typical buildings that are worth a visit. Take a ride and admire the Collegiate S.S. Gervasio and Protasio and the beautiful Town Hall.

The center of Livigno attracts several visitors thanks to the presence of several shops where you do not pay VAT and restaurants and trendy bars.

The San Giacomo Dam and the Cancano Dam are two adjoining artificial reservoirs located in the Valdidentro. The total flow rate of the two vessels is 187 million cubic meters of water.

The Spöl River is a stream that flows both in Italy and Switzerland. In Italy this is called Aqua Granda. It was born near the Forcola di Livigno and flows in the Val di Livigno to the homonymous town in the Province of Sondrio. Crossed Livigno throughout its length, the stream leads to Lake Gallo, also called Lake Livigno.

Alpine lake located on the border of Switzerland in the municipality of Madesimo, is the ideal destination for excursions and walks.

Located in an intact and fascinating environment, Lake Montespluga is located in Val Chiavenna between Madesimo and Passo dello Spluga. It is an artificial pond closed south by two dams.

The Church of Santa Maria Nascente dates back to 1884-87 and replaces the original building of the fifteenth century, several times renovated. The bell tower is built even older. Inside you can admire the high altar, with beautiful scenes from the life of Our Lady. Also worth noting is the baptismal font dating back to the end of the '600.

The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore di Sondalo was annexed to the Benedictine monastery of S. Abbondio di Como and was the head of the Pleban Church of Mazzo. In 1445 it became an autonomous parish and in 1469, on the occasion of a profound restoration, it was once again consecrated. In the following centuries the church was enlarged and restructured several times. In the seventeenth century the old church, equipped with three altars, was partially knocked down and replaced with a new one. In the building there are a precious cross from the 16th century and many pictorial works, also coming from other churches in Sondalo.

Eco museum Bagnada. The field of talc Bagnada was discovered in the late '20s from the quarries of Asbestos Limited Company (hereinafter Mining Valtellina). To fully understand the importance of this activity has played in the lives of villagers, leaving an indelible mark in the history, the landscape and the economy, just think of geological heterogeneity with its mineral wealth (asbestos and talc, soapstone and serpentinite) who made the Val Malenco - and they do, even today - a point of reference in the international arena.

It stands on an ancient medieval mansion dating back to the 17th century, in which the De Simoni family moved in the first half of the '600. The complex consists of a palace, medieval tower, church and garden and inside are preserved the typical “sc'tue” as well as numerous frescoed rooms. It is home to the Civic Museum of Bormio.

The Spluga Pass, located at 2,114 m above sea level, is one of the most important passes in the Alps, known since ancient times for its easy transit. Located on the Italian-Swiss border, it takes its name from the Latin term “spelunca” or cave, to signal the presence of caves probably inhabited by wildlife in the past, in particular bears.

There are several itineraries that allow you to enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the Corno di Campo, a wonderful summit of the Campo Glacier.

The Civic Museum of Natural History was established in 1974 thanks to the interest of the Municipality of Morbegno and the collector Giacomo Perego. The aim was to offer a safe place to the collections of natural materials in the province of Sondrio and the neighboring territory.

The Museum is set up in the De Simoni Castle. It was opened to the public in 1962. Inside there are about 3000 objects in fourteen rooms, each of which represents a different historical period in the area with all the elements dating back to the time treated. Currently, the museum is open to the public.

In the 17th century, the Capuchin Monastery was built. In this same period, the Church of Suffrage and that of the Guardian Angel were also built.

The tower dates back to the Middle Ages, and was part of a castle that no longer exists due to numerous attacks over the years. From its position it can be assumed that it was part of the castle's surveillance system. Its shape is that of a square plan, which is the result of continuous restoration work. Today you can visit freely and it is a place suitable for those who love nature.

The castle of Santa Maria Diroccato is known as Castellaccio. So called by the homonymous church and hospital of which traces are found already in the twelfth century. While it is thought that the origins of the structure date back to the fifteenth century, since the time of Ludovico il Moro, who had greatly appreciated the excellent geographical position of the structure. The ruins of the castle and the tower have survived to the present day.

The Tower of Fraele is one of the most important fortifications of the Municipality. It dates back to 1391 and is more than 1900 meters high. The building has a rectangular structure and has always been used as a defensive system. Today it is in good condition thanks to the remarkable restorations made over the years.

Fort Venini is located in the municipality of Valdisotto not far from the town of Oga. The building also known as Forte di Oga was built between 1909 and 1912 on the hills of Dossaccio. Today, after some restoration work, it houses the Museum of the Great War.

This beautiful and elegant building of the XVI century, situated in the center of the city of Valtellina Sondrio, Lombardy, belonged to a traditional local family. Really beautiful, well worth a visit.

The Vallivo Museum has an enormous historical and ethnographic heritage. Each visitor has the opportunity to learn about history, culture, peasant traditions and artisans of the valley

Built from 1368, the Church preserves interesting cycles of frescoes, including a small Crucifixion performed by Agostino Ferrari in 1376, the stories of St. Anthony's life in the presbytery as well as some saints and prophets on the triumphal arch. The right altar also preserves the thaumaturgic Crucifix

Built since the end of 1398, it was decorated and furnished in the first decades of the '400. The seventeenth-century renovation produced a series of furnishings and canvases, among which is noteworthy is the wooden altar executed by the sculptor G.P. of the Rocca di Bormio. The altarpiece depicts Mary's visit to Elizabeth, a saint who is titled the church.

The palace belonged to the Alberti and from them transferred to the countryside in order to establish a school. Among the various works created on the walls there is a fifteenth-century fresco depicting the visit of the Magi, painted by the Milanese Bortolino De Buri. The building communicates with the church of S. Ignazio thanks to an elevated passage.

The parish church is dedicated to Saints San Colombano and Gregory but it is called San Marco for the processions that take place on 25 April.

The Rock Engravings Park was established in 1978 thanks to the donation of medieval lands by the Marquise Marquise Pallavicino Mossi Visconti Venosa. Its purpose is to enhance the history of the rocks engraved over the centuries. Since 1990, the Consortium of the Park of Grosio has been promoting excavation campaigns on the bump of the Castles.

The Scianno Wildlife Center is located a few kilometers from the town of Isolaccia. The purpose of its realization is to collect wounded animals and abandoned puppies in such a way that they can cure and protect them. After a period of care, the animals are returned to their natural habitat.

The Civic Museum of Villa Visconti is located in the home of the illustrious Visconti family. The Museum welcomes the donation of artistic works by the Marquise Marchioness Pallavicino Mossi and houses in the rooms canvases and cribs of great visual impact.

The antiquarium, which is located in the first floor of Palazzo Besta, was opened in 1965. He owns a large collection of archaeological testimonies starting from the 8th millennium BC until the Roman period. The most particular elements of the antiquarium are the three stelae of Caven, dating back to the third millennium.

The Treasure Museum of the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo di Chiavenna was inaugurated in 1957 and rebuilt in 1998 after 17 years of closing. It is located in some rooms of the rectory, within the complex of the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, dating back to the 5th century. It is developed in three rooms based on the age of belonging to the works present. The most significant work is the 'Peace of Chiavenna', one of the most important medieval pieces of silverware in Europe.

The Soltojo Tower has a very ancient origin. The structure dates back to the 13th century and was built by the Captains. Much of the tower was destroyed in the '600 and currently only part of the building is visible.

The Balbiani Palace was used as a residence by the Balbian Dukes of Varenna around the 15th century. It was rebuilt in 1930 after it had become a ruin following the abandonment by the Grisons family. The structure of the Palace consists of a compact block in stone, enclosed between two cylindrical towers. The original of the Palace are now only the perimeter walls and towers left.

The Castionetto Tower was built between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries and belonged to the Ghibellina family of the Quadrio. The building was used as a fortress to oversee the entire surrounding area and has a quadrangular structure. Today it is not in good condition.

The Segname tower was built between the 9th and 10th centuries, with the function of signaling dangers. The building had a simple structure. The tower had an important function because it was the only tower that controlled the entire surrounding area.

The Chapel of Madonna Annunziata, known as Madonna della Rocca because the statue depicting the Virgin kneeling at a lectern holds the conocchia in his left hand (fortress in local dialect). The chapel was built in about 1713 and was to be part of a series of 15 chapels dedicated to the mysteries of the Rosary that were supposed to compose a sacred path along the Via Valerian and end at the church of Madonna della Sassella. The chapel has been recently restored.

Casa Lavizzari is a building dating back to the 17th century rich in well-kept artistic elements: the stone staircase, the arches, the larch wood door and the old frescoes of great historical importance and cultural. It is a three-storey building, from which you can easily notice the age of the construction itself, which represents one of the oldest buildings in the city.

The Martinengo Palace, dating back to the '500 and renovated in neoclassical style, before which stands an obelisk with four statues, was built in honor of Ferdinand I of Austria. The building has undergone renovations that changed its appearance numerous times. From 1859 to 1935 the building was destined as the headquarters of the Royal Prefecture, while currently houses the Permanent Exhibition of the Fulvio Grazioli Mineral Collection as well as the Municipal Historical Archive.

The portal to number 21 of Via Cavallotti is among the oldest among those present in the city. The coat of arms carved in the lintel belongs to the Ferrari di Montagna family, who settled in Valtellina in the second half of the fourteenth century.

Palazzo Carbonera is located in a neighborhood, formerly known as a 'canton', which has existed since the Middle Ages and, since those times, it is crossed by the famous Via Valerian which has always represented the only western access to the city. The structure has preserved very precious architectural ornaments of the sixteenth century. On several doors and windows you can still notice the coat of arms of the Parravicini, although today the building is owned by the Carbonera, from which it takes its name.

The Palazzo Sassi De Lavizzari was built in the sixteenth century. The building is named after the family that owned it. Francesco Sassi De Lavizzari, donated the building to the municipality, with the aim of being used for cultural reasons. In the building we find Roman archaeological works. Today the palace is home to the Valtellina Museum of History and Art. Inside you can find prehistoric elements of local origin, and a large collection of contemporary and modern art.

The Palace, the name of which comes from its owner Francesco Sassi de' Lavizzari, is a work from the middle of the 17th century. Since 1922 it passed into the hands of the Municipality of Sondrio and from that moment the palace is the seat of the Valtellina Museum of History and Art. Inside you can find prehistoric elements of local origin, and on the other hand a large section of collections of contemporary and modern art.

The Marlianici house in Sondrio, is located in Piazza Giovanni Gualzetti Battisti. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Church of the Guardian Angel. It is also not far from other points of interest such as: Palazzo Paribelli, Torre Civica, Valtellinese Museum Of History and Art, Palazzo Sertoli Guicciardi.

The work on the completion of the construction of Casa Carbonera-Bosatta dates back to the 18th century. It was its owners, the Carbonera family, who commissioned its restoration, giving the building a new aspect or the current one. Its typical Baroque elements are quite remarkable throughout its structure, which also owns a tower, symbol of the power of the family.