Centro Storico di Chiavenna
Chiavenna
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.
Galleria Storica Civici Pompieri della Valchiavenna
Chiavenna
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.
Tesoro della Collegiata di San Lorenzo
Chiavenna
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.
Palazzo Balbiani
Chiavenna
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.
Parco Archeologico-Botanico del Paradiso e Museo Archeologico della Valchiavenna
Chiavenna
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.
Mulino Moro di Bottonera
Chiavenna
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.
Museo del Tesoro
Chiavenna
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.
Abbazia di Piona
Colico
(23 Km)
Founded by Cluny Friars around the church of Saint Nicholas, today is one of the most famous Romanesque monuments in Lombardy. It is the pride of the village of Colico.
Torre di Segname
Gordona
(5 Km)
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.
Palazzo Vertemate Franchi
Piuro
(2 Km)
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.
Chiesa parrocchiale
Mantello
(20 Km)
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.
Pasini Arredamenti
Piuro
(2 Km)