Crimea Wine Hotel
Chiavenna - Viale Pratogiano 16
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A charming town in the province of Sondrio, Chiavenna remains an under-the-radar destination despite its considerable appeal, both in summer and winter. Located in the valley of the same name, Chiavenna is crossed by the River Mera and offers much to discover from a natural, artistic, cultural and gastronomic perspective.
The town most likely has Etruscan origins, but it was during the Roman period that Chiavenna acquired genuine strategic importance, particularly given its proximity to the Swiss border. Two Roman roads passed through here: the via Regina, which connected Chiavenna to the river port of Cremona, and the via Spluga, which linked Milan to the Spluga Pass.
Today, Chiavenna is a town investing significantly in tourism and is the only municipality in Sondrio province to have earned the Orange Flag award from the Italian Touring Club. The town also boasts an extensive culinary heritage that includes gnocchetti from Valchiavenna, polenta taragna, various cured meats and excellent local wines.
Chiavenna is ideal for those who enjoy slow travel, tranquillity and nature. The compact historic centre features important historic palaces and churches of considerable value, such as the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, whilst the surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for countryside excursions.
The Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo is the town’s most significant religious building and has ancient origins. Records suggest the church existed around the 5th century, though it underwent various extensions over the years. Inside, it features three naves and several 18th-century frescoes.
The church also houses the Treasure Museum, where you can admire various sacred furnishings and a rare 11th-century musical manuscript. However, the museum’s most important piece is an 11th-century frontal known as the “Pax of Chiavenna“. This is considered a true masterpiece of goldsmithing, featuring embossed gold, gems, pearls and enamels.
Palazzo Salis is an 18th-century building erected by the Salis family as a residence for their stays in town. The main façade is exceptionally elegant, as are the interiors. Particularly noteworthy is the Reception Hall, which spans two storeys and features walls adorned with precious frescoes.
The apartment area, meanwhile, displays Baroque style with Rococo decorations. Surrounding the palazzo is a garden with centuries-old trees and several sequoias. The residence was home to painter Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807) and Archduke Rainer, viceroy of Emperor Francis I.
The old Mulino Moro di Bottonera stands along the Mera river in the district that once housed Chiavenna’s artisanal activities. The area was home to a paper mill, a forge, two cotton-wool factories, several breweries and a pasta factory. Spanning three storeys, the mill was built around 1867 with four millstones installed, with a further two added in 1930.
The mill operated around the clock across three shifts. A head miller was responsible for overseeing machine operation and bagging the milled products. The Bottonera mill is an essential stop in Chiavenna as it offers valuable insight into the area’s important heritage.
The crotti are natural cavities formed among the remains of ancient landslides and characterised by “Sorèl”, a current of cold air. This air flows through the narrow rock crevices and maintains a constant temperature of eight degrees inside these cavities, both in summer and winter. The most famous of these crotti is undoubtedly the Caurga.
Thanks to these characteristics, the crotti environment is ideal for ageing cheeses and cured meats, which is why many of these cavities have been converted into cellars where visitors can taste local products. Some are open year-round, whilst others open only for the Crotti Festival, an event founded in 1956 that usually takes place in September and attracts thousands of visitors.
The Archaeological Botanical Park of Paradiso comprises two hills, “Paradiso” and “Castellaccio”, positioned with panoramic views over Chiavenna. The park sits within the larger “Marmitte dei giganti” nature reserve and features numerous trails for discovering the area’s fauna and flora.
Visitors can follow various routes that reveal numerous botanical varieties of flowers, plants, rare species and exotic vegetation. The park also contains numerous archaeological and historic remains, remnants of old walls and artistic stone artefacts.
The Acquafraggia Waterfalls are located not in Chiavenna but in the municipality of Piuro, less than 10 km away. However, they’re absolutely worth visiting! These waterfalls were admired by Leonardo da Vinci during his journey through Valtellina, so much so that he noted them in his “Codex Atlanticus”.
The waterfalls are visible from a distance and form part of an impressive natural complex of considerable scenic and geological interest. Several hiking trails depart from here, offering views of the waterfalls from various angles and allowing you to discover more about the area’s flora and fauna.
Chiavenna sits less than 20 km from the town of Madesimo , which together with Campodolcino forms the Valchiavenna Ski Area. With 60 km of slopes and modern lift systems, the resort attracts all winter sports enthusiasts. It’s a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders alike, as well as cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Chiavenna makes an ideal base for exploring this corner of Lombardy and enjoying a peaceful getaway. Whilst accommodation options are limited, they’re all welcoming. The historic centre features small but comfortable hotels, B&Bs and apartments.
Chiavenna is accessible by both car and train. Those driving from Milan can take the SS36 Como and Spluga lake road to the Chiavenna/Valchiavenna/Madesimo exit. From Bergamo, head first on the SS342 then the SS36. From Sondrio, take the Stelvio/SS38 road then the SS36 Como and Spluga lake road. The town has a railway station which is the terminus of the Colico-Chiavenna line.
What's the weather at Chiavenna? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Chiavenna for the next few days.
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