Borgonuovo: Waterfalls, Trails and History

Borgonuovo Between Waterfalls and History

Borgonuovo combines the Acquafraggia Waterfalls with historic traces around Sant’Abbondio and Piuro. The bell tower of the Church of Sant’Abbondio in Borgonuovo was built, or at least begun, in 1600; it was not completed until the following decades. The Church of Sant’Abbondio in Borgonuovo di Piuro was consecrated on 15 May 1763. The possible start of construction of the bell tower in 1600 and the consecration of the church on 15 May 1763 are more than 160 years apart. For your stay, this creates a place where experiencing nature and architectural history stand side by side.

The Cascate dell’Acquafraggia

The Cascate dell’Acquafraggia are twin waterfalls with a double drop, visible from the valley floor at Borgonuovo di Piuro. They are also officially designated as a natural monument of the Lombardy region. In the Cascate dell’Acquafraggia park, a maintained path leads to viewing terraces overlooking the valley as far as the Chiavenna plain. This gives you a landscape experience that combines a striking natural feature with expansive views.

Mule Tracks and Views

There are different routes for hiking in this area. The main hiking trail from the Cascate dell’Acquafraggia is a characteristic mule track that climbs in gentle switchbacks to the historic village of Savogno. An access variant of the Bregaglia Terraces route between Savogno, Dasile and Corbia begins in Borgonuovo di Piuro near the Acquafraggia Waterfalls and follows an old mule track through terraced landscapes and chestnut woods. The two trails therefore reveal different landscapes: viewing terraces on the one hand, and terraced slopes and chestnut woods on the other.

Archaeology and Belfort

The Museo degli scavi di Piuro preserves, displays and interprets archaeological finds recovered during excavation campaigns in the area affected by the 1618 landslide. The museum is located in the sacristy of the Church of Sant’Abbondio in Borgonuovo di Piuro. Belfort consists of the ruins of buildings dating from before the landslide and is considered the only surviving architecture of the original settlement. The year 1618 marks the same historic turning point for the museum and Belfort: here, the focus is on recovered finds, while there, it is on preserved architecture. Theatre and music activities bring the ruins of Belfort back to life.

Practical Information for Your Stay

One specific restriction is important for getting around locally near Belfort: Belfort can be reached via a road branching off State Road 37; the final short, level section is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. For planning your day, this means that you cannot continue by vehicle right up to the ruins. This section makes choosing your mode of transport a planning consideration in its own right. If you are considering a hotel in Borgonuovo as a possible base for your stay, you can weigh nature, trails and cultural history as different focuses of your trip.

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To the main travel overview: Sondrio.