Chiavenna between history, crotti and landscape

If you would like to combine historic sites, local specialities and landscape, Chiavenna offers many different points of interest. In the historic centre, paths lead from the bridge over the Mera River to the main squares and through lanes, entrance halls and courtyards of historic and architectural value.

Historic Centre and Cultural Heritage

The Collegiata di San Lorenzo was dedicated to the protomartyr San Lorenzo by 973 at the latest. The Museo del Tesoro is located inside the Collegiata. Among its most valuable works is the “Pace di Chiavenna”, a medieval book cover for a Gospel book made of repoussé gold with gemstones, pearls and enamel.

The Palazzo Salis in Chiavenna has a white-and-green façade, preceded by a sloping garden. The Museo Archeologico della Valchiavenna takes you through the history of the area with archaeological finds, reconstructions and educational displays, illustrating the life of local communities over time.

The Mulino di Bottonera was established in 1867 in Chiavenna’s Bottonera artisan district. The three-storey building features a complex system of pulleys, belts and millstones. In the museum, you can follow the historic grain-processing process from cleaning and milling to the production of flour, semolina and bran.

The Caurga is a Roman soapstone quarry between the Paradiso and Castellaccio hills. It was later converted into a defensive ditch as part of Chiavenna’s fortification system. The Santuario Madonna di Loreto was built in 1618 and was inspired by the Santa Casa di Loreto. Inside are an altar made of walnut root wood and a 17th-century statue of the Madonna and Child by Brother Giuseppe da Molteno.

Park, Panoramic Views and Cycle Path

The Parco botanico-archeologico del Paradiso is part of the larger protected area of the “Marmitte dei Giganti” nature reserve. It consists of two hills, Paradiso and Castellaccio, on the eastern edge of Chiavenna and offers panoramic views of the town and the surrounding area.

The Ciclabile della Valchiavenna is a cycle and footpath that runs through Chiavenna and continues to the Italian-Swiss border. It offers a way to experience the town from an active perspective without losing sight of the cultural focus of your stay.

Crotti and Typical Dishes

The crotti of Chiavenna are natural cavities with a constant temperature. They were used as cellars for ageing wine and local products and were often converted into rustic taverns. The annual Sagra dei Crotti takes place at the beginning of September.

Typical dishes from the area around Chiavenna include Pizzoccheri di Chiavenna and Torta fioretto. They can be sampled at the Sagra dei Crotti, at other events and at points of sale in the area. In this way, Chiavenna combines historic sightseeing, walks through the town, nature experiences and local food culture in a varied travel itinerary.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

Buglio In Monte, Sernio, Verceia, Castione Andevenno, Forcola, Morbegno, Bianzone and Madesimo

For the higher-level travel overview: Sondrio.