Discover Civo: Churches, Art and Mountain Views

Churches, Art and Local History

Civo turns its attention both to sacred art and to paths leading into the mountain landscape. The town has four parishes and numerous churches of particular artistic value. The Church of Sant’Andrea was built towards the end of the 15th century, later remodelled and today presented in the Baroque style; from there, you can reach the Oratorio dell’Immacolata, dating from the 17th century.

In Caspano, the Baroque Church of San Bartolomeo was built between 1730 and 1738 by masters from Ticino. It preserves works by Giacomo Parravicini, who is known by the nickname “Gianolo”. Its second chapel contains a depiction of the Raising of Lazarus by Luigi Donati, dating from 1508.

Among the notable religious buildings is the Oratorio dei 7 Fratelli at an altitude of 2,000 metres. It has been restored and preserves traces of 16th-century frescoes. In the centre of Civo, a votive fresco from the 15th century depicting the Trinity can be found on an old residential building. To the east stands the Chiesetta di S. Bernardo in a scenic location; its visible stone walls are characterised by simple austerity.

At the western entrance to the Borgo stands Palazzo Parravicini, also known as “del Podestà”; inside, it has a large 16th-century colonnade. The Oratorio di Sant’Andrea was recently restored and contains paintings by Lombard masters from the 15th and 16th centuries. On the church square, 14 chapels represent the Stations of the Cross; they were built in 1756. The churches also include a single-nave church with six chapels, whose furnishings include paintings and frescoes by Pietro Bianchi from Como, as well as stucco statues by Agostino Silva.

Even smaller elements of the townscape tell of its history: fountains and washhouses are located along roads and connecting routes between the various hamlets. Further fountains can be found in the town centres, often on the main square, where they once served as meeting places for the local population. Within Civo, Caspano is also distinguished by old aristocratic palaces that are now dilapidated and used for agricultural purposes.

Hiking, Cycling and Views

The “Anello del Bivacco Bottani” circular route from Civo is a challenging hike covering 11.3 km with approximately 1,281 metres of elevation gain and a stated walking time of 5 hours and 55 minutes. It begins in Poira di Dentro; the route leads across the plateau of Alpe Visogno to the Bivacco Bottani Cornaggia. This allows distance, elevation difference and walking time to be taken into account when planning your day individually.

The Chapel of Santa Margherita near Poira di Civo was built in 2000. The meadow in front of it offers views of the Orobic side, particularly Val Gerola. For the “Civo-bike” mountain-bike route, Civo is designated as the start and finish point, while the church square of Sant’Andrea in Civo is designated as the starting point.

If you are considering a hotel in Civo as your accommodation base, you can organise your stay around these two focal points: local cultural and historical details and a sporting tour. The different points of reference in the area – from the church square to Poira di Dentro – will help you organise your days according to your interests and your own walking or cycling plans.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

Further places for your individual orientation include Teglio, Tovo Di Sant’agata, Mazzo Di Valtellina, Buglio In Monte, Sondrio, Samolaco, Aprica and Grosio.

To the higher-level travel overview: Sondrio.