Gordona among crotti, mountain paths and Val Bodengo

Gordona combines local history, alpine paths and a distinctive food culture. The Torre di Segname, the crotti of Gordona and the mountain landscape around Val Pilotera give the area different facets. Added to these are historic churches, bridges and paths, as well as challenging activities in Val Bodengo.

Towers, crotti and historic paths

The Torre di Segname probably dates from the 9th or 10th century. It was first mentioned in 1213 in a dispute between the Bishop of Como and the municipality of Chiavenna over rights to the Torre di Gordona. Among the numerous signal towers in Valchiavenna, it is the only one that has remained practically intact since the 9th century.

The crotti of Gordona give the area its distinctive character. They are located along two roughly parallel streets connected by stairs. Traditionally, the crotti were used to store wine, cheese and other foodstuffs. In addition, the Crotti di Bodengo are situated at an altitude of 1,030 metres and are considered the highest crotti in Valchiavenna.

The historic mule track of Gordona was built in the first decades of the 20th century. It was intended to enable residents to reach the mountain pastures with their families, loads and livestock. The hand-hewn monolithic blocks I büi di Menarola also recall the industriousness and craftsmanship of ancestors in past centuries.

Mountain pastures, views and sacred sites

Lago della Piodella is located at the level of Val Pilotera, not far from the mountain pasture of the same name, at an altitude of more than 2,000 metres, and is an exceptional viewpoint. In Cima, a round church dating from 1882 and a bell tower erected later, in 1935, give the mountain settlement its distinctive character.

The churches of Gordona and its surroundings also contain specific details of art and cultural history. The Chiesa di Santa Caterina can be reached via impressive Stations of the Cross dating from the 18th century. In the Chiesa di San Martino, the baptistery, three confessionals and the organ gallery are by Giovanni Albiolo from Bellagio; the works date from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Ponte Boggia was rebuilt in 1766.

The history of the Ponte Boggia also includes several construction phases. In the past, the bridge spanned a waterfall formed by the stream of the same name. In 1983, it was destroyed by flooding and subsequently rebuilt with a concrete deck. Another structure is Pont secret, a bridge made of metal cables and wooden planks, built using a special technique and probably unique in Valchiavenna.

Hiking, canyoning, climbing and cycling

The Sentiero dei crotti between Cama in the Swiss canton of Graubünden and Gordona opened in 2005. Alpe Cima can be reached via a comfortable path from the Menarola side or via a steep ridge path starting from Cermine.

Canyoning in Val Bodengo features emerald-green pools, natural slides and waterfalls that require ropes or special techniques. Canyoning tours are led by certified mountain guides with canyoning training. The Val Bodengo 2 tour is a challenging tour of medium difficulty, lasts 3.5 to 4 hours and already requires prior experience.

Rock climbing and cycling are also among the activities described. The Placche del Boggia are also known as Paradis di Can and are a climbing area in Val Bodengo. The Gordona–Donadivo cycling route is 4 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 470 metres and can be ridden by mountain bike or a regular bicycle.

Füghiascia and festivals in Gordona

Füghiascia is Gordona’s typical dish. Originally, it was prepared from flour, water, salt and cold polenta. The Festa della Füghiascia was introduced in Gordona in 1985 for the month of May. During this festival, the focaccia is kneaded, baked and served on site according to a codified and standardised recipe.

Another fixed point in the annual calendar is the Festa di San Bernardo. It takes place on the penultimate weekend of August at the Crotti di Bodengo, beyond the bridge over the Boggia.

Gordona as a starting point for your planning

Gordona can be reached from Chiavenna by an STPS bus for the Donadivo–Cermine–Alpe Cima hike. After reaching Gordona, Donadivo can be accessed by car provided that a permit has been purchased in advance.

Discover more places

Mello, Bormio, Samolaco, Pedenosso Valdidentro, Tovo Di Sant’agata, Corna, Premadio, Caspoggio

For the overarching travel overview: Sondrio.