Prosto: Culture, Landscape and Biscottini di Prosto

In Prosto, you will find Palazzo Vertemate Franchi and the Chiesa di Maria Assunta; the surrounding area features geologically shaped landscapes, paths through the municipality of Piuro and the traditional Biscottini heritage.

Palazzo and church as cultural reference points

Since 1988, Palazzo Vertemate Franchi has been the Casa Museo of the Comune di Chiavenna. The building stands on the northern edge of Prosto in an isolated location opposite the historic village of Piuro. The paintings inside Palazzo Vertemate Franchi are inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. The interior thus combines Renaissance architecture with mythological imagery.

Beyond the main settlement of Prosto and behind the bridge dating from the 17th century stands the Baroque church dedicated to Maria Assunta. The bell tower of the Chiesa di Maria Assunta was built in the first decades of the 17th century. Inside are paintings attributed to the school of Simon Vouet. Its construction period, dedication and artistic attribution provide this church building with several distinct historical points of reference.

Ice Age formations and designed landscapes

Nearby, at Borgonuovo di Piuro, lie the twin waterfalls of Cascate dell'Acquafraggia. They are officially designated as a natural monument of Regione Lombardia. The nature reserve of Marmitte dei Giganti also extends between the area of Prosto di Piuro and Chiavenna. The park is an extraordinary example of geological phenomena from the Ice Age.

The historic gardens of Palazzo Vertemate Franchi also complement this landscape theme. They preserve the original connection between the Renaissance residence, its landscape and agricultural activity. Here, nature and designed space appear as interconnected elements of the estate.

Routes on foot, by bicycle and by car

In Prosto, a combined cycle and footpath passes a glacial pothole and continues towards the Crotti of Poiatengo and the centre of Chiavenna. The “Storie e sapori di Piuro” route reaches Prosto's church square on foot, by bicycle via the combined cycle and footpath or by car.

In the municipality of Piuro, cyclists can ride along the paved routes of the Ciclabile Valchiavenna and on various unpaved routes. The surfaces differ: the Ciclabile Valchiavenna is paved, while other routes in the municipality of Piuro are unpaved.

Biscottini di Prosto

Biscottini di Prosto are made by hand through kneading, shaping, cutting and packaging. Their traditional recipe is still followed in the part of the village near the church by sisters Monica and Simonetta Del Curto and is considered an old family tradition passed down through generations in Valchiavenna.

More destinations for planning your trip: Dazio, Rasura, Cedrasco, Madesimo, Novate Mezzola, Prata Camportaccio, Forcola, Castione Andevenno

For the overview of the wider travel area: Sondrio.