Torre di Santa Maria: History and Trails in Valmalenco

Between Moraine Ridges and Valmalenco

Torre di Santa Maria lies on a moraine ridge in the middle Valmalenco, at the entrance to Val Torreggio on the right orographic bank of the Torrente Mallero. For orientation, the landscape defines the area: waterways, moraine terraces, and the transition to alpine heights are closely intertwined here.

The Contrada Cagnoletti provides a more detailed impression of this landscape. The hamlet lies on a moraine terrace at an elevation of about 700 metres on the right orographic slope of the Torrente Mallero and on the left bank of the Torrente Rio Valdone, at the foot of Monte Canale. Dense woodland surrounds the terraces cultivated with grapevines, vegetables, and hay meadows.

Historical Traces Between Hamlet and Church

The parish church of Santa Maria Nascente was built in the 15th century, completely rebuilt in 1620, and extended in 1919. In Volardi, remains of a castle residence and towers can still be identified; the castle residence and towers are already mentioned in connection with the 14th century.

Ca Bianchi is also home to an exceptional relic: an approximately circular prehistoric erratic boulder with 23 clearly visible cup marks.

Trails Through Varied Landscapes

The historic Anello della Scala dei Pizzi loop begins in Cagnoletti. From there, a short, steep staircase carved into the rock leads uphill towards Pizzi. The starting point can be reached from the provincial road to Valmalenco via the access road to the church in Valdone, followed by a short walk to the hamlet.

The Torre–Zarri–Crisci–Campei–Braciascia walking route reaches the Braciascia viewpoint at 1,570 metres. From there, the view extends to the peaks in the south-eastern area of the Disgrazia. Another route leads from Torre via Musci, Zocche, and Piasci to Rifugio Bosio, following mule tracks through forests and across alpine clearings.

The Prato–Bianchi walking route follows a historic path across a terraced slope once used for agriculture. Its destination is the abandoned historic hamlet of Bianchi. The former use of the slope and the hamlet’s present condition are explicitly part of this walking experience.

Alpine Heights and Practical Planning

The Alta Via della Valmalenco reaches elevations of around 3,000 metres and can therefore only be hiked during the summer months. Its first stage reaches Sasso Bianco at 2,490 metres. From there, the 360-degree panorama extends from the Adamello Group and Monte Rosa across the Orobie, the Disgrazia, and the Bernina.

A permit is required for the road from Torre Santa Maria to Alpe Piasci. It is available from the municipal centre in Torre di Santa Maria for a daily fee of 5 euros. This information is particularly important if you are planning a section of a route that uses this road to reach Alpe Piasci.

Further Places for Orientation

Castione Andevenno, Tresenda, Premadio, Cataeggio, Pedesina, Cedrasco, Valfurva and Campodolcino

For the higher-level travel overview: Sondrio.