Villa di Chiavenna: Churches, Mountains and Trails on the Swiss Border

Villa di Chiavenna is the last Italian town in the Bregaglia valley, right on the Swiss border. Its character combines sacred art, historic buildings and paths through a distinctive mountain landscape. This gives the town various points of interest for a trip where culture and outdoor activities go hand in hand.

Churches, Art and Historic Buildings

The Chiesa San Sebastiano is the main church of the municipality of Villa di Chiavenna and has a Baroque-style façade. Admission is free during public opening hours. The Madonna con Bambino by Ivo Strigel is dated to 1494–1495 and comes from the Chiesa di San Sebastiano in Villa di Chiavenna.

The Chiesa di San Barnaba was first consecrated around the middle of the 12th century, blessed again in 1491, and acquired its present appearance after a later renovation in 1754. Inside is a mutilated Last Supper from the 15th century; the church is flanked by a Romanesque-style bell tower.

Another testament to local architectural history is provided by the historic crotti of Villa di Chiavenna. Some of these stone structures date from the 15th and 16th centuries and have now been restored and enhanced. In the wider surrounding region, there are also Palazzo Malacrida, a palace, and the Abbazia di San Pietro in Vallate, a church.

Routes Between the Town and the Mountains

The Fede Mariana route reaches Villa di Chiavenna, the last Italian town in the Bregaglia valley, right on the Swiss border. The route also includes the Chiesa dell’Immacolata in the hamlet of Giavera in Villa di Chiavenna. It lies at an altitude of 598 metres above sea level. Every year on 21 November, a small sanctuary has long attracted many worshippers from all the towns of Valchiavenna, including people arriving on foot.

For cyclists, the Monti di Villa di Chiavenna cycling route climbs uphill on asphalt from Villa and passes the hamlets of San Barnaba and Canete. The route therefore places a clear emphasis on experiencing the rising landscape.

On the way over the Passo del Turbine, a steep path leads across the footbridge over the Zernone and through hay meadows, patches of woodland and clearings to the Malinone mountain-hut group at an altitude of 1,919 metres. The alternation between open meadows, woodland and clearings makes the landscape immediately tangible.

Summits and Waterfall in the Surrounding Area

The Cascate dell’Acquafraggia, a waterfall, is located near Villa di Chiavenna. The surrounding area also includes the summits of Cima da Lägh, Cänt dal Gerl and Pizzo di Prata. Together with the routes described, they create a regional setting that appeals to both cultural sightseeing and hiking and cycling tours.

Further destinations:Lovero, Civo, Sant'Antonio Albareda, Pedesina, Villa di Tirano, Sondalo, Valfurva, Samolaco

To the overarching travel overview: Sondrio.