CHIAVENNA nella valle dei crotti e della brisaola #ProntiPartenzaVia 🇮🇹 #trip

In the heart of the Lombardy Rhaetian Alps, Valchiavenna is much more than a valley: it is an Alpine crossroads that rises from the north of Lake Como, embraces the Chiavenna Plain, branches off into the San Giacomo Valley (toward the Spluga Pass), and extends to the Bregaglia Valley, a natural gateway to Switzerland. At the point where these three valleys meet lies CHIAVENNA, the beating heart of the mountain community, which has developed since Roman times thanks to its privileged position along the major trade routes to foreign countries. Chiavenna is crossed by the Mera River, and the ancient houses of the historic center are located along it. The river also supported thriving commercial activities, fueled by a network of canals that powered factories and mills, including the former Moro pasta mill in the Bottonera neighborhood. The name of the artisanal district derives from "boton" (button) due to the shape of the stones that paved the pavement, made from scraps of soapstone, of which the surrounding mountains were ancient quarries. The most emblematic is the "Caurga," a deep crevice located between the Castellaccio and Paradiso hills, within the current Paradiso Archaeological and Botanical Park, once annexed to the castle. From these heights, connected by a suspended walkway overlooking the Caurga, you can admire the historic center: just below, the Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo with its portico and slender bell tower. The Treasury Museum houses the Pace di Chiavenna, a priceless medieval goldsmith's work embossed with stones, gems, and enamels. Not far from the city, in the municipality of PIURO, are the Acquafraggia waterfalls, the valley's main natural monument, already admired by Leonardo da Vinci. Other interesting nature trails include the Marmitte dei Giganti Nature Reserve, rock formations eroded by glaciers in ancient times into the shape of enormous bowls. The same mountains have allowed the formation of "Crotti," natural ravines that extend into ancient landslides. These spaces have been created for the maturation of cheeses and cured meats and the aging of wines, thanks to the constant 8°C temperature guaranteed by the mountain breeze, known as "Sorel." The crotti, also the protagonists of a festival dedicated to them, are now also traditional restaurants and taverns where you can enjoy tasty local products: white gnocchetti (also known as Chiavenna pizzoccheri), polenta taragna, carne alla pioda (grilled meat) or al lavecc (slowly cooked in soapstone pots), brisaola (with an "i"), violino di capra (a Slow Food Presidium), as well as desserts such as Prosto biscuits and fioretto cake. Also not to be missed in the valley is a visit to Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, one of the most beautiful 16th-century residences in Lombardy, located in PROSTO di Piuro. We dedicated a video to it in our focus series (📽    • Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, Piuro | Rinasci...  ). Continuing along the Spluga Valley, you can reach MADESIMO at 1,550 meters, once frequented by Giosuè Carducci. This renowned winter ski resort boasts eight ski lifts, including a cable car that takes you to Pian di Larici, approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. Ready, Set, Go... a production by Fabrizio Vaghi and Silvia Sissa graphics, editing, and direction by Fabrizio Vaghi production by Vaghi per il mondo All rights reserved, Vaghi per il mondo, 2026 - http://vaghiperilmondo.net. Unauthorized duplication and distribution outside of the channel    / vaghiperilmondo   is prohibited. #travelguide #Chiavenna #Lombardy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Watch other episodes of "Ready, Set, Go," discovering the most beautiful cities and villages in Italy: DISCOVERY series (http://bit.ly/1RyP9KZ) TRIP series (http://bit.ly/1pyitVc) FOCUS series (http://bit.ly/21GL1YX) Subscribe to the channel to stay up to date on new content and follow us on social media:   / prontipartenzaviaitalia     / prontipartenzaviaitalia