Chiavenna
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Latest page update: 8 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The mountain town of Chiavenna is situated within the Province of Sondrio and has a population of around 7,000 residents. It stands at an elevation of 333 metres above sea level.
Places of interest nearby include Verceia, Lake Mezzola and the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve while the recommended accommodation is the Hotel San Lorenzo Chiavenna. |
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What People Ask About Chiavenna
Is Chiavenna worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Chiavenna?
How do you get to Chiavenna?
What is Chiavenna known for?
When is the best time to visit Chiavenna?
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Chiavenna Overview
Chiavenna, located in the Lombardy region, is a historic town set in the scenic Valchiavenna, nestled between the Alps and the Swiss border. Known for its charming medieval centre, stunning natural surroundings, and rich cultural heritage, Chiavenna offers visitors a unique experience of Italian alpine life. The town’s traditional architecture, narrow streets, and riverside setting make it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Chiavenna is famous for its historic centre, which includes landmarks such as the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, a church with notable frescoes, and the Palazzo Beltrami, an elegant building showcasing the town’s history. The town is also home to the Cascata dell'Acqua Fraggia, a beautiful waterfall located just outside of town, which offers a peaceful spot for visitors to enjoy the surrounding nature. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chiavenna provides a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead through the stunning landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Alps and the valley below. Chiavenna’s combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities makes it an ideal base for exploring the Valchiavenna region.
Chiavenna is famous for its historic centre, which includes landmarks such as the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, a church with notable frescoes, and the Palazzo Beltrami, an elegant building showcasing the town’s history. The town is also home to the Cascata dell'Acqua Fraggia, a beautiful waterfall located just outside of town, which offers a peaceful spot for visitors to enjoy the surrounding nature. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chiavenna provides a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails that lead through the stunning landscape, offering breathtaking views of the Alps and the valley below. Chiavenna’s combination of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities makes it an ideal base for exploring the Valchiavenna region.
Top Things to Do in Chiavenna
- Centro Storico and Piazza Pestalozzi: Chiavenna’s old town is filled with cobbled streets, stone bridges, and Renaissance buildings, centred around Piazza Pestalozzi. Elegant façades, arcades, and traditional shopfronts make it a pleasant area to explore on foot, with several historic palaces open to visitors.
- Palazzo Vertemate Franchi: Located just outside the town in Prosto di Piuro, this 16th-century villa is one of the finest in the Alps. It features frescoed rooms, original furniture, and landscaped gardens with orchards and fishponds. The villa offers a glimpse into the wealth and artistry of Renaissance-era Valtellina.
- Collegiata di San Lorenzo and Museo del Tesoro: This Romanesque church, dating back to the 11th century, contains fine Gothic and Baroque additions. The adjacent Museum of the Treasure holds liturgical objects, manuscripts, and intricate metalwork, highlighting the religious significance of the town across the centuries.
- Crotto Dining and Local Specialities: Chiavenna is famous for its crotti, natural stone cellars formed by underground air currents, many of which have been converted into rustic restaurants. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like pizzoccheri chiavennaschi, cured meats, and regional wines in these atmospheric settings.
- Day Trip to Splügen Pass and Switzerland: Chiavenna sits near the Swiss border, and the scenic Splügen Pass connects it to Graubünden in summer months. The route passes alpine landscapes, waterfalls, and high mountain meadows, offering a dramatic cross-border excursion for drivers and cyclists.
Comune di Chiavenna
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Province: Sondrio
Region: Lombardy Population: 7,257 (in 2024 - source) Size: 11 km² Elevation: 333 metres Close by: Verceia, Lake Mezzola, Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
1 of 11 in Lombardy listed by Touring Club Italiano
1 of 11 in Lombardy listed by Touring Club Italiano
Where to Stay in Chiavenna - My Recommended Accommodation
- Hotel San Lorenzo Located in the centre of Chiavenna, this welcoming hotel offers comfortable rooms, a traditional restaurant, and private parking. Guests appreciate the central location near Piazza Pestalozzi, the friendly service, and easy access to shops, bars, and local sights. €€ (mid-range)
- Hotel Aurora Situated just outside the town centre, this family-run hotel features bright rooms, mountain views, and a well-regarded restaurant serving regional specialities. Visitors enjoy the peaceful setting, good food, and convenient location for both Chiavenna and nearby hiking routes. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Ploncher Set in the historical centre within walking distance of the train station, this charming bed and breakfast offers rustic rooms with wooden beams and a generous homemade breakfast. Guests value the warm hospitality, characterful interiors, and proximity to restaurants and landmarks. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Nonna Costantina Located near the River Mera and a short walk from the heart of Chiavenna, this B&B offers modern, well-kept rooms and a quiet atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness, helpful hosts, and ideal location for exploring the town on foot. €€ (mid-range)
- B&B Al Castello Found in a residential area above Chiavenna, about 10 minutes’ walk from the centre, this B&B offers rooms with panoramic views and a garden terrace. Guests enjoy the peaceful environment, welcoming service, and beautiful views of the valley and surrounding peaks. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat in Chiavenna - My Recommended Restaurants
- Ristorante Crotto Ombra: Located just outside the centre of Chiavenna, this traditional crotto offers a classic Valtellina dining experience. The menu includes bresaola, pizzocheri, and slow-cooked meats, all served in a rustic stone-walled interior with cool cellar-like conditions typical of crotti. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Passerini: Situated in the centre of Chiavenna, Passerini serves refined Italian cuisine with a strong focus on local ingredients and regional recipes. Dishes are elegantly presented and the setting is formal yet welcoming, making it suitable for special occasions. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Crotto al Prato: Found on the edge of town, this family-run crotto specialises in hearty mountain cuisine. The outdoor terrace offers views of the surrounding valley, and the menu includes traditional cured meats, polenta, and homemade desserts. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante Pizzeria Al Cenacolo: Also in Chiavenna, Al Cenacolo combines a full menu of Italian classics with a large selection of pizzas. The atmosphere is casual and well suited to families or groups, with quick service and good value. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Bar Trattoria Binda: Located near the train station, this informal trattoria serves simple home-cooked meals including pasta, grilled meats, and local cheese dishes. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly option for lunch or a quick dinner. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
Chiavenna Gallery
Places close to Chiavenna
- Madesimo (approx. 30 km northwest of Chiavenna): A popular ski resort town in the Alps, Madesimo offers a wide range of winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the summer, the town is a great base for hiking and mountain biking, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Madesimo also has a charming centre, with traditional alpine architecture and several cosy cafes.
- Morbegno (approx. 20 km southeast of Chiavenna): Situated in the heart of Valtellina, Morbegno is known for its historical charm and local food culture. The town is famous for the Sagra del Bitto, a festival celebrating the region's Bitto cheese. Visitors can stroll through the town's narrow streets, enjoy the local cuisine, or explore the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
- Sondrio (approx. 45 km southeast of Chiavenna): The provincial capital of Valtellina, Sondrio combines cultural attractions with natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Piazza Garibaldi, the town's main square, and Piazza della Vittoria, surrounded by historic buildings. Sondrio is also well-known for its nearby vineyards, making it a great place for wine tours, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Lake Como (approx. 35 km south of Chiavenna): One of Italy's most famous lakes, Lake Como offers scenic boat trips, lakeside promenades, and charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, visit beautiful villas such as Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, or explore the historic towns along the shoreline.
- Valchiavenna (approx. 15 km west of Chiavenna): The Valchiavenna region is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Spluga Valley, which offers hiking and cycling opportunities, and the Cascate dell'Acqua Fraggia, a stunning waterfall near the village of Piuro. The region is also rich in cultural heritage, with picturesque villages and historic sites to explore.
How to get to Chiavenna
By Rail: Chiavenna has its own train station and serves as the terminus of the regional railway line from Colico, operated by Trenord. Trains run regularly between Chiavenna and Colico, with a journey time of around 45 minutes. From Colico, passengers can connect to the main Lecco–Tirano line for services to Lecco and Milan. The total journey time from Milan to Chiavenna is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one change at Colico. The station is located a short walk from the town centre.
By Road: Chiavenna is situated in northern Lombardy near the Swiss border, around 130 kilometres north of Milan and 40 kilometres north of Colico. The drive from Milan takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via the SS36 and SS37 roads, passing through Lecco and Colico. From Colico, the drive takes about 45 minutes. Public parking is available in and around the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Chiavenna is situated in northern Lombardy near the Swiss border, around 130 kilometres north of Milan and 40 kilometres north of Colico. The drive from Milan takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via the SS36 and SS37 roads, passing through Lecco and Colico. From Colico, the drive takes about 45 minutes. Public parking is available in and around the town centre.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Located about 120 kilometres south-east of Chiavenna, the drive takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Travellers can also take a bus or taxi to Bergamo station, a train to Colico via Lecco, and a connecting service to Chiavenna.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated approximately 130 kilometres south of Chiavenna, the journey by car takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Public transport options include a train from Milan Centrale to Colico, followed by a direct train to Chiavenna.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Roughly 140 kilometres south-west of Chiavenna, the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The Malpensa Express runs to Milan Centrale, where travellers can continue by train to Colico and on to Chiavenna.
