Discover Villa Di Chiavenna

Villa Di Chiavenna is the last Italian village in the Bregaglia, right on the Swiss border; the Fede Mariana route reaches the village. Its churches, their architectural history, the historic Crotti and an uphill cycling tour offer different ways to explore the area during a stay. You can focus on sacred architecture, historic stone structures or a described route. When choosing a hotel location, it helps to consider which topics interest you during your stay.

Churches, Art and Architectural History

The Chiesa di San Barnaba was first consecrated around the mid-12th century and blessed again in 1491. It acquired its present appearance after a later renovation in 1754. These dates therefore mark different stages in its history: the first consecration, a renewed blessing and the later renovation, not a single year of construction. The church also contains a defaced Last Supper dating from the 15th century, and is flanked by a Romanesque-style bell tower. The chronology, artwork and tower offer different, complementary aspects of this church building.

The Chiesa San Sebastiano is the main church of the municipality of Villa di Chiavenna and has a Baroque-looking façade. While San Barnaba is associated with its consecration history, artwork and Romanesque bell tower, the façade is the main feature of San Sebastiano. Entry is free during public opening hours; check these times when planning your visit. Another art-historical reference is the Madonna con Bambino by Ivo Strigel, dated to 1494–1495 and originating from the Chiesa di San Sebastiano. Its date adds a distinct historical reference to San Barnaba’s consecration and renovation history.

Crotti and Routes

The historic Crotti of Villa di Chiavenna complement the churches with a different form of architectural heritage. These stone structures date in part from the 15th and 16th centuries and have now been restored and enhanced. Alongside the churches’ consecration histories, sacred furnishings and façades, these historic stone buildings are also worth exploring. Those interested in local history can consider the Crotti as a distinct subject alongside the churches.

The Chiesa dell’Immacolata is in the hamlet of Giavera at 598 metres above sea level and forms part of the Fede Mariana route. This route reaches Villa Di Chiavenna, while the Monti di Villa di Chiavenna cycling tour starts in Villa and follows an uphill asphalt road past the hamlets of San Barnaba and Canete. This distinguishes two different route connections: Fede Mariana, with the church in Giavera, and the cycling tour, with its described surface, climb and route past the hamlets. Conditions on the cycling tour may vary; check the current situation before setting out. When planning, alongside the area’s historical connections, the public opening hours of San Sebastiano and changing conditions on the cycling route are practical details to bear in mind before a visit or ride.

Discover more destinations: Caspoggio, Forcola, Tresenda, Santa Caterina Valfurva, Tresivio, Ardenno, Albaredo Per San Marco, Maroggia

For the overview of the wider area: Sondrio.