Where are we?
We are based in Chiavenna, (333m.) a small historical town situated in the North of Italy in a prominent position leading to three important routes: the Bregaglia Valley rising to the Maloia Pass, the S. Giacomo Valley to the Spluga Pass, and the lower part of Valchiavenna leading to Lake Como and Milan.
With the Swiss border only 10km away and Lake Como at 20km, its enviable position makes Chiavenna a perfect starting point for numerous high and low level walks.
Because of its strategic position, it has been subject to a continual change of dominion. Founded in the Etruscan era with the name of “Clavenna” under Roman dominion, it later passed under the rule of Germans, Spanish, Austrians and Swiss. Furthermore it was traversed by many regular and irregular armies who apart from pillaging the area also left much evidence of their passage.
Every year during the second weekend of September, to coincide with the grape harvest, a local festival takes place, the “Sagra dei crotti”. This attracts many tourists from near and far and is an excellent opportunity to visit the "crotti" and taste many of the local specialities.
Our other holiday location is Livigno, an important tourist centre and seat of many sport's and cultural events throughout the year. Due to its altitude of 1816m it is a popular training ground for athletes therefore many international teams of cycling, rowing, mountain-bike and athletics, to name just a few use if as their training camp. Being part of the Stelvio National Park it is also the perfect base for the start of many interesting excursions in a natural environment of exceptional beauty and variety. Due to its isolated position, back in 1910, it became a tax-free zone, and although today it is easily accessible thanks to new roads, the concession remains therefore transforming the social and economic position of the town.
Anyone interested in collecting minerals will appreciate the region’s rich geology. Recently discovered minerals such as Chiavennite and Sigismundite can be viewed in the local museum. Bird and wildlife observers can admire a diverse range of fauna and sightings of roe deer, stein bock, chamois, marmots and golden eagles are not unusual. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the elegant gipeto (bearded vulture) circling overhead.
