A very suggestive place are the Acquafraggia waterfalls, in Valchiavenna, just before the Val Bregaglia and a short distance from the border with Switzerland, less than two hours by car from Milan and one from Lecco. in Lombardy.
The Acquafraggia waterfalls are located in Borgonuovo. The Acqua Fraggia therefore forms a series of waterfalls, of which the lower ones, with their double jump, are only the most suggestive. Thus we understand the origin of the name Acqua Fraggia, from “acqua fracta”, that is, a stream continuously interrupted by waterfalls.
What did Leonardo da Vinci say after a visit?
Even the genius Leonardo da Vinci was impressed by the beauty and roar of the Acquafraggia waterfalls. Leonardo, in fact, finding himself in this place was amazed by so much beauty that he reported these words in his Codex Atlanticus: “Up the said river (the Mera) there is a stream of water of 400 fathoms which make a lookout…”
Come fare per raggiungere le Cascate?
The Natural Monument of the Acquafraggia Falls offers the opportunity to enjoy the fascinating spectacle of this corner of still wild nature in the heart of the Italian Bregaglia.
An equipped path inside the park allows you to get to know the environment that surrounds the waterfalls up close with luxuriant vegetation and dark rocks, admiring, from the panoramic terraces along the path, the view over the entire valley as far as the Chiavenna plain. Several excursion itineraries have the Acquafraggia waterfalls as their starting point.
The main one is the characteristic mule track that climbs up to the ancient village of Savogno with slow hairpin bends. The route is interesting from a historical-cultural point of view, because it brings to life moments in the history of the mountain people.
Savogno can be reached via the variant of the “path of Pigion”, which from S. Abbondio (Crotti della Cànoa) climbs diagonally until it joins up with the mule track, and also from Villa di Chiavenna (Crotti di Motta), crossing halfway up the the Bregaglia between the chestnut and birch woods.
In Savogno there is a welcoming refuge, the starting point for excursions to the nearby village of Dasile and to reach the pastures of Corbia and Lago dell´Acquafraggia. The high-altitude itineraries tackle the crossings of the overlying Alpine passes that lead to the destinations of Avero and the Valle di Lei.
Savogno is an important stop on the historic Via Bregaglia excursion itinerary, which winds between Italy and Switzerland, starting from Chiavenna and arriving at the Maloja pass.
Horizontal and vertical signage (white-red flag and indication arrows with relative travel times) characterizes the network of paths at the bottom of the valley, along the hillside and at higher altitudes. (more info: www.valchiavenna.com)
How much does the visit cost?
From June 1st to July 31st and from September 1st to 15th on public holidays and days before public holidays and every day from August 1st to 31st, a ticket will be required to access the green area. It will, however, be free for the rest of the year.
The ticket will cost 3 euros per person. Children under five and the elderly over 75, as well as people with disabilities, will not have to pay. All citizens residing in Valchiavenna will have free access to the area.
Photo by inLombardia.
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