Chiuro
Touring Chiuro
Hello everyone! Today I will tell you about one of the most beautiful towns in Valtellina: Chiuro. Chiuro, or Ciǜür as it is called in the Valtellina dialect, is a small gem that houses numerous artifacts of great historical and architectural value.
Prehistoric artifacts
One of Chiuro's major attractions is definitely the prehistoric steles preserved at the Valtellinese Museum of History and Art in Sondrio. These artifacts, discovered in 1959 by Maria Reggiani Rajna in the Castionetto district, are a true treasure for archaeology enthusiasts. The first stele represents an anthropomorphic figure grasping a sort of halberd with the right hand, while the other face is decorated with an element of three parallel lines. According to experts, this stele dates back to the Copper Age. The second stele, on the other hand, represents a double-circle wheel with eight inner spokes, a very common figure in Camunian rock art and dating back to the Copper Age as well.
Places of interest
One of the most suggestive places in Chiuro is certainly the Church of Saints James and Andrew, a building of great architectural and artistic value. The church was consecrated in 1487 and then rebuilt in Baroque style in the second half of the 17th century. The interior is incredibly rich in works of art, including Gian Giacomo Borni's Crucifixion, Cipriano Valorsa's predella The Four Evangelists of 1567, and the gilded wooden ciborium of the Val di Sole carver Michele Cogoli made in 1692. There are also Agostino Silva's stuccoes and Giuseppe Brina's frescoes.
The Disciplini Portico
One of the lesser-known attractions of Chiuro is the Disciplini Portico, an ancient building adjacent to the church. This portico is richly frescoed by the painter Grosio Cipriano Valorsa and is considered a true work of art. Not far from the portico is the Chapel of Saint Martha, also decorated with frescoes from the school of Giovannino da Sondalo.
Not to be missed
If you decide to visit Chiuro, you cannot miss the nature that surrounds the historic center. The Castionetto hamlet, for example, offers a charming view of the Adda valley and the Lights of Sondrio. You can then try the delicious typical Valtellina products in the numerous restaurants in the village.
Conclusion
In summary, Chiuro is a truly interesting place to visit for enthusiasts of history, art, and nature. The ancient prehistoric artifacts, the beautiful Church of Saints James and Andrew, and the Disciplini Portico are just some of the testimonies of the great historical and architectural value of this Valtellina gem. You just have to organize a trip to Chiuro to discover all the wonders of this splendid locality.
