Piateda
Discovering Piateda: a journey through history, art and nature
If you have decided to visit Valtellina, you cannot miss the municipality of Piateda, a small gem nestled among the mountains. In this article, I will take you on a journey to discover its physical geography, history, and main monuments and places of interest.
Physical geography
Territory
Piateda extends over a flat area at 362 meters above sea level, in a strategic position in the center of Valtellina. Its territory includes the inhabited centers of Piateda and Boffetto, extending westward to the hamlet of Busteggia, on the borders with the municipalities of Montagna in Valtellina and Faedo Valtellino, and eastward to the hamlet of Carolo di Ponte in Valtellina. To the north of the municipality, the Adda river flows, while to the south lies the splendid Val Venina.
History
Symbols
The coat of arms and the banner of Piateda were granted in 1995 as recognition of the historical and cultural importance of the village. The main symbol of the coat of arms is the cross of St. Andrew, the patron saint of the village, while the banner features the green and red colors, referring to the mountains and the vines of the territory.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious buildings
Throughout the territory of Piateda, there are numerous testimonies to a strong religious and cultural identity. Among them, the numerous churches stand out, where precious examples of sacred art can be admired.
= Church of the Most Holy Crucifix (Piateda) =
The Church of the Most Holy Crucifix is the main church of the village, located in front of the municipal seat. It represents an interesting example of twentieth-century architecture, having been built in the thirties following the reclamation of the territory. Among the works of art preserved inside, there is a canvas by Pietro Ligari depicting "S. Vittore."
= Church of Santa Caterina (Piateda) =
The Church of Santa Caterina is another treasure trove of artistic treasures. Dating back to the sixteenth century, it was built in Baroque style and preserves numerous precious works dating back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
= Former Parish Church of St. Anthony Abbot (Piateda Alta) =
The former parish church of St. Anthony Abbot, located in Piateda Alta, was started in 1589 and subsequently remodelled many times. It was the main church of the village until 1986 when it was merged with the parish of Piateda al Piano. Among the works of art preserved inside, there are numerous works commissioned between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.
= Former Parish Church of St. Gregory (Ambria) =
In the hamlet of Ambria, there is the former parish church of San Gregorio, built in 1615 and dedicated to Pope Gregory I. It was used as the main church until 1986 and is still used to celebrate the Feast of the Madonna della Neve every second Sunday in August.
= Church of St. Augustine (Agneda) =
Finally, in the hamlet of Agneda, stands the Church of Saint Augustine, dating back to the sixteenth century and the custodian of the splendid altar painting by Cipriano Valorsa, depicting the Madonna and Child with St. Augustine and St. Anthony.
Natural places
But Piateda is not only about art and religion: the village is surrounded by lush nature and is surrounded by mountains offering numerous opportunities for outdoor leisure and sports activities. Among the recommended excursions, I suggest the one to Val Venina, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, and the one to the Legri waterfall, located in the territory of Piateda Alta.
Conclusions
Piateda is a small municipality of great beauty, where history, art, and nature blend into one. A visit among its streets and monuments represents a unique experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
