Rhaetic Alps - Chiuro

Contrada Fancoli (Castionetto)

The Tower of Castionetto in Castionetto di Chiuro belonged to the Quadrio family and dates back to an age between Twelfth and Fifteent century. The tower was built in a dominant position and served the purpose of controlling the surrounding territories. The building is made of huge stone blocks, it has a quadrangular plant and its walls are so thick - more than 2.5 m at the base - that can contain a vaulted staircase linking the floors.The tower is not preserved in its full height and we do not know whether the second floor had a barrel vault just like the lower floors.The main portal is very well preserved and, for security reasons, it was located at a height of 3 m above ground. Two slits above the door and other details suggest that it featured a drawbridge.A door at ground level was made later in time and it led to a room probably used as a deposit, which was previously accessibile through a trapdoor. 

Chiuro - Sondrio - Berbenno di Valtellina

Mercatini, eventi, musica, spettacoli, brindisi, mostre, attività per grandi e piccini in occasione delle feste natalizie.

Chiuro

A fascinating route, that leads you to the discovery of the Nebbiolo delle Alpi

Colico - Bormio

The most beautiful cycle and pedestrian routes in Sondrio and in the surroundings

The district of Vassalini has always been the most popolous of Chiesa. Its demographic and economic power led to the rise of separatist ideals. Over the 17th century the inhabitants built a church of their own. Founded in 1667, the church of Saint Anthony is also dedicated to Saint Stepehen. It is said that- in bright days, on December 26th during the Mass celebrated at 10:30 AM - a sunray illuminates the paiting portraying Saint Anthony above the altar. The facade of the church, simple and elegant, is enriched by a beatiful portal carved  in 1704 by Francesco Solaro, while the door (1705) is the work of Bartolomeo Fanoni, born in Primolo. The church houses several remarkable works of art, such as: on the right wall, a confessional and a pulpit skilfully carved by Andrea Rinaldi (1778) the altarpiece portrays Saint Anthony kneeled before the Child and cherubs by Bartolomeo Gualtieri. the tabernacle in gilded and painted wood, in the shape of a temple, carved by Bartolomeo Fanoni. in the sacristy, a wooden statue of Our Lady of the milk enthroned that dates back to the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century. This statue, turned into Our Lady of Mount Carmel by adding a mantle, is displayed in May.

The tower, built on a hillock, bears witness to the ancient castle belonging to the dell'Acqua family. Some researches on the area brought to light the remains of artifacts that date back to the 6th century B.C.  The earliest evidences of the presence of this castle go back to the 11th century. Furthermore, it seems that the building was linked to the nearby Church of St. Michael, through a tunnel. The entrances have recently been walled up for safety reasons.  The Dell'Acqua family owned the surrounding lands. The are evidences of the fact that, a man called Dell'Acqua, lived in the castle towards the end of the 15th century. The castle was later abandoned and demolished. The inhabitants of the town used its stones to build new houses - if you observe the dry-stone walls, the outer stairs or the house walls, you'll recognize some of those ancient stones. According to some researchers, it was the Dell'Acqua family to take the name from the place and not conversely.