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All Italy Chiavenna Paradiso Botanical Archaeological Park

Paradiso Botanical Archaeological Park

An archaeological treasure trove towers over the valley of Chiavenna.

Chiavenna, Italy

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2wandering
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A view of Chiavenna from the lower peak.   2wandering / Atlas Obscura User
The footbridge connecting the two peaks.   2wandering / Atlas Obscura User
The footbridge connecting the two peaks.   Era.dajci/CC BY-SA 4.0
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Two craggy hills tower over the northeastern edge of Chiavenna. One is named “Paradiso” and the other is “Castellaccio.” Together they make up the Paradiso Botanical and Archaeological Park.

A footbridge joins the peaks, which are separated by a slit at their bases called “la Caùrga.” Originally sculpted by glacial exaration, la Caùrga was used as a stone quarry by the Romans and then later fortified for defensive purposes.

The park is part of a larger natural reserve area called "Marmitte dei Giganti.” The entrance, near the Chiavenna cemetery, leads to multiple footpaths that provide a variety of ways up. Botanical gardens and geological curiosities dot the landscape.

The open-air gardens include some species that are not alpine varieties. There are several mammoth-sized agave plants, a patch of prickly pear cactuses, and several towering palm trees. The backdrop of the snow-capped Alps offers a stark contrast to the Mediterranean and tropical plants.

The summit is occupied by the remains of a thousand-year-old fortress which makes up part of the Museum of Valchiavenna. At the top, there is a spectacular view of Chiavenna in the valley below.

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Quarries Fortresses Nature Preserves Parks Bridges Geological Oddities Roman Geology

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2wandering

Edited By

Michael Inscoe

  • Michael Inscoe

Published

September 28, 2017

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Paradiso Botanical Archaeological Park
Paradiso
Chiavenna
Italy
46.322446, 9.407433
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