Parco Archeologico Botanico Del Paradiso in Chiavenna

The two hills known as “Paradiso” and “Castellaccio”, separated by the deep Caurga gorge and connected by a suspended footbridge, offer a route through trails, glacier-shaped rocks, and spectacular viewpoints.

Since 1955, the park has been part of the Museum of Valchiavenna and represents a remarkable combination of natural and archaeological heritage. Giant potholes, erosion channels, and glacially smoothed rock formations reveal the power of nature, while rare flowers and exotic plants enrich the landscape. Ancient walls, fortifications, and soapstone pavements tell the story of the valley’s inhabitants. The park also lies within the Riserva Naturale delle Marmitte dei Giganti, one of the most significant geological areas in Valchiavenna.

Within the Archaeological Museum of Valchiavenna, the exhibition route guides visitors through the history of the territory with artefacts, reconstructions, and educational displays illustrating the lives of local communities over time. From soapstone craftsmanship and quarrying activities in the Caurga area to settlements and landscape transformations, the museum offers an in-depth interpretation of the relationship between people and the Alpine environment, highlighting the natural resources and activities that shaped the valley’s development.

Across four thematic sections—from Prehistory to the Roman period, from soapstone as a local resource to Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages—large illustrated panels and archaeological finds bring everyday life and traditional activities back to life. Each section is identified by a distinctive colour, guiding visitors through a unique cultural and sensory experience.

The park and museum are not only a journey through time, but also an invitation to discover Valchiavenna from a new perspective and to experience its history carved into rock, flowers, paths, and the winds that sweep through its valleys.