Chiavenna is a small town situated north of Lake Como in the Lombardy Lakes region of northern Italy and near the border with Switzerland. It is within the western part of the Valtellina region.The old town in Chiavenna has preserved a significant part of its medieval character, with narrow streets, palazzos and squares with fountains, towers and historic churches and also has some interesting bars and restaurants that occupy ancient caves called crotti and carved in the soft rock. The most prestigious historic monument in Chiavenna is the Collegiate Church of St. Lawrence and its associated museum
The romantic town of Chiavenna, awarded the orange flag of quality by the Italian Touring Club, is the main town of ValChiavenna, with Valtellina are part of Sondrio province, and cosily nestled between the mountains and cliffs, with peaks overhead reaching to 3000m. The village, which already existed in Roman times with the Latin name of Clavenna, links its history to the caravans of the Alps, through the Spluga and Septimer passes, transporting goods between northern and southern Europe. After exploring the collegiate church, continue on Via Picchi until you find Piazza Castello, which was built in 1477 - then destroyed fifty years later. It was rebuilt only in 1930 preserving the outer walls with the two towers. On the left side of the palace, the Quadrio Via takes you to the botanist archaeological park called "Paradis Parc", which includes the hills of Paradise and a belvedere. There are sections for Archeology and Botany and the “Caruga”.