The Guardian Crowns Chiavenna: "The Most Quietly Romantic Town We Have Ever Visited." A Triumph for the Cittaslow Spirit

It is with great pride that we welcome the words of The Guardian, which in a recent travel feature celebrated Chiavenna as a hidden gem of Lombardy, describing it as "the most quietly romantic town we have ever visited."

The authoritative British newspaper dedicated an extensive piece to our Cittaslow, portraying it as the perfect, authentic alternative to the busier Lake Como. The article is not merely praise for the aesthetic beauty of the town, but a true international certification of the values that the Cittaslow network has always promoted: good living, genuine hospitality, and respect for natural rhythms.

Why Chiavenna Enchants the World (and The Guardian)

The article highlights several aspects that make Chiavenna a virtuous model of "slow tourism":

1. The Beauty of Slowness and Authenticity While many tourist destinations suffer from overcrowding, The Guardian emphasizes the peace of Chiavenna, describing a place where one can still stroll through cobbled alleys and historic palaces "with barely a tourist in sight." The author praises the town's ability to maintain an intimate and historic atmosphere—described as "paradise" by past writers like Mary Shelley and Goethe—which remains unspoiled today.

2. Zero-Km Gastronomy: The Cult of the Crotti Significant attention is given to the local culinary identity, a pillar of the Cittaslow philosophy. The article celebrates the Crotti—unique natural cellars built into the rocks—as places of social gathering and taste. It extols the territory's excellences: from sciatt (melt-in-the-mouth buckwheat fritters stuffed with cheese) to gnocchi alla chiavennasca, and local wines like "Opera." It is a victory for local food, prepared with care and consumed without haste.

3. Uncontaminated Nature and Soft Mobility Chiavenna is described as the ideal starting point for active and sustainable tourism. The Guardian invites readers to discover the town on foot or by bike, citing the spectacular Valchiavenna Cycle Path (an award-winning Green Way) and historic trails like the Via Bregaglia. From the Acquafraggia waterfalls, admired by Leonardo da Vinci, to the Parco delle Marmitte dei Giganti, the territory offers total immersion in a landscape "sculpted by glaciers" and respected by man.

4. Living and Welcoming Culture It is not just nature, but also a vibrant historical heritage. The article cites treasures such as the Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, the Museo del Tesoro with its precious "Peace" cover, and the botanical garden of Parco Paradiso. These are not just museums, but integral parts of an urban fabric that tells a story of wealth and trade, today offered to the visitor with discreet elegance.

A Confirmation of the Cittaslow Philosophy

The Guardian's words confirm that the direction taken by Chiavenna is the winning one. In a fast-paced world, the choice to preserve identity, valorize local production, and protect the landscape is not only an act of love towards citizens but becomes a powerful magnet for international tourism increasingly in search of true experiences.

Chiavenna proves itself to be not just a city to visit, but a place to be, to breathe, and to reclaim one's own time. A true point of pride for the entire Cittaslow network.

To read the original article in The Guardian: Click here