A colourful autumnal outing to the valley which overlooks Campodolcino.
A silent sentinel observes Upper Valle Spluga. Largely hidden by branches within pine and larch woodland which encircle it, the 16thC tower at San Sisto singularly bears witness to the slow passage of time, untouched by the constant changing of the seasons. We are located at around 1770m here.
San Sisto is comprised of clusters of rustic mountain dwellings spread out within a wide basin on the right hand side of the valley. It’s an extraordinary place particularly if you are lucky enough to visit in autumn when the larch woodland is overtaken by warm seasonal hues and the surrounding snow-capped peaks create a striking contrast against the clear blue skies.
A visit to the tower makes a splendid focal point to a gentle country outing, suitable for the whole family. Once in Campodolcino take the road to Isola from where the road climbs up to the village of Starleggia (1550m), noted for delicious local potatoes. Once parked, there are two options. The first is to tackle the direct and somewhat steep route which leaves the village heading for San Sisto; the alternative is to walk along the road which continues through the village and provides a more gentle approach. Families with young children should probably opt for the latter. A gentle hour’s walk largely under cover of fabulous larch woods will see you safely to San Sisto: head through the old quarry (now converted into a private parking area), and move across to the opposite side of the valley basin from where a glance up to the very left rim will reveal the tower’s whereabouts.
The construction dates back to 1600 although a tower was actually in place in Roman times, like a number scattered throughout the valley, placed, naturally enough, in the most strategic positions with a view of possible military advances. Particularly good news is that thanks to combined local efforts, the tower underwent extensive restoration in June, and it has very much been adopted as an emblem of this particular alpine corner.
Beautiful autumn scenery. Magnificent shades and colours. San Sisto - with its impressive bell tower amid the irresistible charm of the mountains.
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Reachable either on foot or by using the convenient cable ...
Informazioni ex art. 1, comma 125, della legge 4 agosto 2017 n. 124
Relativamente agli aiuti di Stato e aiuti de Minimis, si rimanda a quanto contenuto nel
“Registro nazionale degli aiuti di Stato” di cui all’articolo 52 L. 234/2012 (www.rna.gov.it).
