Torre Di Santa Maria: Trails, Elevations and Culture

Torre Di Santa Maria is located on a moraine ridge in central Valmalenco, at the outlet of Val Torreggio on the orographically right bank of the Torrente Mallero. The location combines mountain scenery with trails leading to viewpoints, traces of historic settlements, and cultural landmarks.

Trails at different elevations

The historic Anello della Scala dei Pizzi circular trail begins in Cagnoletti. A short, steep staircase carved into the rock leads uphill towards Pizzi. The staircase carved into the rock gives this section a clearly defined, steep ascent before the trail continues towards Pizzi.

The Torre–Zarri–Crisci–Campei–Braciascia walking trail reaches the Braciascia viewpoint at 1,570 metres. From there, the view extends to the peaks in the southeastern part of Disgrazia.

A hiking trail leads from Torre via Musci, Zocche and Piasci to Rifugio Bosio. The route runs along mule tracks, through forests and across alpine clearings. Anyone planning this connection should allow for a sequence of mule tracks, forest and alpine clearings rather than a uniform trail character.

The Prato–Bianchi walking trail follows a historic path across a terraced slope formerly used for agriculture to the abandoned historic hamlet of Bianchi.

Landscape and views

The Cagnoletti district lies on a moraine terrace at an elevation of approximately 700 metres, on the orographically right slope of the Torrente Mallero and on the left bank of the Torrente Rio Valdone, at the foot of Monte Canale. Dense woodland surrounds the district; the terraces are used to grow grapevines and vegetables and as hay meadows.

The first stage of the Alta Via della Valmalenco reaches Sasso Bianco at 2,490 metres. From there, the 360-degree panorama extends from the Adamello Group and Monte Rosa across the Orobie, Disgrazia and Bernina. The Alta Via itself reaches elevations of around 3,000 metres and can therefore only be traversed during the summer months. For this hike, the elevations of around 3,000 metres and the summer months therefore go hand in hand.

Historic traces and buildings

In Ca Bianchi, there is an approximately circular prehistoric erratic boulder with 23 clearly visible cup marks.

In Volardi, remains of a castle residence and towers are still visible. Documents from the 14th century mention these structures.

The parish church of Santa Maria Nascente was built in the 15th century, completely rebuilt in 1620 and extended in 1919.

Orientation for your stay

To reach Cagnoletti, access from the provincial road to Valmalenco follows the access road to the church in Valdone and then a short footpath to the hamlet. Access is therefore divided into the drive to the church and the subsequent short footpath to the hamlet.

A permit is required for the road from Torre Santa Maria to Alpe Piasci. It is available at the municipal centre of Torre di Santa Maria for a daily fee of 5 euros. For the section to Alpe Piasci, obtaining the permit is a separate planning step.

Other places: Campodolcino, Tirano, Madesimo, Aprica, Chiesa In Valmalenco, Stazzona, Rasura, Santa Caterina Valfurva

More about the region: Sondrio.