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The crotti are natural caves formed by rocks that fell from the mountainsides in prehistoric times. 
The “sorèl”, an air current at a constant temperature (+6-8° C), passes through the vents in the mass of rocks and airs the caves, which have in result always been used for seasoning cheeses and meats and ageing wine. 

In Valchiavenna, nearly each village has its own area where crotti create suggestive places set between rocks.

For people who live in Valchiavenna, the crotto is an important spot where you can meet each other and enjoy people’s company, as Giovanni Bertacchi, the most famous poet of the 19th century in the Province of Sondrio, wrote in 1781.

Some crotti, that now are open to the public, have become restaurants where there is the possibility to taste genuine dishes in a typical place with a little touch of refinement.

Every year, in the second week-end of September, it is organized a famous festival called "Sagra dei Crotti", a great kermess of cultural, gastronomic, folkloristic and sporting events.

Information at:
Chiavenna Tourist Office
Tel. +39 0343 37485 - consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com