The Cascate
dell’Acquafraggia (from acqua fracta, or “river interrupted by many
waterfalls”), are one of the most exquisitely beautiful and interesting spots
in Valchiavenna.
Also mentioned by Leonardo Da Vinci in his Codex Atlanticus, they are located in
Piuro and can be glimpsed from the road. The river of the same name has its
source at 3,050 m above sea level, in Pizzo di Lago, and as it rushes down to
the valley floor it passes through two high altitude valleys, both of which
were formed by glaciers, at 2,000 m and 1,000 m above sea level,
respectively.
The Acqua Fraggia river has
a series of waterfalls, the most beautiful of which are the double falls
near the bottom. From the top of the waterfalls, follow the path that winds
through chestnuts, junipers and rocks, and enjoy a close-up view of this
uniquely beautiful and impressive natural phenomenon.
A short detour to the right
leads to a large
terrace a few metres from the rushing waters.
