There are a number of ways to
reach the Cassandre footbridge, but the most scenic route starts in Sondrio’s
Piazza Campello and follows Via Dante until Piazza Cavour or Piazza Vecchia,
two historic squares in the city that have hosted markets for centuries,
drawing traders from across Valtellina.
In
line with number 10 at the bottom of the square, turn onto Salita Ligari, which
rises into the historic alleyways of the Scarpatetti district. Follow this
uphill, passing Castello Masegra on your left. Join the road for a short
section and keep right. It then turns into a gravel track for a few hundred
metres, before veering sharply to the left and following a path that weaves
amongst the dry-stone walls of the Grumello vineyards.
After
climbing through the vines, the historic district of Ponchiera is where you’ll
find good views and the next key part of this walk: the Passarella sulle
Cassandre. First opened in November 2021, this 145 metre-long footbridge
crosses the gorges of the Mallero as it flows out of Valmalenco, soaring about
the crashing water at a height of 100 metres. It’s open daily 24 hours a day.
From
Maioni on the other side of the bridge, the path descends rapidly through the
trees on the way back to Sondrio. You’ll cross the Mallero once more at the
bottom in a spot called Gombaro before following its banks down to the ancient
medieval district of Facaiolo.
The
starting point is just around the corner from here.
Start/finish: Sondrio
Length: 3 Km 808 m
Ascent: 188 m
period: all the year round
duration: about 1h 30 min
