Since it was written by Cassiodorus back in the
sixth century that our Alpine valleys were allegedly littered as early as the
Gothic War (534–554) with defensive and lookout towers, there’s been a tendency
to trace back the heritage of a construction right here on this rocky ridge
between Gordona and Samolaco to that very period. However, it is more likely
that the tower of Segname dates to the Hungarian invasions of Europe during the
ninth and tenth century.
Of the many lookout towers in Valchiavenna, the
ninth-century Segname is the finest still-standing attraction with the good
fortune of being remarkably intact, which is partly due to its location, but
mainly because it managed to get away without having to host any major battles.
While various defensive buildings have sprung up in the valley over the
centuries, this type of tower is keen testament to the historical events of
Valtellina and Valchiavenna, which were both greatly important in linking the
north with the south and as an obligatory passage for moving between the
mountains and the plains.
Piazza Caduti per la Libertà
+39 0343 37485
consorzioturistico@valchiavenna.com
www.valchiavenna.com