A dive into alpine history in the heart of Campodolcino

In the heart of Campodolcino, in Val San Giacomo, there is a place that tells with simplicity and precision centuries of life, exchanges, travel, and alpine traditions: it is the Mu.Vi.S., the Museum of the Via Spluga and Val San Giacomo, set up inside the historic building of Palàzz, one of the oldest in the area.

A museum designed to not only showcase the history of the valley but also the international importance that the Via Spluga has had, the ancient route that for centuries connected northern Italy to Switzerland and central Europe, passing through the Passo dello Spluga.

🧭 What you can see

The Mu.Vi.S. is a multithemed museum, organized into various rooms and sections that extend within the Palàzz and in some adjacent areas, such as the Chapel of Sant’Antonio, restored and integrated into the route.

🔎 Main sections of the museum:

• The Via Spluga: archival documents, cartography, objects, and prints illustrating the history and strategic role of this commercial and cultural itinerary.
• Life in the valley: authentically reconstructed environments, everyday tools, ancient trades, and testimonies of the rural civilization of the past.
• Tourism and winter sports: a section dedicated to the birth of tourism at high altitude, with skiing, sleds, and period materials.
• Natural environment: focus on the flora, fauna, and geology of Val San Giacomo.
• Archaeological section: finds recovered from the prehistoric site of Pian dei Cavalli, documenting the ancient human presence at altitude.
• San Luigi Guanella Hall: a space dedicated to the figure of the saint originally from the valley.

🪵 Everything is set up in an authentic architectural context, with environments featuring ancient wood (the typical stüe) and original materials making the visit engaging and evocative.

📍 Where it is located

📌 The Mu.Vi.S. is located in:

• Piazza Sant’Antonio, frazione Corti – Campodolcino (SO)
• Inside the historic Palàzz, a 16th-century building

🕒 Opening hours

🗓 July, August, and holidays:

• Every day (except Monday afternoon):
   
  • 9:30 – 12:30
  • 16:00 – 18:00

🗓 Remainder of the year:

• Tuesday – Sunday: 9:30 – 12:30
• Saturday: 16:00 – 18:00 

❌ Closed all day Monday (except for holiday periods)

📌 Guided tours or outside of hours openings available by reservation for groups (min. 5 people)

📞 Useful contacts

• 📍 Address: Piazza Sant’Antonio – Frazione Corti, Campodolcino (SO)
• ☎️ Phone: 0343 50628
• 📧 Email: info@museoviaspluga.it
• 🌐 Website: www.museoviaspluga.it

🚗 How to get there

• From Milan or Lecco, follow the SS36 to Chiavenna, then continue towards Madesimo
• The museum is located in the historical center of Campodolcino
• Parking available nearby

🧩 Why visit it

The Mu.Vi.S. is the ideal starting point for those who want to:

• Learn more about the history of Val San Giacomo
• Discover the importance of the Via Spluga in the European context
• Understand how life used to be in these alpine valleys
• Visit a well-organized, engaging museum, suitable for families and schools

📌 It is also perfect for those who are in the area for hiking or winter sports and want to dedicate an hour to an authentic cultural experience.