San Salvatore in Val del Livrio
📍 Where it is and how to get there
San Salvatore is located in the municipality of Albosaggia, in the province of Sondrio, at about 1300 meters above sea level, right at the entrance of the Val del Livrio (also known as Val del Liri), on the Orobie side of the Alps.
To reach it:
- 🚗 By car: you drive from Albosaggia towards the locations of Sant’Antonio or Cantone, where you can leave your car.
- 🥾 On foot: from Cantone, there is a dirt road that leads up to San Salvatore (elevation gain of about 700 m, travel time 1h30-2h). The trail is suitable for moderately trained hikers.
⛪ A place that combines history, faith, and legends
San Salvatore is much more than a summer pasture: it is one of the most important historical alpine pastures in Valtellina, with a very ancient church and a long religious and popular tradition.
- The church of San Salvatore dates back to the 6th century, and is considered one of the oldest on the Orobie side.
- The building bears witness to the centrality of the Livrio Valley as a connection between Valtellina and Val Brembana during the Middle Ages.
- Tradition tells that the first Christian inhabitants from Bergamo brought their deceased here to bury them in a sacred and secure place, away from pagan desecrations.
🧙♂️ The broken pact and the altar murder
One of the most well-known stories is that of an ancient pact: Sunday Mass would never start unless at least one believer from Bergamo arrived. It was a gesture of respect among communities linked for centuries.
One day, during bad weather, the parish priest thought no one would arrive and began the celebration. Shortly after, a soaked believer entered, saw that the Mass had already begun, and in a fit of rage, killed the priest at the altar. The news caused a scandal and the legend remains alive even today.
🏞️ What you can find at San Salvatore
San Salvatore is also an excellent starting point for excursions in Val del Livrio and beyond:
- Former rifugio Saffratti, now closed but recognizable, is located right at the entrance of the alpine pasture;
- Access to the trail for the Rifugio Caprari and the Pizzo Stella;
- Possibility to continue to the Laghi delle Zocche and Pizzo Meriggio.
Additionally, here you can find:
- The ossuary with two famous “magical” skulls, kept on either side of the altar: one invoked rain, the other calmed storms;
- The traditional huts, still used in the summer months by shepherds;
- The solemn procession of the Ascension, which until a few decades ago attracted believers from all over the valley to ensure good weather.
