Cà Bardassa – A Dive into the Agricultural Life of Fraciscio

📍 Where it is and how to get there

Cà Bardassa is located in Fraciscio, a hamlet of Campodolcino (SO), at an elevation of 1341 meters, in the heart of the Valle Spluga.​

To reach it:

• 🚗 By car: from Campodolcino, follow the signs for Fraciscio; once you arrive, the building is located in the center of the village.
• 🥾 On foot: numerous trails connect Fraciscio to the surrounding areas, offering pleasant hikes.​

🏠 An example of alpine rural architecture

Cà Bardassa is a typical rural house from the 17th century, a significant example of spontaneous architecture in Valchiavenna. The building, with mixed use, combines living and agricultural spaces under a single gabled roof covered with "piòte" (slabs of stone). The peak of the roof, located halfway up the south facade, marks the division between the residential area (to the west) and the barn (to the east).​

🛖 Authentic interiors and precious details

Inside, Cà Bardassa preserves rooms that tell the story of daily life from the past

• Stüa: a wooden-clad room, heated by a masonry stove ("pigna"), with elegant decorations and finishes.
• Kitchen: equipped with a large stone fireplace, the heart of domestic life.
• Bedrooms: simple but functional spaces, some of which are clad in wood.
• Cellars and stables: located in the basement, housed animals and food supplies.​

The original wooden balcony connects the first-floor corridor to the barn, allowing direct access to the hay storage.​

🏛️ Ethnographic Museum of Valchiavenna

Today, Cà Bardassa is part of the Museum of Valchiavenna, managed by the Montana Community of Valchiavenna. The museum provides a concrete testimony to alpine culture, preserving and enhancing local traditions. During the summer, it hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural activities related to agricultural life and valley traditions.​

🎯 Why visit it

Visiting Cà Bardassa means immersing yourself in the history and traditions of Valchiavenna. It’s an opportunity to understand the daily life of alpine communities and appreciate the architectural ingenuity of rural homes. An authentic experience for those who wish to discover the cultural heritage of the mountains.​

ℹ️ Useful information

• 📍 Address: Via Fraciscio, Fraciscio di Campodolcino (SO)
• 📞 Phone: 0343 33795
• 🌐 Website: www.valchiavenna.com
• 🕒 Opening hours: variable; it is recommended to contact the Tourist Office of Campodolcino for updated information.​