Sala Picta di Sacco – A hidden treasure in Val Gerola

A cycle of 15th-century frescoes between myth and devotion

In the heart of Val Gerola, in the hamlet of Sacco of the municipality of Cosio Valtellino, there is a small jewel of alpine art: the Sala Picta, a frescoed room dating back to 1464, which hosts one of the oldest and most evocative representations of the Homo Salvadego, a symbolic figure of the peasant culture of the Alps.

🏛️ The history of the Sala Picta

The Sala Picta is located on the first floor of a historic building, once used as a stable and barn, today part of the Museo dell’Homo Salvadego. The frescoes that decorate the walls are the work of the masters Batestinus and Simon, dated May 18, 1464, and represent a rare example of 15th-century alpine popular art.

🎨 The frescoes: between symbolism and popular art

The walls of the Sala Picta are entirely decorated with floral motifs, scrolls with proverbs and mottos in Latin and vernacular, and symbolic figures. Among these stands out the representation of the Homo Salvadego, depicted as a hairy man with a long beard and a gnarled stick. Next to him, a scroll reads: “Ego sonto un homo salvadego per natura, chi me offende ge fo pagura”.

In addition to the Homo Salvadego, the frescoes include a Pietà with Saint Bernard, an archer ready to shoot an arrow, and the commissioner of the work, Agostinus De Zugnonibus, depicted in prayer.

🧙‍♂️ The Homo Salvadego: symbol of alpine culture

The Homo Salvadego is a mythological figure widespread throughout the alpine arc, symbolizing the wild nature and popular wisdom. In peasant culture, he represents the man who lives in harmony with nature, guardian of ancient knowledge related to farming and dairy processing.

📍 Where to find it and how to visit

The Sala Picta is located at Via Pirondini, 14, in the hamlet of Sacco, municipality of Cosio Valtellino (SO). It can be visited during the summer months or by reservation by contacting l’Ecomuseo della Valgerola.

📞 Contact information for reservations:

• Phone: +39 393 864 4223
• Email: info@ecomuseovalgerola.it

🎯 Why visit it

The Sala Picta is a must-see for those interested in:

• Discovering a rare example of 15th-century alpine popular art.
• Deepening the knowledge of the traditions and legends of the Alps.
• Visiting an authentic and little-known place, immersed in the nature of Val Gerola.