Palazzo Salis, an 18th-century jewel in the heart of Chiavenna, enchants with its Baroque architecture and original frescoes. Today it houses a refined B&B and event spaces, offering a unique experience blending history and comfort.
– Frescoed ballroom with quadratura and mirrors, used for exhibitions and concerts.
– Charming B&B with rooms adorned with stuccoes and fireplaces, overlooking the centuries-old garden.
– Exclusive events: receptions, conferences, and photo shoots in a historic setting.
– Central location in Chiavenna, near museums, waterfalls, and Alpine trails.
Events nearby
Palazzo Salis in Chiavenna offers a dive into the 18th century: Baroque frescoes, a centuries-old garden, and an elegant B&B. Perfect for cultural events and charming stays.
- Via Francesco Dolzino, Sondrio (SO)
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Palazzo Salis a Sondrio
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Introduction
If you pass through Chiavenna, don’t miss Palazzo Salis. Overlooking Piazza Castello, it immediately strikes you with its elegant, light green and gray façade. Upon entering, you’ll be breathless: the ballroom is a triumph of frescoes, mirrors, and rococo stuccowork, with that mix of pink and green that makes it incredibly bright. Today it’s a charming B&B, but the feeling is of being a guest of an 18th-century noble family. The garden with centuries-old trees is the perfect spot for a morning coffee.
Historical Notes
Built in the mid-18th century (1754-1758) by the powerful Grisons family of Salis, the palace was designed by architect Pietro Solari da Bolvedro. It was intended as a noble residence, in contrast to the austere Balbiani castle. Notable guests include the painter Angelica Kauffmann and Archduke Ranieri. Acquired in 1954 by the Confalonieri Carnazza family, it now operates as a B&B. Here are the key moments:
- 1754-1758 – Construction of the palace designed by Pietro Solari
- 18th-19th century – Hosted Angelica Kauffmann and Archduke Ranieri
- 1954 – Purchased by the Confalonieri Carnazza family
- Today – Charming B&B with cultural events
Architecture and Interiors
The main facade overlooks the garden: a blend of elegance and lightness that astonishes. Inside, the reception hall has a rectangular two-story layout, with Venetian-style frescoes and rococo stuccoes. The dominant colors are pastel green and pink, with floors in soapstone or checkerboard marble. The B&B rooms feature marble fireplaces, mirrors, and decorations, with garden views. A detail: the frescoed ceiling of the ballroom creates incredible depth.
A Charming B&B
Today, Palazzo Salis is a bed & breakfast that makes you feel like a guest from a bygone era. The rooms are simple yet elegant, with private bathrooms and independent entrances from the garden. Breakfast can be enjoyed in your room, in the salon, or outdoors. The hostesses, Graziella and Silvia, are welcoming and offer excellent advice. The ballroom is available for exhibitions, concerts, and receptions (up to 90 people). The only downside? You might want to ask for a carbon monoxide detector, if that concerns you.
Why Visit
Three good reasons: first, immerse yourself in an authentic 18th-century salon without filters – the frescoes are original and you can breathe in stories of nobles and artists. Second, sleep in a historic palace with all the comforts: WiFi, parking, disabled access, pets allowed. Third, the perfect location for exploring Valchiavenna: a short walk from the center, but with a quiet garden to relax in.
When to Visit
The best time? The first morning of spring, when the sun lights up the garden and the salon fills with light. Or an autumn afternoon, with colorful leaves framing the view. In summer, the garden is perfect for an outdoor breakfast. Should you avoid the Ferragosto weekend? No, quite the opposite: they usually organize cultural events. In every season, the palace has a different charm.
Nearby
From here you can walk to the Museo della Valchiavenna (former convent) or the Museo del Tesoro inside the collegiate church. If you’re in the mood for nature, the Acquafraggia Waterfalls are spectacular and easily reachable. Or, for a dive into the 1500s, visit Palazzo Vertemate Franchi in Prosto di Piuro: another architectural gem with Renaissance frescoes.
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Tradition has it that the Salis family sought to create a palace that would counter the austere Balbiani castle with unparalleled elegance. Among its illustrious guests were painter Angelica Kauffmann and Archduke Ranieri. Even today, walking through its halls, one can almost hear the echo of 18th-century dances.