Our B&B is situated in the famous historic building known as the Specola right in the heart of Chiavenna and situated next to the pretty Pratogiano park.

Built in 1886 by Matteo Vanossi and his wife Rosa Del “Belle epogue”. Specola became a very famous and landmark hotel, known for its magnificent flower laden balconies and panoramic towers After the first world war, the hotel was closed. In 1939, Joseph Giurani, opened a hardware and firearm shop in Chiavenna.

In 1942, he purchased the Specola to house his large family. During the war, the Fascist troops occupied the Specola while the family had to retreat to a back part of the building.


On the morning of the 27th of April 1945, the partisans surrounded and attacked “the Specola”. The shooting continued for a few hours. One military troop died and several partisans were injured.

At about eight o’clock the priest Don Bormetti arrived and brought about a truce between the parties. Toward nightfall Chiavenna had been declared officially free. Pin regained his property and set up with his family as previously. Fifty years have passed since then and still the local people know the building as “the specola”.




Fifty years have passed since then and still the local people know the building as “the specola”.

Today, the Signora Rina, who gained her experience, alongside her husband, at the Hotel Edelweisse , offers her clientele, hospitality in a recently renovated Bed and Breakfast