The architecture of the central Alps has long held a fascination for many.

We’re not talking now about the splendid mansions or villas that feature in small northern town or city. We’ve gone all rustic. Styles of rural dwellings can of course differ hugely but in our local valleys there’s a pattern.
Up until the 15th century, rural buildings in Valchiavenna (and particularly those of Val San Giacomo) consisted on the one hand of a farmstead constructed upstream in stone or masonry – and then a further element angled towards the valley made in wood which provided a living room or bedroom.
This latter section was invariably more exposed to the sun and consisted of four walls built using solid wooden beams structured horizontally between 3 and 6m high. In upper pastures, above Madesimo for example, the two elements comprise entirely separate buildings, or alternatively from the end of the 15th C onwards the wooden section might well be constructed so that it is situated on top of the stone house itself.Still fairly common until the mid 19th C this type of wooden dwelling was called càrden, and dates back to old Roman architectural techniques. Barns were constructed in similar fashion using the same hinged beams but adopting a system which facilitated ventilation: crucial to keep the hay within in excellent condition.
The farmhouse had a simple clay floor with large stone slabs and alongside the hearth was a range of utensils for holding and removing the cooking pots, and huge containers for milk processing. In the absence of a chimney the smoke would escape through gaps in the dry wall or stone roof! In contrast the floor of the living room would be made using wooden boards – joined together – and resting on beams.
The pigna (pine cone) is a rectangular-shaped stove (100-120cm high) which featured in the living room section often with a single stone slab cover. Old manuscripts dating from between the 15th/18th C refer to the room as a ’stupha’ clearly with reference to the sealed stove which would be loaded by means of a hatch from an adjacent room or indeed from outdoors. There’s a fine example of the latter system at Canto above Isola. Within, there are many typical features of the classic càrden illustrating the use of space and heating. Doorways came in the shape of massive wooden uprights locked together with the horizontal beams that made the walls. Windows were remarkably small and were created by sawing through part of the beam - simple and effective.
Inside these structures you’ll often find examples of old furniture but also agricultural implements like sickles, scythes, and pitchforks. And all manner of humble but fascinating household objects including items in wood or pewter and mortar for grinding herbs and salt. Càrden form part of the valley’s precious heritage and are to be cherished and safeguarded. We strongly recommend interested visitors to seek further information about possible itineraries “Le vie dei Carden” from Enrica Guanella at MUVIS in Campodolcino.