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Fraele Towers

Standing 1,930 metres above sea level, they can be seen from the road that goes from Bormio to Livigno

Where
Torri di Fraele, Valdidentro (SO)

The Torri di Fraele, or Fraele Towers, share their name with the mountain pass in which they are found (also known as the Passo delle Scale, or the Stairway Passage).

Standing 1,930 metres above sea level, they can be seen from the road that goes from Bormio to Livigno. Dating back to the end of the 14th century, these two four-sided towers were built in 1391 at the height of the Viscount epoch and would have been part of a much larger fortress, since destroyed. Their dual purpose was to defend the Bormio territory from attacks from the north and to exercise control extending from Livigno to the Val Viola. 

These towers, the only ones in the province built for the defence of a passage, are found at the peak of a steep rock on which wooden sleepers are found, movable in the event of danger, creating a sort of staircase (from which the name “Staircase Passage” derives). Fortified by the Duke of Milan in 1491, they were later destroyed by the Graubünden who invaded Bormio in 1513.   

Only the ruins of the Fraele Towers are visible today, although recent restoration efforts have allowed for the reconstruction of the western tower which, the larger of the two, stands over 13 metres tall, 6.50 on each side. Only partially restored, the western tower, overhanging the valley, appears to be missing a wall. 

The final stop on our green tour of Valtellina, the Fraele Towers are easily accessible via a paved road from Bormio, following signs for the Sorgenti dell’Adda, or Adda River Springs, or the Lago di Cancano.

Take me here: Fraele Towers

Places

Infopoint Valdidentro

Welcome to Valdidentro, a short distance from Bormio and Livigno: the ideal destination for a wellness holiday surrounded by nature.
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Infopoint Valdidentro
1.82 km

Ski Area Cima Piazzi – San Colombano

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Ski Area Cima Piazzi – San Colombano
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Valle Alpisella Pass

The gateway to the marvels of the Stelvio National Park
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(Ph: I Mille)
3.43 km

Val Viola

From the panoramic views of Lake Val Viola to outdoor activities in Alta Valtellina.
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(Ph: I Mille)
3.43 km

Monte Scale

Excursions along the historic trails and panoramas of the Rhaetian Alps.
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(Ph: I Mille)
3.43 km

Cancano Lakes

Loop routes, alpine views, and sporting events in the mountains of Alta Valtellina.
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(Ph: I Mille)
3.43 km

Torri di Fraele

Travel back in time to discover the Torri di Fraele, ancient Alpine watchtowers at the heart of the Scale Pass.
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(Ph: I Mille)
3.43 km

Bormio: Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi

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Bagni Vecchi di Bormio
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The Rezia alpine botanical gardens Bormio

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The “Rezia” Alpine Botanical Gardens – Bormio
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Bormio Terme

Swimming courses, tuina massages and a 60-metre long slide for sports lovers of any age
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Bormio Terme
5.8 km

Bormio Ski

Lovers of extreme sports have Bormio Ski in their hearts: what would you choose between paragliding, freeriding and skiing at dawn?
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 Bormio Ski
6.12 km

Terme – Bagni Vecchi Bormio

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Terme – Bagni Vecchi Bormio
6.12 km

Valfurva

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Valfurva
6.12 km

Bormio

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Bormio
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Bràulio

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Bràulio
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Le Cantine del Braulio

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Le Cantine del Braulio
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Sleddog – escursioni con cani da slitta

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Sleddog – escursioni con cani da slitta
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Alta Valtellina

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Alta Valtellina
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Lake Gallo/Livigno

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Lake Gallo/Livigno
13.69 km

Livigno Ski Area

Boredom is not allowed in Lombardy’s largest ski area, with 115 km of slopes and snow parks frequented by international athletes.
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Livigno Ski Area
13.9 km

Where to sleep

RAETHIA AGRITURISMO

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RAETHIA AGRITURISMO
1.04 km

CASA IN ALTO

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CASA IN ALTO
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GARDENIA

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GARDENIA
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Casa Martinelli

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Casa Martinelli
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Hotel Cima Piazzi

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Hotel Cima Piazzi
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CASA VIOLA

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CASA VIOLA
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B&B I SALEIT

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B&B I SALEIT
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LA VAL RESIDENCE

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CAMPEGGIO LA PINETA

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CAMPEGGIO LA PINETA
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LE BETULLE

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Hotel Bagni Vecchi

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Hotel Bagni Vecchi
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Alpe Verva

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Alpe Verva
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Baita Fochin

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Baita Fochin
2.35 km

BAITA DE L'ALL

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BAITA DE L'ALL
2.35 km

Casa Gisella

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Casa Gisella
2.88 km

RISTORO MONTE SCALE

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RISTORO MONTE SCALE
3.12 km

LA FONTANA

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LA FONTANA
3.15 km

CHALET VILLA VALANIA

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CHALET VILLA VALANIA
3.26 km

FIORDALPE

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FIORDALPE
3.3 km

MIRAVALLE

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MIRAVALLE
3.36 km