New-found fitness and a return to childhood fun in the green heart of the Valle Camonica

The town of Oramala in the Val di Nizza area is one of the most evocative places in the upper Oltrepò valley. Built in the 10th century on a high rocky outcrop by the Malaspina family, the castle's current appearance is 15th century dating to the period in which it was fortified with a massive semi-circular tower to bring it up-to-date with the new defensive requirements caused by the advent of artillery.

The humble local dishes stand alongside traditional and prestigious wines. A journey through the flavors of Franciacorta

P A town in the eastern Oltrepò, whose name originates from the chestnut groves that likely characterized the surrounding hills. Known in ancient times as castrum castanae (literally, the fortified center of chestnuts), Castana was already mentioned in Roman times as ad Castanem in the regional map compiled by the 19th-century historian Severino Capsoni. Located 25 kilometers from the provincial capital, Castana is a small rural town nestled between the Val Versa and the Valle Scuropasso, at just under 300 meters above sea level. In the center of the town are the remains of a medieval castle, built on a hill that dominates the valley, making Castana an important strategic hub. The castle was probably built by the Pavia monks of San Bartolomeo in Strada. The village experienced alternating fortunes over the centuries. In the 1200s, when Castana was just a fortified settlement surrounded by a few houses with straw roofs (as evidenced by a historical document from that period), it was devastated by fighting between the Cremonese and Piacentini forces, who were in conflict with the Marquis of Monferrato, who had sought refuge behind its walls. During the fighting, the castle was set on fire. In 1531, Castana was part of the Broni fiefdom, ruled by the Beccaria family. Upon their extinction, it passed to the Borromeo family and later to the Arrigoni and Pallavicino families. The transition from a medieval village to a renowned wine-producing center was not immediate, but it is certain that today Castana is much better known for its fine wines than for its, albeit interesting, historical and artistic aspects. From its vineyards come excellent red wines such as Barbera, Bonarda, Buttafuoco, Rosso Oltrepò, and Sangue di Giuda. THINGS TO SEE A destination for those seeking good wine and refreshment, especially in the summer, Castana boasts, in addition to the ancient fortress (which was rebuilt in the 1700s and later transformed into a noble palace by the then owners, the Pallavicini Trivulzio family), a parish church. Built in the 19th century, the Church of St. Andrew, now with three naves (the original design had just one), houses valuable paintings and recalls a curious tilted bell tower, which was later demolished for safety reasons and replaced with a "straight" one. SOURCE: UNIONE DI COMUNI LOMBARDA PRIMA COLLINA  

In the park that includes a hundred of lakes, both natural and artificial, the ptarmigan and the golden eagle are at home

The Valle Camonica rock engravings are as famous worldwide as the wine made in Franciacorta. On a journey of discover what else this area has to offer

8 itineraries to discover Lombardy on foot. From Lake Maggiore to Val Camonica, and from Pavia to the heart of Val Masino.

Canyoning in Val Bodengo, close to Lake Como, in the middle of the Mountains, to fight with water and rocks

In the locality of Molino di Bollone you will find the Tourist Office - Infopoint inLombardia Val Vestino, where you will be provided with all the directions and useful advice to enable you to discover the beauty of the area according to your needs and curiosity.   Present bookshop with trail maps, publications on the Valvestino territory and sale of local souvenir products of the area such as beans and honey from Valvestino. E-bike recharge point (follows office opening). A trip to Val Vestino can become an extraordinary itinerary of taste thanks to small accommodations spread throughout the various villages, where you can taste typical dishes of traditional cuisine and more.Possibility of staying in typical family-run establishments or in picturesque thatched-roof barns.From each hamlet there is a network of routes that hiking enthusiasts can choose to discover the wonderful landscapes of the Valley.The Vestino Valley area is, in fact, able to offer tourists a wide range of opportunities to practice sports in contact with nature.It is ideal for hiking and mountain biking.The forests, mule tracks, trails, stream waters and caves are the favorite scenery for energetic immersion in a natural setting of immense value. Visit Val Vestino Website CLOSED FROM OGNISSANTI, REFER TO THE FOREST CONSORTIUM TERRA TRA I DUE LAGHI - ECOMUSEO DELLA VALVESTINO Loc. Cluse - Valvestino Turano (BS) 0365745060 - 0365745007 info@visitvalvestino.it - info@consorzioforestaleterratraiduelaghi.com How to reach us.From Idro (km. 14) => Capovalle => Valvestino => Lake GardaFrom Gargnano (km. 19) => Valvestino => Capovalle => Lake Idro

About 40 km from Bergamo, Colli di San Fermo is a delightful district of the municipality of Grone, and offers memorable views over Val Cavallina. Woods, meadows and pastures, scenery that can be enjoyed from the mountain chain, just over 1000 metres high, looking out onto the Po Valley on one side and the Bergamo Alps on the other.   It is in a strategic position for the super-colourful giant bench, Big Bench #97 in yellow and white. The choice of colours is no coincidence, and reflects the narcissus, the flower that symbolises Colli di San Fermo, once picked by local women and children to sell to tourists. A deeply significant choice that reflects the Big Bench Community aim of making the most of and promoting the local area. To get to Big Bench #97, leave your vehicle in the large car park in Colli di San Fermo, near the Panoramic Belvedere, a refuge and a pond. From here, continue on foot along the route marked by the Cammina Orobie project. You will come to the Bench after about one hundred metres. A little further on, there is another blue and brown bench, not part of the Bangle collection, dedicated to the COVID victims of Val Seriana.  

Chiesa in Valmalenco, strada per Primolo, Lago di Chiesa, Alpe Airale, Rifugio Bosio, Lago di Chiesa, Alpe Pirlo, strada per Lago di Chiesa - ritorno a Chiesa Valmalenco

This itinerary starts from ValSeriana and ends in the most important centre of the Val Brembana, San Pellegrino. The passage through the town of Lenna takes you through the historic bridge on the Brembo, in stone, with the typical humpback shape. Then reach Camerata Cornello and visit the historic village of Cornello, which gave birth to the famous family of Tasso, the inventors of the modern postal system to which there is a museum is dedicated. Also in Cornello, there is the church of Saints Cornelio and Cipriano: located at the highest point of the village, it has a curious leaning bell tower. Take the bike back to San Giovanni Bianco, where Arlecchino's birthplace is located, then take the Val Brembana cycle path and cycle through the spectacular tunnel that leads you to the San Pellegrino mineral Spas. Here you have arrived in the small town of Liberty, where the Casino, the Grand Hotel and the spa are perfect examples of this style of the early 1900s. Take part in a very special visit is to the Grotte del Sogno, a karst complex that takes you down underground, to admire the natural spectacles created by water and limestone. To end the day well, allow yourself a visit to the Terme di San Pellegrino: you will leave feel regenerated.