The Cammino mariano delle Alpi pilgrimage route is an important religious, cultural and tourism-driven project in Valtellina. Tracing a route through the valley, the hiking itinerary incorporates several shrines to the Virgin Mary before reaching the Basilica of the Madonna di Tirano — the most significant sacred monument in the province and proclaimed the ‘celestial patroness of all of Valtellina’ by Pope Pius XII in 1946. There are two route options: the 91km Via Occidentale (western approach) from Piantedo to Tirano (accessible from spring 2022) and the 66km Via Orientale (eastern approach) from Bormio to Tirano, in the planning stage. The Via Occidentale is divided into five stages: Piantedo–Morbegno, Morbegno–Berbenno, Berbenno–Sondrio, Sondrio–Teglio and Teglio–Tirano. It makes use of the existing trail network and waymarked routes, including the Via dei Terrazzamenti which traverses the valley’s most authentic and charming areas, passing distinctive terraced vineyards and a wealth of historic, religious and civic buildings that transmit a fascinating insight.   Discover more and request the Credenziale del pellegrino on www.camminomarianodellealpi.it 

Discover Val Masino, a jewel set in the Rhaetian Alps, with the Val di Mello Nature Reserve, the Bagni di Masino Regional Forest and the Predarossa Valley.

The church of St. Joseph is located on a terrace on the left side of the road leading to the village of San Giacomo, in the center of Castello dell'Acqua.   A long flight of steps leads up to the beautiful, richly decorated white stone portal, topped by a broken tympanum. The two-leaf door is also decorated in relief with floral and giral motifs. An angel's head stands out at the top. The structure of the sacred building is definitely imposing and dominated by the volume of the slender bell tower, placed on the right side. The facade is embellished by the bell tower and the presence of three windows placed under the cornice supporting the gable. Source: Churches surveyed by the Sondrio Valtellina Mountain Community.

A few steps away from the main settlement of Ponte in Valtellina , along the road that leads to Valfontana and the pastures of San Bernardo, we encounter the small church dedicated to Saint Roch, Christopher and Sebastian. Its architectural features suggest it was built in the Fifteenth century, while the dedication leads to think that some sort of pestilence occurred at the time.  The church has a single-hall plan, an apse and a tower bell ending in an octagonal pinnacle. The stonework of the facade was plastered and embellished with some frescoes that anticipate what is to be found inside: several paintings attributed to the painter Giovannino da Sondalo decorate the inner walls of the church.  Some frescoes are clearly visible: on the outside, the Pietà in the lunette of the portal and serveral frescoes on the inside, among which The Virgin with the Child, Saint Roch and Sebastian. Photo - Claudio Franchetti

Between tradition and specialty: discover the historical food and wine realities in Valtellina

Built in a panoramic position among the vineyards, this Church is an example of the Marian devotion that was widespread in the Seventeenth century.

Restored after a period of abandonment, the Cavallari Smithy is a proof of the inventiveness of mountain people.

With snow, sport and adventures, in the winter, Lombardy’s mountains offer stunning scenery and unique thrills.  As the winter approaches, the mountains are transformed. From Valtellina to Valle Spluga, in Sondrio, the valleys are filled with a different light. Snow-covered trails and scenery that invites you to move around, to enjoy the climbs and descents, sliding over the powdery slopes, and discovering every corner of this giant open-air adventure park. The endless panoramas of Livigno, peaks of Madesimo, enchanting Bormio, and white plains of Montespluga are all locations to offer unique experiences. From exciting snowmobile rides or snowkiting, to the peaceful calm of a magical ride on a horse-drawn sleigh, every experience shows you a different way to enjoy your adventures on the snow.

Forbicina

The small Valtellina town of Teglio is the home of pizzoccheri, the tasty dish of buckwheat pasta with cheese and vegetables