One of the most difficult climbs in Europe

Impregnable fortresses, with enchanting lake views, legends of ghosts. Five castles in Lombardy to be visited

Feel like escaping to the mountains and treating yourself to a relaxing break? Discover your destination less than two hours from Milan

Palazzo Besta in Teglio is one of the most significant examples of Lombard mansions of the Renaissance.

The Plaz Mill (Mulì di Plaz) is an old mill consisting of two very similar buildings made of stone masonry and built near the Aprica stream, which provides its motive power.   The 'main building definitely predates 1816, while the second was probably built during the 14th century. The mill permanently ceased operation in 1977. After its abandonment, the Plaz Mill was found to be inoperable and unusable due to moisture from the soil and the few maintenance operations carried out over the years. The reclamation project involved the redevelopment of the mill and surrounding land so as to create a theme park that allows for the recovery of the cultural authenticity of the mountains and the Orobie Valtellinesi. In the area adjacent to the mill, a course of cultivation of ancient Valtellina grains (buckwheat, barley and rye) was started to preserve a quality presidium. The setting up of a small exhibition of documents and tools related to cultivation and the possibility to visit the mill allow to know a historical and cultural reality many times forgotten. For information contact the Aprica Infopoint info@apricaonline.com - tel. 0342746113

  The Sondrio - Valmalenco area is located in the heart of Valtellina. It is home to the provincial capital Sondrio, a town with a charming historic centre. Sondrio offers a variety of services and holds cultural and food and wine events. The Sondrio – Valmalenco area is crowned with famous, majestic peaks, including Piz Bernina. There are equally rich opportunities for exploring the mid and lower valley. Choices range from visiting terraced slopes with numerous wineries that produce elegant DOC and DOCG wines made with exclusive Nebbiolo delle Alpi grapes, to cycling routes suitable even for families. Other options include biking, food and wine, and culture, as well as adrenaline-charged activities on the Adda River like rafting, canoeing and riverboarding, and canyoning in the gorges of the streams. In winter Valmalenco offers a ski area that is suitable for everyone, including children, thanks to its safe, modern lifts and trails.

In Valdisotto one of the most important testimonies of the Great War in Valtellina

A journey through the authentic local flavours and products that reflect the traditions of Lombardy - from land to table

Val Caronella, within the Orobie Valtellinesi Park, offers hiking itineraries suitable for everyone with the possibility of observing stupendous views of the middle Valtellina.   Once we reach the ancient village of Carona (descending from Aprica towards Sondrio and deviating to Val Belviso and then to Carona), where we can leave the car and admire the ancient little church dedicated to S. Omobono dating back to the 1400s, a dirt road begins that takes us without much effort first to the huts of Pra' di Gianni (1350 m) and after a short while to the equipped area of Pra' della Valle (1370 m). From this point it is easy to observe and reach the characteristic waterfalls and then continue on a steeper path to reach the Caronella hut (1860 m). For the more trained, the trail climbs to the Caronella pass at an altitude of 2600 m (4/5 hour itinerary) and then descends through the upper Serio valley to the basins of Lake Barbellino where the Barbellino refuge and the Antonio Curò refuge are located. Val Caronella and Val Bondone are Site of Community Importance, Natura 2000 Network.

7 must-see destinations in Lombardy to discover with a glass of wine in hand

The proposed itinerary is a perfect combination of nature, stories and art