Berbenno di Valtellina, Polaggia, Gaggio, Prà Isio, Alpe Caldenno - ritorno a Berbenno di Valtellina

The Via Priula is a path of high historical value, retracing the route of the ancient trade road built in 1593. It was started by the Venetian podestà of Bergamo Alvise Priuli to connect the Po Valley with the Valtellina, Valchiavenna and the transalpine, without passing through the Duchy of Milan, then under Spanish rule with its attendant impositions of transit duties. The road was traveled by intense traffic, especially after Venice had entered into a treaty of alliance with the Three Leagues in September 1603. On the basis of this treaty, the Serenissima granted, in fact, exemption from duties both to goods produced in Italy and exported through the San Marco Pass, and to those from Valtellina and Graubünden exported to Venice. This path was therefore traveled by merchants, couriers, mercenary soldiers and cargoes of goods: wools, irons, salt, grapes, cheese and the saltpeter. The rather wide road was passable along some sections by two-wheeled wagons and in the section of the San Marco Pass allowed passage with fully loaded pack animals. Today, from the upper Brembana Valley in the Orobic Alps one reaches Chiavenna through the Bitto Valley of Albaredo, lower Valtellina, and the Chiavenna Plain. From Chiavenna the path connects to the great transalpine trails of the Via Septimer and Via Spluga. One approaches an area rich in monuments, cultures, gastronomic specialties, inns and hotels. The route, especially in the mountainous part, runs along the ancient mule track. In the valley bottoms, country roads, bicycle and pedestrian paths and other trails were favored. It covers about 80 km in 4 days of travel, touching, at the San Marco Pass, the maximum altitude of 1982 meters. - Ph Ig: @vale2389

Cultural itinerary in middle Valtellina

Discover Bormio and its goodies

In the splendid setting of Palazzo Salis, in Tirano (Sondrio), there are exhibitions, shows, cultural and food and wine events.

Picturesque church at the gates of Sondrio, nestled among terraced vineyards.

The hills between Grosio and Grosotto are home to the most important evidence of the passage of ancient peoples in the Valtellina territory: the Parco delle Incisioni Rupestri (Petroglyphs Park), with over 5,000 figures engraved on its rock walls (some of which date back as far as the end of the Neolithic period). If you look carefully, you will find the Park's symbol par excellence: a man with a round shield and a sword-stick!   The attraction that lends its name to this archaeological site is the Rupe Magna. Discovered in 1966, with its 5,000 anthropomorphic, animal and geometric representations, it is one of the largest engraved rock walls in the Italian Alps. In the Park, on the southern summit of the hill, stand two other buildings renowned in the area for their great historical interest: the Castle of San Faustino (also known as Castello Vecchio), dating back to the 10th-11th centuries, and the Visconti Castle (also known as Castello Nuovo), a fortified structure built between 1350 and 1375 for strategic and defence purposes. In addition to the considerable cultural importance of the archaeological excavations and the two fortresses, the Park is set in a landscape of great beauty and natural interest and, thanks to its conformation, it is a great location to visit for both open-air mountain lovers and lovers of history and ancient art. Indeed, the slopes of Dosso dei Castelli provide a close-up view over one of Valtellina's most renowned agricultural traditions: terracing with dry-stone walls for vine cultivation. Before leaving, take a minute to admire the splendid views from Rupe Magna, with a panorama dominated by chestnut trees, typical of the Valtellina mountain landscape. The Park under the stars The Park becomes even more fascinating in summer evenings, with guided night tours to discover its treasures. The illuminated paths wind through the vineyards of Dosso dei Castelli, the centuries-old chestnut trees of the Park, the Castello Vecchio of San Faustino and the Castello Visconteo, culminating under the Rupe Magna. Here, the rock engravings emerge in all their grandeur, telling the story of Valtellina's oldest traditions  During the evening, stop and admire the vault of heaven with the naked eye: the Park offers a unique spectacle, where constellations, planets and light trails seem to dance above the ancient ruins. A moment of contemplation and wonder, in which history, nature and suggestion are woven into a single story.     

Aprica, the painted village of Valtellina, according to the definition of the well-known publicist Salvatore Giannella, incentivizes tourists to visit the districts, where the local artist,Alcide Pancot, has depicted scenes on customs and traditions in S. Maria, mountain landscapes, animals or flowers in S. Pietro and at Dosso.   A pleasant walk to learn about the history of the place and an opportunity to admire its landscape, from the scenic road, rather than from the Via Clef, and then look up at the peaks that form its frame.

Itinerary on the Rhaetian side of Valtellina, with wonderful landscapes and views

The Grosio Infopoint is a landmark for visitors to the resort, located in the heart of Valtellina.   This information center is ideal for anyone wishing to discover the cultural, natural beauty and numerous opportunities offered by the area. At the Infopoint, tourists can find a wide range of information materials, such as maps, brochures, and guidebooks, explaining local attractions, excursions, accommodations, and restaurants. The qualified and welcoming staff is always ready to answer visitors' questions, offering advice on itineraries, outdoor activities, and local events.