The settlement of Ponte in Valtellina, which already existed in the early Middle Ages, developed on the Rhaetian side of the valley, in an elevated position above the Adda River.

Surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards, it preserves the ancient appearance of a stone mountain village. Walking up the historic center, one can reach the 17th-century Jesuit church of St. Ignatius of Loyola. From the square in front, which is home to three hundred-year-old plane trees, there is an excellent view of the central Valtellina. To the side of the church, one can admire a precious green monument, most likely there even before the religious building. It is the famous "Muronée," a very old White Mulberry (Morus alba) considered among the most important monumental trees in Lombardy.

Surrounded by rustic stone buildings, it is estimated to be about 600 years old. Like a wise elder silently observing the alternating generations that animate the village, the large Mulberry is the arboreal protagonist of the village. Standing 8 meters tall (due to ancient pruning) and with a trunk circumference of more than 4 and a half meters (diameter 150 cm), the tree has exceptional dimensions for its species.

A green monument that can be freely visited.

(Ph: Luca Pernechele)