From Trona to Mello on the Cech Coast, an easy hike suitable even for families with children.

The destination is Domofle Castle, which legend describes as the prison of ancient queens. Now it is an enchanted place in which we are immersed in fantastic views and atmospheres filled with history.

We are in Bassa Valtellina, in the province of Sondrio, and from Morbegno we move to the Costiera dei Cech. Our starting point is Traona, one of the most beautiful towns on the sun-kissed Rhaetian slope and opposite the Orobie. The hike is really easy, suitable for everyone, ideal for families with children who, on a trail-muletrack, can delve into the fascinating history of these places. The height difference to be overcome is really minimal, only 250 meters, and the environment you cross is the characteristic one between terraces and vineyards. Only in the final stretch does the forest have the upper hand.

It is best to park in Via Vallone, near the Martinelli nurseries, along provincial road 6 that climbs towards Mello, another small village surrounded by rows of vines from which an excellent wine is produced. Point of arrival are the striking remains of Domofole Castle (520 m), set on a rise in the middle of the Vallone di San Giovanni. Its stones were first mentioned in 1125 and were used as a garrison by the noble Vicedomini family, feudal lords of the Bishop of Como.

Parking lots available to leave vehicles are located in the very nearby Via Somagna. We set out on the road turning around the nursery, which we leave on our right. In a short time we will be on the trail-muletrack that we will never leave until we reach the historic destination. As we rise, the view opens up and we can see, in addition to the Orobic peaks winding eastward from the Legnone, the Adda River about to flow into the Lario. We appreciate the gentleness of the environment and the beauty of the view, and we get caught up in the legends associated with Domofole Castle. In 634 Gundeberga, the daughter of Queen Theodolinda, was allegedly imprisoned there on charges of adultery. In the 10th century, on the other hand, it would have been Adelaide of Burgundy's turn, who was joined at Domofole by her betrothed Adalbert, son of Berengar, from whom she was fleeing. The hillock on which the ancient castle is situated dominates the Valtellina area around Morbegno, and visitors' enchanted gaze reaches the shores of upper Lake Como.

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Cover image:@roberto moiola