The villages of the Lower Valtellina between adventure and relaxation

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The Lower Valtellina is an ideal destination for the discerning tourist who wants to take a break from work and the hectic pace of the city.

The picturesque villages of these areas welcome the visitor by telling him or her their history, through the remains of ancient castles and monasteries or the more modern murals. A walk through the historic center or out of town reveals old houses with wooden galleries, wash houses, lively crafts that have almost disappeared, small churches and shrines.

But Bassa Valtellina is also the valley of large numbers. Buglio in Monte is the town that, in its development from south to north, rises an impressive 3410 meters in altitude, a record among the municipalities in the area. Tartano, on the other hand, is home to Europe's highest Tibetan bridge.

Buglio in Monte (SO) — Known as the "Terrace of the Sun," a DOC area for local wines, there are several testimonies of medieval times in the town, including the ancient church of Sts. Fedele and Jerome, the Church of St. Sisto, which preserves 15th-century frescoes inside, and the parish church of St. Christopher in Villapinta, a sanctuary for motorists. Tradition also refers to castles and monasteries built on the site, of which, however, there are neither remains nor certain memories.
(Ph Ig:@teo_mufatti)

Ardenno (SO) — Ardenno offers numerous possibilities for mountain and trekking lovers, who will find in the adjacent valleys, particularly Val Masino and Val di Mello, routes suitable for all levels. The town and its hamlets possess a rich artistic heritage: in fact, there are as many as 17 churches within the municipal territory, including the wonderful collegiate church of S. Lorenzo built in 1407. Ardenno also preserves the signs of an important past testified by the noble residences of influential families, including Palazzo Visconti-Venosta and Palazzo Guicciardi-Alberti.
(Ph Ig: @barolga)

Forcola (SO) — A scattered mountain commune surrounded by dense chestnut groves and terracing, Forcola boasts the presence of one of the few Valtellina examples of a social dairy where it is possible to buy products and learn about the manufacturing processes. Mountain lovers will be satisfied by the many hikes in the nearby Val Vicima that start right from Forcola. The village boasts two very characteristic churches, such as the Church of St. Joseph with its large dome and the Church of St. Charles, which stands on the mountainside.
(Ph Ig: @massistucchi94)

Tartano (SO) — A must-see destination for adrenaline lovers: in fact, Tartano is home to the "Bridge in the Sky," Europe's highest Tibetan bridge. At the end of this breathtaking adventure, visitors can discover the many hiking routes, at different altitudes, that go as far as the watershed with the Bergamo area or with the neighboring Orobic valleys of Valtellina. For lovers of rural art and traditions, a walk through the Basisc and Dosso dei Principi districts, formed by a single cluster of houses all joined together.
(Ph Ig: @paolofigoni)

Talamona (SO) — Talamona is considered the "town of nativity scenes": since 1989, beautiful nativity scenes have been set up uninterruptedly during the Christmas season, placed in the different districts of the town and set up in characteristic places such as wash houses, old stables, churches, and courtyards. The Renaissance Casa Valenti, with frescoes from l'Orlando Furioso, the medieval tower and the parish church dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente are traces of an artistic heritage that has not spared Talamona. The patronal festival "Ul Dì la noso" held every year in September is characteristic.
(Ph Ig: @_cherrysssss)

Dazio (SO) — Dazio is a small municipality located on the Rhaetian side of Valtellina, declared a protected oasis for its wildlife heritage: in fact, it is not uncommon to cross a deer or a roe deer during a nature walk. To the west of Dazio, the banks of the Tovate stream and in particular the Roncaglia forest are worth an excursion. Don't miss the Church of Sant'Anna, built in 1700, and the Church of San Provino. There is no shortage, especially in the summer and fall, of food and wine events that attract curious tourists.
(Ph Ig: @calendariovaltellinese)

Civo (SO) — Located in an area of extraordinary beauty, Civo with its thirteen bell towers sits on the eastern edge of the sunny Costiera dei Cech. There are numerous testimonies of popular religiosity in the village, with four parishes and numerous churches of particular artistic merit, one of which can boast the largest churchyard in Valtellina. Each hamlet, in its own time, wished to endow itself with the most beautiful and largest church in the surrounding area, resulting in the fact that to this day there are churches that are considerably disproportionate to the inhabitants.
(Ph Ig: @pmenaglio3)

Gerola Alta (SO) — Gerola Alta is a very characteristic village, the barycenter of the Bitto Valley of Gerola, which hosts in the hamlet of Pescegallo the only ski resort in the district with facilities operating in both summer and winter. The hamlets of Laveggiolo and Castello are rich in well-preserved evidence of high mountain peasant architecture. The Sagra del Bitto, which occurs every year in September, attracts hundreds of people who take advantage of it to enjoy the area with restful walks and excursions to the lakes and mountain pastures.
(Ph Ig: @4ever_young_silvia1512)

Bema (SO) — Bema is considered by many to be an island surrounded by valleys, perched on the Orobic ridge, with panoramic views of the Bitto Valleys. The village offers the chance to discover both its ancient traditions, visiting pastures and typical rural buildings made of wooden logs, and its history, admiring the religious frescoes and medieval buildings present. Moreover, for people who love mushrooms, there are walks in the woods, followed by well-deserved breaks, in places of refreshment where it is possible to taste typical Valtellina products.
(Ph Ig: @andreabbax)

Albaredo (SO) — Albaredo, included in the Orobie Park, offers unique opportunities for walks in unspoiled nature and in the historic center with murals telling the history of the area. In this picturesque setting there is also the opportunity to taste typical local products such as Bitto cheese, pizzoccheri and polenta taragna. The patronal festival of San Rocco on August 16 and Gustosando in October are very popular. The Valley is known for the presence of the ancient "Via Priula," built by the Venetian Republic for the transit of goods to central Europe.
(Ph Ig: @clickalps)

Rasura (SO) — The village of Rasura shows itself to the visitor in all its picturesque beauty: the houses and the high bell tower of the church of S. Giacomo emerge from the striking line of meadows and woods, while the peaks of Val Gerola frame the background. Known for the production of Valtellina's "pezzotto," a typical carpet with geometric designs and bright colors, the village boasts the presence of an old mill used as a museum, where it is possible to rediscover the ancient traditions and stages from the processing of corn and buckwheat, the main ingredients of the flour for polenta taragna.
(Ph Ig: @paolabrunoli_)

Bassa Valtellina offers a vacation suitable both for those who want to relax while enjoying local products and for those in search of strong emotions, which only the mountains can offer .

In autumn, there are numerous events related to Valtellina's food and wine excellence organized in the area, unmissable events dedicated to the ancient flavors of tradition: from bitto to apples, from wine to cheese, to satisfy the tastes of all palates.

The more sporty can discover breathtaking hiking routes and experience trekking trails at multiple levels of difficulty. But, without straying too far from the town center, you can also take leisurely walks through the contrade.

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ph ig: @valtellinaofficial

Cosio (SO) — Cosio Valtellino, one of the most important municipalities in lower Valtellina, has medieval origins and with its civil buildings and religious heritage boasts traces of an important past. Well worth a visit is the Abbey of S. Pietro in Vallate, one of the oldest monuments in the valley, a work founded by Cluniac monks in 1078, connected with the priory of Piona, still active on Lake Como. The surrounding environment is bucolic and immersed in silence; from the bell tower it is possible to admire the entire lower valley and sweep among the many villages of the Cech Coast.
(Ph Ig: @siviaggiare)

Rogolo (SO) — Rogolo is a village to be discovered with curiosity, walking up through its streets until you enter the chestnut, beech and fir woods and enjoy the vast panorama from Erdona over the lower Valtellina and Valchiavenna. The parish church named after Sant'Abbondio with its imposing bell tower more than 30 meters high stands out in the lively little square in the center. The parish church and the Oratory of St. Charles Borromeo are definitely worth a visit to discover the jewels of architecture and sacred art, the result of the love and devotion that the people of Rogolese have always had over the centuries.
(Ph Fb: Massimo dei Cas)

Andalo Valtellino (SO) — Andalo, the heart of Val Lesina, is a destination for those who love solitary tourism and want to discover how the people of Valtellina lived a century ago. Indeed, there are numerous signs of rural architecture in the narrow streets of the town center. Of considerable artistic merit are a painting by Pietro Ligari depicting the Virgin and Child with the Eternal and an interesting altarpiece, preserved inside the parish church. Beyond the settlement, near the ruins of the medieval castle, is the Church of St. George with a 1557 fresco depicting the Crucifixion.
(Ph Ig: @ade_drs)

Delebio (SO) — Rich in history and art, Delebio represents one of the most important centers of the Bassa Valtellina thanks to a lively artisan and industrial activity. The parish church of S. Carpoforo preserves inside important paintings by Giuseppe Antonio Petrini of Carona and frescoes by Giovanni Gavazzeni, although the artistic gem of the town is the Oratory of S. Girolamo, recognized by scholars as a distinguished rocaille monument of European scope. The facade is the work of Solari, as is the floor plan of the building, which inside is completely covered in frescoes and stucco.
(Ph Ig: @mariamontes1289)

Piantedo (SO) — Piantedo is located at the mouth of the Valtellina, in a strategic position. In the past it experienced the historical events that characterized the Pian di Spagna, being an obligatory point of transit thanks to the Scalotta road. For several decades, until the late 1970s, Piantedo farmers used to practice transhumance, transporting cows and goats to Val Gerola and Val San Giacomo. Just outside the village, at the edge of a chestnut grove, is the church dedicated to Our Lady of Valpozzo, with a 30-meter bell tower.

Mello (SO) — The hamlet of Mello lies on a scenic knoll, climbing up from Traona, nestled among regular, well-kept vineyards. Gateway to the valley of the same name, characterized by granite walls and a breathtaking landscape, it is an ideal destination for families, climbers and mountain enthusiasts. The Church of San Fedele, the town's parish church, represents one of the finest examples of late Baroque sacred building in Valtellina. The Church of St. John the Baptist, on the other hand, according to an ancient tradition, housed one of the first communities of Franciscan Tertiaries.
(Ph Fb: Municipality of Mello)

Traona (SO) — Traona is one of the oldest and most beautiful villages in Valtellina, centrally located on the sunny Cech Coast. It hosts the "Traona in cantina" event every year in October, which welcomes many curious visitors. Worth mentioning for their value not only religious but also artistic are the Churches of S. Caterina di Corlazio, S. Apollonia, S. Francesco, S. Maria in Bioggio, S. Colombano of S. Ignazio di Loyola, but the temple par excellence is the marvelous Parish Church of S. Alessandro. Testimony to a glorious past are the many sumptuous mansions of the Parravicini family, the Massironi palace and the Malacrida -Vertemate house.
(Ph Ig: @john_mastrorillo)

Cercino (SO) — Cercino is in a particularly strategic situation for visiting the Masino Valley and walking the many hiking trails along meadows and forests. Peasant art with mills, ovens and rural dwellings is a heritage that Cercino has distributed among its hamlets. Of particular beauty are the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, built in the 17th century, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, with an altar of precious marbles, and the Church of Our Lady of the Snow, deeply linked to the miracle of Our Lady of the Snow, which popular tradition has it falling on August 5.
(Ph Ig: s.aura_.h)

Cino (SO) — Cino, a must-visit destination for lovers of rural art, is a village that enchants with old houses adorned with wooden balconies, drying cobs and door plaster surrounded by blue and pink colors. For those who love mountain trails, the Bassetta Alp is the jewel in the crown of the municipality of Cino, one of the most scenic hikes along with the ascent to the Piazza Alp. The predominant style of the village is Baroque, which has its landmark in the parish church of S. Giorgio, with altars of particular value.
(Ph: Villages of Valtellina and Valchiavenna)

Mantello (SO) — The territory of Mantello, surrounded by the beautiful backdrop of the valley floor, upstream from the village has been terraced and exploited for vine cultivation over the centuries. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the walk that leads to Cino, a charming experience especially in spring and autumn. Historically a place of residence for noble families, Mantello is home to the lovely Church of Saints Columbanus and Gregory, called St. Mark's for the processions held on April 25.
(Ph: Massimo Dei Cas)

Dubino (SO) — The municipality of Dubino stands at the point where Valtellina meets Valchiavenna. It is a picturesque village that still retains old houses with wooden galleries and ovens for baking bread, a large limestone quarry, and the splendid panoramic terrace of the Piazza alpe. Important historical witnesses of the past are the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Monastero, a religious building erected in 1698, and the Madonna della Cintura reached by a flight of 185 steps. Less ancient but important evidence of the past century is the church of S. Salvatore in Nuova Olonio, built in 1903.
(Ph Ig: @levante_drone_festival)

Cedrasco (SO) — Cedrasco is a picturesque Orobic Valtellina village, located at the mouth of the Cervia Valley. Of particular interest is the Church of St. Augustine, which preserves valuable paintings on canvas, such as two examples of the Virgin and Child and Saints. In the first is St. Augustine kneeling before the Madonna, while in the second is St. Luigi Gonzaga. Also worth seeing are the rose-marble stoup and sacred furnishings. In the commune there is also a pretty little chapel dating from the 18th century, which has a portico with round arches forming the Latin cross plan.
(Ph Ig: @boninimichela)

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