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.