A journey in Bassa Valtellina among vineyards, districts and historic buildings

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Valtellina is predominantly known for the high peaks that will host the Winter Olympic Games in 2026, also hides totally different scenery in the lower valley, with territories filled with history, centuries-old culture and art.

This is the most unusual Valtellina, with an extraordinary abundance of museums, historic palaces, castles and bell towers. The Bassa Valtellina, which begins at the very tip of Lake Como, offers the opportunity to take an exciting journey back in time, appreciate the beauty of monuments and stroll through the streets of small villages amidst evidence of medieval times.

Internationally recognized for the production of award-winning wines with extreme methods of cultivation on dry stone walls and terraces, evidence of a historical and cultural heritage that makes this landscape unique, the valley is also dotted with fortresses, towers and castles.

Grosotto (SO) — A small village characterized by the presence of historic fountains, Grosotto is located at the gateway to the Grosina Valley, where hiking and walks leading to the alpine pastures are possible. Grosotto will enchant its visitors with the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie, which houses numerous works of art including the splendid 18th-century organ, and the Parish Church of Sant'Eusebio. After a visit to Palazzo Omodei and Casa Stoppani, a must stop at the Lakes of Prati di Punta, a relaxing area where it is possible to practice sport fishing and enjoy the extraordinary nature of the place.
(calendarvaltellinese)

Mazzo di Valtellina (SO) — Mazzo di Valtellina is situated on the slopes of the Mortirolo Pass, known as the starting point for one of the most adrenaline-pumping climbs on the international cycling scene. It centers its economy on bresaola production and apple growing, excellences that can be enjoyed after a bicycle ride or a visit to the quaint village. It is one of the richest towns in the area in terms of medieval and Renaissance history; not to be missed are the baptistery, the bell tower of the parish church, the fortified Contrada of Pedenale and the Castle of Bellaguardia, Casa Lavizzari and the Church of S. Abbondio.
(Ph Ig:@ deriuale80)

Vervio (SO) — An ideal place for those who enjoy walks and popular festivals, Vervio is a small rural village that encloses ancient stately homes and two striking churches, S. Ilario and S. Antonio, in its historic center. Climbing up the slopes, past the Rogorbello district with the baroque church of S. Sebastiano, to welcome visitors are the maggenghi of Susen with the church dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie, which hosts the popular festival dedicated to the Madonna on the first Sunday in August. In summer, numerous hikes lead to the mountain huts and pastures of the Grosina Valley to the Swiss valley of Poschiavo.
(Ph Ig: @aquilasolitaria44)

Tovo di Sant'Agata (SO) — Located in an area crossed by the Via Spluga, Tovo di Sant'Agata is the starting point of an ascent slope of the Mortirolo Pass, a tougher and more irregular alternative to the classic slope from Mazzo. Known for its apple cultivation, there are valuable reminders of the past in Tovo, including the medieval Bellaguarda Castle, the small church dedicated to St. Mark and the Madonna of Caravaggio, and the frescoes located in Pian di Scala, painted in the 15th century on overhanging rocks, depicting the Madonna and Child and some Saints.
(Ph Ig: @tiziana8578)

Lovero (SO) — Lovero, formerly included in the parish of Mazzo and now a predominantly agricultural center, enjoys five characteristic churches: S. Maria delle Grazie, which preserves a pulpit and confessional made of wood carved and carved by Del Piaz, S. Alessandro, which preserves canvases and frescoes by Cipriano Valorsa and Giovannino da Sondalo, S. Rocco erected in 1636 during the plague that raged in Valtellina, S. Maria Maddalena and S. Agostino, originally from the 1200s, which housed a convent of Hermits. In August the Feast of the Patron Saint Alexander encompasses events celebrating music and art.
(Ph Ig: Massimo Dei Cas - Paesi di Valtellina)

Sernio (SO) — An agriculturally oriented town with a historic core gathered around its churches and historic buildings such as the Parish Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, and Palazzo Omodei. Sernio lies beneath a wide coastline of orchards where the prized Valtellina apples are grown. Interesting outside the town, on a plateau after the hamlet of Valchiosa, is the 17th-century church of San Gottardo: the building was probably part of a settlement, but was destroyed by a flood.
(Ph Ig: @leobond77)

Villa di Tirano (SO) — Situated in a sunny location, Villa di Tirano originally consisted of contrade (districts) that still offer particularly picturesque views. The village is renowned for its production of Valtellina DOC wines, which, together with apples, are the protagonists of the traditional Sagra held on the 1st weekend in October. The Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, the Church of St. Anthony and the ancient Sasso Bridge of Romanesque origin are worth a visit. Near Aprica, the Pian di Gembro Nature Reserve offers ideal scenery for hiking and cross-country skiing.
(Ph Ig: @attangelox)

Bassa Valtellina is also a famous destination for apples; in spring, walking among the white apple orchards in bloom, it is beautiful to appreciate the contrast in color with the bright green of the meadows.

An ideal place for lovers of slow tourism, the Bassa Valtellina, with the Val Masino and Val di Mello, is the go-to destination for hikers and climbers who come from all over the world to conquer the granite walls and hike the trails for all levels of experience.

There are numerous opportunities in the valley for cycling on routes of varying difficulty: gentle hikes on the valley floor, rugged climbs to the Orobie Valtellinesi, the Bitto valleys and the renowned Mortirolo. You pass through ancient villages and breathtaking landscapes, which often escape the eyes of those who hastily ride along the valley floor highway.