What to see in Lombardy mountains

Val Brembana, in the centre of upper Lombardy, is a small valley that is best explored by walking around its little villages, where you can still find artisanal workshops and restaurants serving local specialities.

Places particularly worth a visit include Borgo di Bretto, Borgo di Cavaglia, Cerro Foppa, Grumo di San Giovanni and the not-to-be-missed Cornello del Tasso, situated on a rocky outcrop over the River Brembo.

Val Seriana and Val di Scalve are an oasis of calm and relaxation and are wonderful if you are looking for peace and quiet or want to surround yourself with unspoiled nature. Don't miss Piazza dell'Orologio in Clusone, the amazing Gromo Mining Museum, the historical centre of Nembro, the Drop Forge Museum in Pontenossa, and the Tiepolo Altar Piece in Rovetta.

Valle Camonica is situated in eastern Lombardy and is enclosed by the spurs of the Orobie Prealps to the west and the Adamello mountains to the east. Stretching 90 kilometres, it is one of the most extensive areas of the central Alps and features a great diversity of climates and nature. It stretches from Lake Iseo to the major ski centres of Ponte di Legno and Montecampione, and is dotted with churches and chapels and some beautiful villages like Bienno, Iseo and Pisogne. Plus there are numerous rock drawing parks, recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, that testify to the ancient Camuni that once inhabited this area.

Val Trompia (or Valle dell'Oro for its historic presence of iron deposits) is a wonderful valley approximately 50km long on the border with Val Camonica. All over the area we can find signs of the harmonious relationship between man and the environment, and on one of the numerous nature walks it is quite normal to come across an ancient mill or an old furnace. One of the most characteristic villages is Gardone Val Trompia and many people from Milan have bought homes here after falling for its amazing beauty.

Val Sassina is well-known as the mountain of Lake Como. It is set between the imposing Grigne to the east and the Orobie Prealps to the west and has an incredible view over the lake. Lots of important art can be found in the many churches dotted across the area and the villages of Barzio and Cremeno are particularly interesting.

Valtellina is situated in the centre of the Alps and while one side borders onto Lake Como, the other side borders onto Switzerland and Trentino Alto-Adige. It is a paradise of unspoilt nature and has a rich variety of landscapes. Places worth seeing in Valchiavenna include Palazzo Vertemate Franchi, the Bottonera Mill and the Marmitte Giganti (giant pot-hole) Park.

In the Tirano area, the Basilica della Madonna di Tirano is definitely worth a visit.

Alta Valtellina is also well-known for the Bormio Terme Spa, a unique place where you can relax and look out at the mountains, and for the ski resorts in Livigno, Bormio, Aprica and Santa Caterina Valfurva.