Sondrio in a weekend

Sondrio is the place that makes the Valtellina even finer.Walking its streets you can go back in time and catch a glimpse, inside the buildings of the historic centre, of the town’s social life in ancient times.

You will be surprised by hidden treasures like the old “stüe” made of Swiss stone pine that used to be the heart of alpine houses, or the stucco work and trompe-l’oeil in the spectacular 18th century ballroom of Palazzo Sertoli. Some masterpieces reveal the great passions that inspired them: it is the case of the priceless wealth of Renaissance frescoes dedicated to “Orlando Furioso”, the protagonist, at the Castello Masegra, of one of the most compelling 16th century “comic strip-like” murals. A precious testimony of Ludovico Ariosto’s love for the Alps, and theirs for him.

On foot or by bike. Along the Via dei Terrazzamenti, 70 km from Morbegno to Tirano,
you are immersed in a landscape of ancient villages, wineries and farmhouses. It is the
largest mountainous terraced wine-growing area in Europe, a place where 2,500 km of dry stone walls are the point of balance between man and nature.

A place of the soul. The Camminata alla Madonna della Sassella is not just a short escape out of town, but also a way to rediscover a spiritual dimension. It starts in town, almost by accident. From one little shrine to the next, you climb among the vineyards and terraces of the ancient via Valeriana up to the 16th century Sanctuary. From the bustle of the city to the quiet of the Valtellina, almost without realising it.

On the dinner table, the color red prevails. The darker red of the Sforzato, prince of Valtellina wines, and the softer red of bresaola, the famous cured meat. Fourteen degrees, dry, made from dried Nebbiolo grapes, the wine accompanies its spicy fragrance. And then the traditional buckwheat pasta, pizzoccheri, just to break the monochrome. Local flavours at their best.

In the rapids. To see the Valtellina from the water, and most importantly to engage in high-adrenaline sports like rafting, kayaking and hydrospeeding, the River Adda is ideal.
The stretch from Piateda to Castione Andevenno is also suitable for beginners.
For something more challenging, try the Boffetto rapids further upstream. Pure
excitement guaranteed. The same excitement you can experience in November with the
“Valtellina Wine Trail”: a combination of sports and tastes at high altitude.