Mazzo di Valtellina is on the state highway between Tirano and Bormio.
The noble Venosta family is responsible for the medieval buildings, including
the imposing Castel de Mazz,
aka Castello di Pedenale. The ruins of the manor can be seen through the trees
in the woods above the village and were once part of the complex defence system
that was set up to guard the streets that connect with the Mortirolo Pass.
The Pass is a key stage in the Giro d’Italia. Amateur cyclists should
test themselves on the Pass at least once and imagine themselves neck in neck
with some of cycling’s greats as they battle it out on the gruelling
climb.
On the lower slopes, the village gives way to apple orchards that don exquisite
white robes in spring. In October, the nearby
township of Villa di Tirano, holds the apple and grape festival, which features
a rich calendar of events, music, local produce, performances, tours, and
excursions showcasing two precious fruits of the local rural tradition.
