The roads on the sun-kissed northern slopes of the valley are studded
with impressive examples of rural architecture, from stone buildings to
traditional woodsheds and haybarns, creating a kind of real-life Nativity scene
further embellished by small votive chapels and churches. Access to these sunny
terraces, which extend from the mouth of the Valchiavenna to the entrance to
Valmasino, is from Morbegno. At Durbino continue on to Cino and the Parish
Church of Saint Giorgio. Further on, through the vineyards, is Cercino and,
after a short climb on the mule tracks, the road passes through San Giovanni di
Bioggio, which has an interesting church, and on to Mello and the Church of
Saint Fedele.
Between each village, you simply must stop in a local bar or restaurant
for a plate of pizzoccheri or sciatt washed down with a glass of the fine red
wine of the area. The hillside route continues up the valley above the plains
of Morbegno in a harmonious blend of nature and human intervention through Civo
and the Church of Saint Bernardo to Roncaglia and the Church of Saint Giacomo.
Civo, Chempo, Caspèano, and Cadelpicco, followed by Dazio, create a kind of circle
of bell towers. The mild climate in this area makes it one of the most densely
populated parts of Valtellina and suitable for all sorts of agriculture,
including olive- and wine-growing. The best time to visit is in Autumn. In
September and October, the region celebrates harvest time with several exciting
events in Morbegno, where you can enjoy wine tastings at the cellar door, visit
historic buildings, and experience the Gustosando in Valtellina culinary
itinerary and the Sentiero del Vino on the Costiera dei Cech.
