Morbegno (262 m a.s.l.) is situated at the end
of the Valgerola. Due to its position exchanges and contacts with the
communities of Como, the Po Valley and Bergamo region through the Passo S.
Marco have flowered since the first half of the XIV Century. Roads and trails
run through vineyards and chestnut woods along the sunny Rhaetian slope, connecting
the hamlets and little church to one another. Many enchanting bike routes start
directly from the town centre or from the Sentiero Valtellina, where the Valtellina
Rent-a-Bike service is always at your disposal. The torrent Bitto passes
through the town, rushing downhill from the Valgerola, the pristine valley
where they produce the best-known Bitto cheese - a Slow Food presidium and protagonist
of the annual exhibition “Mostra del Bitto” - which you can purchase and taste
in the historical speciality shops. “Morbegno in Cantina” (Morbegno in
Winecellars) is a well-renowned event and a good occasion to taste the vintage
wines of the Valtellina. Morbegno has a rich artistic and cultural heritage:
visit the parish church of S. Giovanni Battista (XVI c.) - containing canvas by
the Ligaris, the Petrini
and other notable artists – the deconsecrated S. Antonio’s Church - which has
been turned into an auditorium – the Sanctuary of the Assunta – consecrated in 1506
- the church of S. Rocco (1530), the Palazzo Malacrida, the Ganda bridge.
Morbegno gave birth to the painter Pietro Romegialli (1738-1799) and to the
economist and politician Ezio Vanoni (1903-1956).
Info: www.portedivaltellina.it
