On a sun-soaked mountainside on Valtellina’s Rhaetian side
of the valley, Teglio has long played a vital strategic role, with signs that
are still visible today of the various eras of occupation to which it has been
subjected – from the Romans to the Cisalpine Republic led by Napoleon
Bonaparte, and the Lombards through to the Grisons.
Not just the revered home of Valtellina’s lauded local dish
pizzoccheri, it’s also purportedly thanks to the might of Teglio that
Valtellina got its name, with researchers tracing the etymology back to the
curial Latin name of Vallis Tellina,
meaning the Valley of Teglio.
TEGLIO, HOME OF PIZZOCCHERI
When it comes to agriculture, Teglio has got it good with
such a sun-drenched spot on the valley side, giving it the ideal terrain for
grapes, rye and buckwheat – the key ingredient in pizzoccheri, Valtellina’s
well-known gourmet staple. For a picture-perfect stroll, head through the
fields of buckwheat in flower and pay a visit to the Mulino Menaglio, where
the grain is milled.
If being in the hometown of pizzoccheri isn’t convincing
enough, the town has set up the Accademia del Pizzocchero to safeguard
the dish, so you can be sure that each plateful assiduously follows the
traditional recipe.
- A good dish of pizzoccheri prepared by the Academy of Pizzocchero is a must in Teglio
WHAT TO SEE IN TEGLIO
A gorgeous town, Teglio is full of
things to see, including the hugely panoramic Torre de li Beli Meri towers,
and nearby Church of San Eufemia, from where the Cammino Mariano
delle Alpi pilgrimage trail between Teglio and Tirano begins.
The must-visit Palazzo Besta is one of the most beautiful renaissance
palaces in all of Lombardy as well being the only state museum in the province.
At the heart of the building, the internal courtyard reveals two rows of arches
supported by columns and lavish frescoes on the upper loggia depicting scenes
from the Aeneid. Don’t miss the Antiquarium Tellinum on the ground floor and
the Hall of Honour on the first floor, resplendent with scenes from Orlando
Furioso.
In recognition of the town’s
commitment to preserving its heritage, guaranteeing a warm welcome to all
visitors, adopting an eco-friendly outlook and upholding the quality of its
cuisine, Teglio has been internationally certified as a Città Slow.
- The tower De Li Beli Miri is among the undisputed symbols of Teglio
- The inner curtain of the splendid Palazzo Besta of Teglio
WHAT TO DO IN TEGLIO
Other than satisfying your palate
with a plate of pizzoccheri and visiting the various museums and cultural
destinations, Teglio also boasts a compact, family-friendly ski resort above
the town on the sunny, gentle slopes of Prato Valentino.
Stretching upwards from the valley
floor at 400 metres above sea level, Teglio aims high – almost 3,000 metres
high, in fact – and offers a bounty of outdoor activities throughout the year.
There are various experiences to choose from whether you’re looking for a
leisurely ramble, a strenuous hike, a selfie spot, a mountain peak or
pass, or even to scale the rockface of Castelvetro.
On two wheels or on four legs,
age-old paths and gravel tracks that either go up or around the mountainside
give you and your steed the chance to explore. If water is more your thing, opt
for a canoeing or rafting trip down the River Adda.
Info: www.teglioturismo.com
