Berbenno di Valtellina
Berbenno di Valtellina: a municipality with a unique historical and geographical heritage!
If you are looking for a place where you can admire the beauty of the Lombard mountains and taste the precious Valtellina Superiore Maroggia wine, Berbenno di Valtellina is the perfect destination for you. Located in the province of Sondrio, this municipality has 4054 inhabitants and boasts a unique historical and geographical heritage.
Territory
Berbenno di Valtellina is bathed by three watercourses: the Adda river, the Finale stream and the Maroggia stream. This latter gives its name to the renowned wine produced on these terraces, characterized by a steepness ranging from 20% to 60%. Despite the territory having been affected by floods in the summers of 1987 and 2008, the cultivation of the vine continues to be carried out in a traditional way, mostly by hand.
History
The settlement of Berbenno di Valtellina has very ancient origins and seems to derive from the Celtic term "pläne" (plain) and "bär" (bear). Others, however, support a Roman origin. In any case, Berbenno di Valtellina was formerly divided into three parish churches, including that of Berbenno which also extended over the territories of Colorina and Fusine. The first heads of the parish were the lords of Vizzola, of Lombard origin. Today it is still possible to admire the ancient Pieve di S. Pietro e Paolo, known as S. Pietro in via, which presents a trace of an old Christian inscription.
The historical heritage of Berbenno di Valtellina
In the years following the creation of the parishes, numerous defensive constructions such as castles and towers were erected, many of which are still visible today. In Berbenno di Valtellina, for example, there are the remains of the Castle of Roccascissa, the first nucleus of the defensive system of the place, and the Tower of the Capitanei of Sondrio, built in the fifteenth century.
What to visit in Berbenno di Valtellina?
Pieve di S. Pietro e Paolo
The Pieve di S. Pietro e Paolo undoubtedly deserves a thorough visit. Located in the hamlet of S. Pietro, the church stands on the ruins of old religious buildings and presents a particular Christian inscription. The location of the place of worship, moreover, is not casual: the church was built at the site of the ancient wooden bridge that allowed to cross the Adda river.
Castle of Roccascissa
The Castle of Roccascissa originally stood on the rocky ridge above the village, northwest of the current historical center. Despite being little more than a pile of ruins, the place continues to represent an important trace of the history of the village.
The Tower of the Capitanei of Sondrio
The Tower of the Capitanei of Sondrio was probably built in the fifteenth century as a defense mechanism and stands in the center of the village. Today the place hosts occasions for cultural meetings and recreational activities.
In summary, Berbenno di Valtellina absolutely deserves a visit. History and natural landscapes combine in this municipality of the province of Sondrio to offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
