Colorina

Let's explore the country of Colorina!

Welcome to Colorina, a town located at the foot of the Orobie Alps in the province of Sondrio, Lombardy. This small town has a population of 1372 inhabitants and a fascinating history that extends back to the 13th century. There are many interesting things to discover here, from natural beauty to ancient churches.

Physical geography

Colorina is located in an area with breathtaking nature. Here, the Adda River runs through the territory, making it better known for the damage caused by the Valtellina flood of 1987. There are also two streams, the Madrasco and the Vendullo delle Ortiche, that border the town. Thanks to its location, Colorina presents a great variety of shades of green: chestnut, poplar, beech, oak and conifers (such as larch and red fir) can easily be found at different elevations. The fauna is equally varied: the capercaillie, represented in the park emblem, is one of the animals that inhabit the area. Additionally, there are many others, including ungulates and birds of prey.

Discover Colorina: nature, history and beauty not to be missed!

History

Colorina has a long history dating back to the 13th century during the reign of Charlemagne. During this period, the territory of Colorina was donated to the abbey of Saint Denis, but it wasn't until 1488 that the municipalities of Colorina and Fusine were constituted to emancipate themselves from Berbenno di Valtellina, becoming an independent town on April 8, 1513. Throughout the centuries, Colorina has had to face many challenges and disputes, including excommunication by the Pope in 1524 and bankruptcy in 1781. However, the town has continued to thrive and today is one of the most beautiful towns in Lombardy.

Symbols

Colorina was one of the first towns in the Province of Sondrio to adorn itself with a coat of arms and a gonfalon, granted by decree of the President of the Republic in 1973. The coat of arms of Colorina features three mountains with the Adda River in the foreground and a rising star in the background. The gonfalon has the same design with the foreground lowered.

What to see in Colorina?

If you are thinking of visiting Colorina, there are some things you cannot miss. First of all, there are the Santelle, typical houses of ochre and brown color, which are an important feature of the town. Additionally, there are churches, such as the church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Romanesque-Gothic structure, and the church of San Giovanni Battista, which has recently been renovated. Finally, there is an ancient water mill that is worth visiting.

If you like hiking, in Colorina there are some splendid walks in the mountains. For example, you can take a trip to Monte Vendolo or Monte Zucco. In the summer, the high-altitude pastures are the perfect place for picnicking with friends and family.

Living in Colorina

If you are thinking of moving to Colorina, there are some things you should know. First of all, the town has an excellent quality of life, especially if you love nature and quietness. There are many activities you can do, including climbing, ski-mountaineering and mountain biking. Additionally, the town offers some essential services, such as the elementary school, a post office and a library.

From a real estate point of view, there are many houses for sale and rent in Colorina. Most of the houses are built with typical local architecture and there are many opportunities to buy a historic house to renovate or a modern house recently built.

In summary, Colorina is a great place to live if you love nature, tranquility and want to discover a fascinating history. If you are thinking of visiting or moving to Colorina, you won't regret it!

Paola Santoro
Wrote by Paola Santoro
Updated Wednesday, Sep 21, 2022