Grosio
Welcome to Grosio
Here we are in Grosio, a municipality in the province of Sondrio in Lombardy, located at the mouth of Valgrosina. The history of this area dates back to the Bronze Age and is testified by the rock engravings of the Rupe Magna, the largest archaeological monument in Valtellina. Let's discover together what has made this place famous over the centuries.
The Middle Ages and Venetian Influence
During the Middle Ages, the village was under the rule of the Venosta family. We can still admire the two fortresses of Grosio and Grosotto, built for both defensive and sighting purposes. The Old Castle, also known as San Faustino, is located above Grosotto and was founded by the bishop. The New Castle, known as the Visconti Castle, dates back to the period of the conflict between the guelfs and the ghibellines. In the 15th century, Grosio had frequent contacts with the Republic of Venice. Many Grosini went to the Serenissima for work or as soldiers. The traditional costume of the village, different from the others in the area, is traced back to this period and these contacts.
Traditional Costume and Bell Foundry
The traditional costume of women, characterized by bright colors, deep necklines, jewelry, silk bows and hats with ostrich feathers, has uncertain origins. According to legends, it originated from the costume of Circassian beauties, Balkan or Ottoman, bought and then married by the inhabitants of Grosio who had migrated as emigrants to Venice. The women of Grosio also wear gold earrings, with a stud, called "urecìn di bròchi", earrings with small spheres. These earrings were originally imported from Venice and are still used today. Moreover, in the history of Grosio, it is important to remember the famous bell foundry of Giorgio Pruneri, which operated from 1822 to 1915 and from 1949 to 1956. Today, we can admire the wonderful bells of the Prepositurale and thousands of other concerts in Italy and around the world.
The Artistic Culture of Grosio
The artistic culture of Grosio is well represented by the Visconti-Venosta villa, now the seat of the municipal museum. In addition, in the 16th century, Grosio gave birth to one of the best-known local painters, Cipriano Valorsa. Emilio Visconti-Venosta, foreign minister of the Kingdom of Italy, and his brother Giovanni, author of "Ricordi di gioventù" and the satirical poem "Il prode Anselmo", are other Grosina-born characters who made history.
Conclusion
Grosio is a place where history, art and tradition come together to create a unique atmosphere. Be enchanted by the rock engravings of the Rupe Magna, the castles overlooking the municipalities of Grosio and Grosotto, the traditional costume of women, and the bells of the Prepositurale. Relax and enjoy the beauty of this wonderful place.
