Mazzo di Valtellina
Welcome to Mazzo di Valtellina, a commune with an ancient and fascinating history!
Mazzo di Valtellina is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Sondrio, in Lombardy. With its 1028 inhabitants, Mazzo is a gem of the Valtellina di Tirano, a mountain community located in an area of primary strategic importance.
The physical geography of Mazzo di Valtellina
The territory
The municipality of Mazzo di Valtellina borders other municipalities such as Grosotto, Monno, Tovo di Sant'Agata and Vervio, and covers an area of approximately 15.32 square kilometers. Its maximum altitude is around 3000 meters, and its location allows you to enjoy enchanting landscapes.
The landscape
Mazzo is located at the foot of the Mortirolo Pass, and is located on both sides of the Valtellina, traced by the course of the Adda River. Here it is possible to admire the beauty of the Castanea woods, mixed Pinophyta, and mountain pastures. The territory is characterized by a great variety of flora and fauna and is a paradise for hikers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
The origins of the name of Mazzo di Valtellina
According to legend, the name "Mazzo" derives from the Tyrolean family of "de Mazia" or "von Matsch", originating in the homonymous valley in Val Venosta, which arrived in Valtellina during the 11th century. This family took the name of "Visconti Venosta" due to the area of origin, and the name of Mazzo di Valtellina spread throughout the territory.
The history of Mazzo di Valtellina
Mazzo has been inhabited since remote and prehistoric times. Evidence of this ancient presence is the cupped stones dating back to the Orobian slope and the famous rock carvings discovered by the archaeologist Davide Pace on the Park of Rock Engravings of Grosio: the oldest date back to the 4th-3rd millennium BC, while the most recent ones date back to the 8th-6th centuries BC.
Mazzo was conquered by the Roman Empire in 16 AD. And with the disintegration of the Western Roman Empire and the Barbarian Invasions, probably Mazzo was incorporated, after 489, into the Ostrogothic kingdom of Theodoric the Great. In the same century, Christianity made its appearance in the valley.
In the 8th century, the Valtellina fell under the domination of the Lombards, and traces of this presence can still be found in the Lombard language. Among the common words, "sberlüsc'" (flash), "güdàzz" (godfather and godmother), "sluzz/slòz" (wet) and many others are highlighted.
What attracted some of the noble families, including the Venosta of Val di Mazia, the Lavizzari and the Quadrio, to the village were the strategic interests of the Republic of Venice, which had interests in trade with German-speaking countries.
Conclusions
We have come to the end of our virtual tour of Mazzo di Valtellina. We hope you enjoyed discovering something more about this fascinating country rich in history. If you are interested in visiting it, we recommend that you take a trip to Valtellina and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and local traditions. See you soon!
