Morterone

Morterone: A small mountain municipality

Morterone is a municipality in Lombardy, located in the province of Lecco. With only 33 inhabitants, it is one of the 100 least populated Italian municipalities. However, Morterone is a unique and fascinating place, ideal for those seeking tranquility and wanting to immerse themselves in nature and history.

Physical geography

Morterone is located on the border with the capital, at the foot of Pizzo Morterone. The area of Morterone is rich in forests and mountain trails, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. The area is also characterized by a strong presence of karst cavities, including caves, sinkholes, and resurgences.

Morterone: nature, history and culture in a mountain municipality.

Origins of the name

The name Morterone derives from the Latin "mortarium" or "murtus". According to some theories, the name of the municipality could be linked to the presence of a wooden or stone bowl used to pound herbs and roots. Other hypotheses refer to the pastures in the area.

History

Morterone has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, the village was under the control of the Invernizzi family. Over the centuries, Morterone has undergone significant transformations, especially with the development of industry in the Lecco area. This has led to considerable deforestation of the territory.

During World War II, Morterone played an important role in the Resistance. In particular, the house of the parish priest, Don Piero Arrigoni, became a gathering point for escaped prisoners, stray soldiers, and wanted Jews. Thanks to his work, Don Piero received important recognition.

Life in Morterone

Morterone is a municipality where life moves slowly. Mostly senior citizens live here, but there are also some young couples. The village has a municipal council that meets in Morterone, while the executive committee is based in Ballabio.

Despite being isolated from the rest of the world, Morterone has always been a welcoming and supportive community. One of the most significant testimonies of this solidarity is the work of Don Piero Arrigoni during World War II.

What to see in Morterone

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Morterone is the perfect place for you. Here, you can take long walks in the woods and admire the breathtaking views offered by the surrounding peaks.

Moreover, Morterone is a place rich in history and culture. Here, you can visit the house of the parish priest, Don Piero Arrigoni, where escaped prisoners and wanted Jews were hidden during World War II.

Finally, if you are passionate about speleology, here, you can explore the numerous karst cavities present in the area. Among the most famous are the caves in the Morterone Valley and the Remola Valley.

Conclusions

Morterone is a unique place in the world, perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility. Here, you can relax and enjoy nature, discover the history and art of the area, and have unique and unforgettable experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this fascinating mountain municipality!

Chiara Russo
Wrote by Chiara Russo
Updated Friday, Mar 4, 2022