Poggiridenti
Welcome to Poggiridenti: a bit of history and physical geography
Welcome to the small town of Poggiridenti! Here, you can breathe in the air of history and natural beauty. With its 1803 inhabitants, our municipality is the smallest in the entire province of Sondrio, located between the Rhaetian Alps and the right bank of the Adda river. But, don't let its size deceive you, because Poggiridenti hides its own unique beauty and a historical and cultural heritage just waiting to be discovered.
Let's start with an overview of the physical geography of the territory, which is characterized by a very mild climate thanks to the cover of the cold winds from the Alps, the complete southern exposure, and other factors. Even though we are in the mountains, the warmest period goes from July to mid-August, while the coldest corresponds to the month of January. Autumn and early spring are characterized by significant daily temperature fluctuations, and rainfall is scarce, with an average of 579/760 mm per year.
The area is particularly favorable to the cultivation of vines and olives, thanks to the Rhaetian terraces that host the vineyards of the subzone called "Inferno." The landscape charm of these terraces has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But let's go back in time a bit to discover the history of Poggiridenti. The first settlements date back to the Roman era, but it is assumed that the territory was also inhabited in prehistoric times by Ligurian, Etruscan, Tyrrhenian, Vennonian, and Camunian populations. The first certain news dates back to the twelfth century when the area was a court of the municipality of Tresivio. The name "Pendolasco" comes from that period and from the "Da Pendolasco" family, which became noble in the sixteenth century.
Art and culture
Church of Santa Margherita
Among the historical attractions of Poggiridenti, the Church of Santa Margherita stands out, dating back to the sixteenth century. The church is dedicated to Saint Margherita, Christian martyr and patron saint of the town. A legend tells that the saint had predicted the future of a war between the Grisons and the Valtellinesi, which actually took place shortly after her death.
The Church of Santa Margherita features a stone gable facade with a Gothic portal decorated with a cross and two depictions of animals. The interior is a single nave with a barrel vault and four side chapels. Among the most precious works of art, we find a Baroque altar dedicated to Santa Margherita, a canvas depicting the martyr, and a statue of the Virgin Mary.
The Feast of Santa Margherita
Every year, Poggiridenti celebrates the patronal feast of Santa Margherita on July 20, a day when citizens gather in prayer and celebration. The feast includes a procession that accompanies the statue of the saint through the town, followed by a solemn Mass and the blessing of the oil. The most anticipated moment is the garlic and potato gnocchi and garlic sauce festival, a delicious local culinary tradition.
Local cuisine
Local products
The cuisine of Poggiridenti is characterized by the simplicity and genuineness of its products, many of which are based on locally grown vegetables and legumes.
Among the typical products, we find garlic, grown in the Rhaetian terraces and used in numerous traditional recipes such as gnocchi with garlic sauce, garlic ravioli, and garlic risotto.
The cuisine of Poggiridenti is also famous for its cheeses, particularly Bitto DOP (Protected Designation of Origin), a whole milk cow and goat cheese aged for at least 70 days. Bitto DOP is used in the recipe for one of the local specialties, pizzoccheri, a buckwheat pasta seasoned with butter, cheese, potatoes, and cabbage.
Taverns and restaurants
If you want to savor the typical dishes of Poggiridenti, there are taverns and restaurants in the historic center of the town and its surroundings. Among the most renowned taverns, we find Osteria del Ciesla, where you can taste gnocchi with garlic sauce and Bitto DOP, and Trattoria del Ponte, which offers polenta taragna with stew, among other dishes.
Events and festivals
Carnival
The tradition of carnival in Poggiridenti is deeply felt, and every year the town is filled with colors and masks. The event includes the parade of allegorical floats, masks, and groups in costume. The highlight of the festival is the masked dinner, during which people enjoy music, dancing, and games.
The running race
Another much-awaited event by the inhabitants of Poggiridenti is the running race, organized every summer. The race winds through the Rhaetian terraces and the town's streets, representing a real challenge for the participating athletes. But, there is also a moment of conviviality, with the pasta party and the winners' prize-giving.
Conclusion
Poggiridenti is a hidden jewel of Lombardy, a place where history, nature, and gastronomy come together to create a unique and authentic experience. There are no major internationally famous tourist attractions, but what makes Poggiridenti special are its local treasures. Come to discover this little Valtellina gem and let yourself be conquered by the beauty of its landscapes, the goodness of its products, and the genuineness of its inhabitants. We welcome you with open arms!
