Sormano
Welcome to Sormano
Hi everyone! Today I will tell you about the beautiful municipality of Sormano, located in the province of Como in Lombardy. Sormano is a small town with only 642 inhabitants, located within the so-called Lariano Triangle. Are you ready to discover more about this wonderful location?
Origins of the name
The toponym of Sormano may derive from the Longobard family of the Sormanni.
History
The territory of Sormano was already inhabited by the Romans, as evidenced by some findings near the Buco della Niccolina. The first time the name of the town appears in a document is August 28, 1179, in the midst of feudalism. Sormano, like many other territories in Vallassina, depended on the Archbishop of Milan and a certain Ottone di Sormano, an imperial vassal, had been declared an enemy by the City of Milan during the siege of 1161. Later, a castle was built to protect the town. With the peace of Costanza, the municipality of Sormano was reorganized with other municipalities into a single entity, then divided into districts (Monte di Sera, composed of Sormano, Rezzago, and Caglio). Vallassina remained under the control of the Archbishop of Milan until 1409 when it was annexed to the Duchy of Milan and granted in fief to Facino Cane. Later, Vallassina was entrusted to a general of the Duke of Milan, Luigi Dal Varme. The valley actively participated in the struggle against Federico Sforza during the three years between the end of the Visconti domination and the establishment of the Sforza dynasty. Over the years, the Dal Verme lordship over Vallassina was devastated, but in 1480, Count Pietro Dal Verme married Chiara Sforza, natural daughter of Galeazzo Maria, and obtained the fief of Vallassina.
Attractions
The castle of Sormano is definitely a must-see for lovers of medieval history. Built in the twelfth century, the castle was destroyed and rebuilt several times following various battles between noble families. Today we can admire the ruins of the main tower and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley from the highest point in the town. For nature lovers, Sormano offers the wonderful Path of Expressions, a trekking route through the mountains that consists of 10 natural sculptures created by internationally renowned artists. The views along the route are spectacular and the trekking is suitable for everyone, from families to experienced hikers. Don't forget to visit the San Bartolomeo parish church, a twelfth-century Romanesque building with numerous works of art inside.
Food and drinks
For lovers of traditional cuisine, Sormano offers a great variety of typical Lombard dishes, from polenta with porcini mushrooms to sausage and beans. Don't miss the chance to taste the famous scima, a rye bread typical of Brianza. Among the desserts, you can try the apple cake or the delicious homemade biscuits from local bakeries. For an aperitif or an evening drink, the "Surmàn" bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and drinks served in a cozy and family-friendly atmosphere.
Special events
Sormano hosts various special events throughout the year that attract visitors from all over Italy. The most famous is certainly the "Panoramica Zegna", a cycling race held annually on the climb leading to Rifugio Azzoni. The race goes through spectacular mountain landscapes and attracts the most passionate cyclists from all over Italy. In addition, in summer, Sormano organizes the "Gnocchi Festival", a festival dedicated to potato gnocchi prepared according to ancient recipes and accompanied by delicious local sauces and cheeses. During winter, don't miss the traditional "Living Nativity Scene", a representation of Christmas with local actors and real animals. Sormano also offers a variety of cultural events, such as concerts and art exhibitions, throughout the year.
Conclusions
Here we are at the end of our tour of Sormano! This location in northern Italy offers a unique combination of history, nature, gastronomy, and culture. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a journey through time, Sormano is the ideal place for you. I promise you won't be disappointed!
