Valsolda
Exploring Valsolda
Hello! Today we are going to talk about Valsolda, a beautiful municipality in the province of Como, in Lombardy. The municipality is located on the northern branch of Lake Lugano, between Lugano and Porlezza. Valsolda is a scattered municipality with a population of 1466 inhabitants.
Physical Geography
The territory of Valsolda is characterized by two open green valleys that converge in the Soldo stream. The area is surrounded by a mountain range arranged in a semi-circle. From the west, towards Lugano, there are Monte Boglia, Colmaregia, and the peaks of Noresso and Fiorina. To the east, there are Arabione or Torrione, Bronzone, Forcola, and Pizzoni Monti.
In addition to the most well-known peaks, such as Monte Boglia and Torrione, there are also Oress and Cavrighé peaks, as well as the dolomite towers of the Denti della Vecchia.
Origin of the Name
The toponym of Valsolda derives from the name of the Soldo stream.
History
The history of Valsolda dates back to the beginning of the 12th century, when there are some mentions in ancient documents. Valsolda was a fiefdom of the Archdiocese of Milan since the High Middle Ages when the Valsoldese territory formed a strategic territory for the control of the territory.
In the 13th century, Valsolda came under the control of the city of Como, thanks to the donation of the fiefdom by Frederick II of Swabia. However, the administrative competence of the Comaschi on the Valsoldese territory lasted only a few years because in 1246 Valsolda had its own statutes.
Subsequently, Valsolda was granted to the archbishop's table of Milan by the Hohenstaufen, and this allowed the Milanese church to have real temporal power. After a short period in which the fiefdom of the valley was given to Gian Giacomo Medici and Giambattista Pusterla, the Archdiocese of Milan regained control over Valsolda and demanded both religious and political sovereignty.
Conclusion
Valsolda is a municipality with a long and fascinating history. The area is characterized by breathtaking landscapes and a series of mountains that make it impossible to resist the temptation to go hiking. It is worth visiting Valsolda to discover its natural beauty and its millennial history.
