Autumn brings with it the image of hearths where the first chestnuts are roasted, of mists that cover the valleys and of woods that are colored in orange, red, yellow and purple. The foliage is the natural spectacle that everyone loves to admire, perhaps walking on nature trails that, for example, are not lacking in Valtellina. In the geographical region of Lombardia there are many places where you can enjoy the foliage in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, perhaps stopping in jewel villages to be known.
Monte Reit in Valfurva – Photo by Lorenzo Molinari/Unsplash
From the Stelvio National Park to Val Tartano
Valtellina is home to the Stelvio National Park on its luxuriant territory, rich in forests of birch, aspen, ash and larch, whose fronds change in appearance during the autumn. The same foliage frames another typical phenomenon of the area, namely the roar of deer, giving life to an absolutely magical bucolic atmosphere: just go to the woods of Val Zebrù and Valle dei Forni, in the shadow of the massif of the Ortles Cevedale.
The reddish foliage of the larches also characterizes the Fraele Valley, where it is possible to take an excursion to the artificial lakes of Cancano, turquoise gems that create a spectacular contrast with the surrounding trees.
Cancano’s lake – Photo by Matteo Dell’Oro/Unsplash
Valtellina is literally surrounded by small side valleys and among these there is the beautiful Val Masino, where the foliage finds its maximum expression at the foot of Monte Disgrazia, whose top can be reached from a plateau crossed by the course of the Duino river. Alternatively there is the marvelous Forest of Bagni di Masino, where there is a path that can also be practiced by children and the blind, in some places bordered by a gurgling waterfall.
Waterfall of Bagni di Masino – Photo by Antonio Sessa/Unsplash
Those who want to admire the autumn foliage from a decidedly different perspective, then all have to do is reach Val Tartano, where the Ponte nel Cielo is located: it rises near Morbegno and is the longest Tibetan bridge in Europe, along which it is possible admire, from a height of 140 m, the underlying woods of the Val Tartano, as if it were a palette of warm colors. If you want, you can also take the Sentiero dei Ponti, which allows lovers of great heights to cross four other bridges immersed in one of the most fascinating natural contexts of Valtellina.
Ponte nel Cielo – Photo by Fabrizio Coco/Unsplash
Experience the foliage between excellent wine and postcard villages
The Via dei Terrazzamenti, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is 70 km long and is the perfect autumn excursion for those who love both the foliage and the excellent wine produced in Valtellina. You cross vineyards arranged on the sides of the mountains, separated from each other by ancient dry stone walls: between a tasting in one of the wine cellars that you meet along the way and a stop to admire the foliage of the vineyards, you cannot help but appreciate the effort that man has done over the centuries to cultivate vines in this alpine corner of Lombardia.
Via dei Terrazzamenti – Photo by valtellina.it
The Via dei Terrazzamenti runs along one of the prettiest villages in Valtellina, that is Teglio: here stands the Pineta del Teglio, beautiful to visit in autumn along a path that reaches the medieval Torre de li beli miri which rises on top of a hill. One of the symbols of Teglio is undoubtedly the Palazzo Besta: it is a Renaissance jewel of 1433 that shows visitors splendid frescoed classrooms with a mythological and religious theme, including the Hall of Honor, the Hall of Creation and the cloister itself. Piazza Sant’Eufemia overlooks the homonymous Cathedral, in front of which one cannot fail to appreciate the painted facade of the Confraternita dei Bianchi, a lay association dedicated to charity.
Teglio – Photo by Previsdomini
The excursions to discover the foliage in Valtellina are the perfect opportunity to visit, for example, Grosio, located right in the heart of the Rock Engravings Park: it is impossible not to be fascinated by the Bronze Age graffiti that decorate the Rupe Magma which, like the back of a whale, emerges among trees with red, yellow and orange leaves. The same naturalistic context surrounds the vestiges of the two medieval castles of San Faustino, dating back to the 10th century complete with a picturesque bell tower and the ‘300 Visconti Castle.
The Castle of Grosio
Finally, one cannot fail to mention the excursion that from Mazzo di Valtellina leads to the legendary Passo del Mortirolo, among woods, pastures and huts located at almost 1800 meters above sea level. In this village, the remains of the Pedenale Tower and the ancient Baptistery that make up the complex structure of the Church of Santa Maria are worth a visit.
Passo del Mortirolo – Photo by Previsdomini
Main picture: Pedra Rossa, Val Masino – Foto di Alessio Soggetti/Unsplash
