Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Sondrio is a charming town filled with culture and history. It is known for its wineries, and it is a center for cotton and silk textiles. Additionally, Sondrio draws a lot of tourists with its luxury Alpine resorts. 

Sondrio is located in the Valtellina Valley and has a population of around 15,000 people. It lies at an elevation of 946 meters above sea level and enjoys mild temperatures throughout the year.

Fun Facts

• Sondrio was founded in Roman times as a military post by Julius Caesar’s lieutenant Fabius Valens.
• Many different forces have ruled the town throughout its history, including Romans, Celts, Goths, Longobards and various local powers.
• It is known for being one of the leading centers for skiing in Italy and boasts some of Europe’s best ski resorts.
• The Church of San Lorenzo in Sondrio is one of the oldest churches in Lombardy and dates back to the 12th century.
• The area produces some of the world’s finest wines using traditional methods which have been passed down through generations.

Key Buildings & Attractions

Here are a few places you won’t want to miss on a trip to Sondrio:

Berbenno Castle

Built by the order of Duke Barnabò Visconti in 1339 AD, Berbenno Castle is a popular attraction near Sondrio and sits atop a hill offering stunning views over the valley below. The castle has three towers – Torre di Barbavara, Torre di Rovenzaand Torre di Villa Baronessa – which form a triangle along its perimeter walls and are connected via walkways across two floors. During World War II, it was used as a shelter for refugees fleeing the war, and following that, it became an agricultural irrigation company until 2000. Today, the castle serves as one of Lombardy’s main tourist attractions and visitors from all around come to admire its medieval architecture and take in the unforgettable views!

La Cappella della Beata Vergine del Rosario

Located within Sondrio itself is La Cappella della Beata Vergine del Rosario (The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary). Built during 1750-1760 on behalf of Bishop Francesco Visconti, this chapel houses beautiful works by painter Giovanni Battista Felice Damiani and sculptures from Carlo Giuseppe Plura and Andrea Bufalini, among others! This stunning piece of architecture can be found within Sondrio’s Via Clerici, where yearly festivals are held in honor of The Virgin Mary.

Santuario della Madonna della Rovere

Another religious site in Sondrio is Santuario della Madonna della Rovere – a sanctuary dedicated to Mary that dates back to 1602 AD with magnificent frescoes painted by Silvio Galimberti between 1718-1720! This sacred site offers mass every weekend and hosts special events throughout the year, such as concerts and theatrical performances which bring together people from all walks of life.