Water moves the water wheels and moulds the iron. This is how it has always been in Bienno in Val Camonica, a village that stopped in the Middle Ages.

This itinerary starts from ValSeriana and ends in the most important centre of the Val Brembana, San Pellegrino. The passage through the town of Lenna takes you through the historic bridge on the Brembo, in stone, with the typical humpback shape. Then reach Camerata Cornello and visit the historic village of Cornello, which gave birth to the famous family of Tasso, the inventors of the modern postal system to which there is a museum is dedicated. Also in Cornello, there is the church of Saints Cornelio and Cipriano: located at the highest point of the village, it has a curious leaning bell tower. Take the bike back to San Giovanni Bianco, where Arlecchino's birthplace is located, then take the Val Brembana cycle path and cycle through the spectacular tunnel that leads you to the San Pellegrino mineral Spas. Here you have arrived in the small town of Liberty, where the Casino, the Grand Hotel and the spa are perfect examples of this style of the early 1900s. Take part in a very special visit is to the Grotte del Sogno, a karst complex that takes you down underground, to admire the natural spectacles created by water and limestone. To end the day well, allow yourself a visit to the Terme di San Pellegrino: you will leave feel regenerated.

In the mountains of the Upper Val Brembana, San Simone stands in a large valley, surrounded by the peaks of Mount Cavalle, the Cime di Lemma, the Cima dei Siltri, and Pizzo Rotondo.   Here the snow remains for long periods, protected by the wind and the shadow of the peaks, transforming the landscape in a white embrace that is perfect for exploring on snowshoes. In this setting, nature is the star, and every step is a different way to experience the magic of winter. The snow-covered slopes are safe, quiet spaces that are just perfect for snowshoeing and for people who want to explore the mountains at their own pace. Wide mule tracks and beaten paths take you up to extraordinary panoramic views, like the San Simone Pass or the Lemma Pass, which offer glimpses over the Val Terzera and the surrounding peaks. From the car park at the San Simone ski lifts, put on your snowshoes and follow the mule tracks into the valley. The tracks will take you to the Baita del Camoscio, where there are different possible itineraries to follow, from the shorter to the more difficult routes. Wherever you look, the scenery is stunning: the snow-topped mountains are reflected on the white slopes, while the evergreen woods and meadows create a smooth contrast of colours and lights. Snowshoe trails are suitable for everyone as well as being a simple way to experience nature in the winter. Accompanied by an alpine guide, you can walk safely from pine woods, to gentle ridges and panoramic points that offer different views over the Orobic Alps. And if you want to, then you can always end the day by tasting typical cuisine from the Val Brembana, adding the warmth of local tradition to your experience on the snow. 

If you are looking to cool down a little in the summer heat, here are a few suggestions.

The Path of the Oratories is a very scenic hiking route, approximately 14 kilometers long, that connects the Church of St. Paul the Apostle with several of its dependent Oratories in the municipality of Val di Nizza, in Oltrepò Pavese.   From the beautiful church, whose origins date back to the 9th century, you quickly descend along a stretch of the old path known as the "Brgnü," until you reach the banks of the Nizza stream, arriving at the Molino dei Gobbi and then to the Oratory of San Lorenzo, built in the 16th century. The route leads to the Serzego farm, now a renowned agriturismo, and from here you climb to reach the peaks on the right side of the Nizza stream. The peaks can also be reached by taking the Pratolungo variant. Walking along the high path, the visitor is rewarded with beautiful panoramic views, including the view from Mount dell'Orso over Val di Nizza and the Ardivestra Valley. Following the signs, you descend to the valley, passing through the small village of Rivarolo, and then reach the Oratory of Madonna di Casa Schiavo. This Oratory contains Baroque works that date its origins to the 17th century. Leaving the Oratory, you take the "Partisan Path," with a detour leading to the memorial marking the sacrifice of Silvano Salvatici. In the village of Monticelli, the beautiful fountain offers refreshment before arriving at the Oratory of San Rocco, built in 1632 by the Malaspina Marchesi of Casarasco at the request of Cardinal Antonio Barberini, Abbot Commendatory of the Butrio Abbey, in gratitude after the plague epidemic that ravaged the valley in 1630. A small detour leads to Casarasco, the ancient "Castrum Casalaxio" of the early Malaspina family of Lunigiana, which still retains important historical references. Retracing your steps, you ascend to the village of Monte, a settlement dating back to around the year 1000 as a "domus culta" dependent on the Abbey of San Alberto di Butrio. After walking about 2 kilometers through shady oak and chestnut forests, you arrive at Poggio Ferrato, a village in Val di Nizza that is not without charm. From the small square, you descend a few meters on the paved road, and in front of the Association's headquarters, you continue on the path leading to the Oratory of San Giulio, the next stop on the journey. The Oratory, also known as the Oratory of St. Michael, was built as a Cenobium by the monks of Butrio around the 11th century. Later transformed into a small church, it represents one of the oldest places of worship in Val di Nizza. After leaving behind the locality of Costa and walking a few hundred meters, near the iron cross, an expansive view opens up across the entire Val di Nizza. After passing the ruins of the Casella farmhouse, now overtaken by vegetation, and the few houses of Solaro, you quickly descend to the Church of St. Paul, where the excursion ends. This path reveals the history, environment, and ancient worship of this land, offering a pleasant sense of nostalgia that will accompany you throughout the journey. Equipment: hiking boots, rain jacket, trekking poles, camera, binoculars, water. Recommended period: all year round, except for hunting days. It is recommended not to light fires, not to pick flowers, not to leave waste, and to respect animals. INFORMATION: Cultural Association Friends of Poggio Ferrato poggioferratoass@gmail.com www.amicidipoggioferrato.com Tel. +39 347.7250825 PHOTO: WALKING IN OLTREPÒ  

The Sentiero delle Fontane hiking trail is in the upper Val di Nizza. It is a 7 km route through the hills of the Oltrepò Pavese to show you the richness of the area, which is crossed by natural springs.   This valley, which is one of Lombardy’s most important wine-growing areas, is set in countryside that extends from the hills of the Ligurian Apennines to the Prealps. Spring turns the orange hues of autumn into lush expanses of green, splashed with flowers, and these panoramic views are dotted with picturesque villages to explore.  One of these is Poggio Ferrato, a mediaeval village 600 metres above sea level, and well known for its Autumn Festival, dedicated to local flavours and which attracts large numbers of visitors in October. This peaceful hill village is surrounded by vineyards, as well as being the starting point for the Sentiero delle Fontane trail. This begins at the Votive Chapel in Via delle Vigne, and continues, following the signs, past six active springs, through oak and beech woods, and past the old stone houses of Carasco, an early castle belonging to noble Lombard family, the Malaspina. Val di Nizza has plenty of hiking routes to enjoy on a sunny day, also setting out from the municipalities near Poggio Ferrato, such as Fortunago, but it is also dotted by characteristic mediaeval villages to visit in case of bad weather. They include Zavattarello, with Castello Dal Verme, an old stronghold that stands at the top of the village, and Varzi, with its little cobbled streets and panoramic views, which add to the nature experience with a dive into the history of Pavia.     

Valmalenco is a synonym to ski touring. Every spot of the valley is suitable for nice ascents.

Every evening at 7pm bell tower’s tolls to honour the fallen of First World War.

The imposing green monument at the gates of the town of Breno has been a symbol of freedom for two centuries.

Sassa d'Entova

It is from Lombardy that some of the most famous Italian cheeses come from all over the world