Valbondione, Italian comune
Valbondione is a small commune in the province of Bergamo made up of scattered villages led by the main town of Bondione. The territory sits above 900 meters in elevation and is defined by steep mountains and green meadows, with most buildings constructed in simple Alpine style and traditionally used for livestock farming or now serving visitors.
Valbondione has very old roots with its exact founding date lost to time, with settlements reaching back centuries. In 1931 the Barbellino dam was built, which altered the natural flow of the Serio river, yet multiple times per year water is released creating the spectacular falls that early 15th-century craftsmen in nearby villages like Gromo are said to have drawn inspiration from.
The name comes from the valley and its main settlement, Bondione. Traditional mountain architecture with simple stone houses and narrow streets shapes the village character and reflects the historical connection of residents to Alpine farming and pastoral life.
The area is easy to explore on foot and walking trails are well marked with many routes of varying difficulty depending on your destination such as the two-and-a-half-hour hike to the waterfalls or the half-hour walk to Maslana village. The climate is cool even in summer with cold evenings, so layered clothing is recommended, and sturdy footwear is wise to bring along.
A metal sword known as the Excalibur of the Orobie is stuck into rock near the Barbellino dam, placed there in 2016 by local artist Matteo Rodari. The sword bears initials and a date evoking the medieval craftsmanship tradition of the area, linked to a local legend about a noblewoman and a shepherd.
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