Valtellina, Alpine valley in Lombardy, Italy
Valtellina is an Alpine valley in Lombardy that runs from the Ortles mountains to Lake Como, flanked by the Bernina Alps to the north and the Orobie Alps to the south. The valley floor follows the Adda river and connects many villages and small towns scattered along the slopes and beside the water.
The Romans took control of the area in 16 BC and established early settlement structures. Christianity arrived in the region during the fifth century, followed by Lombard rule after 720.
Children go house to house during gabinat collecting sweets, while adults gather for l'è foeu el sginer to celebrate the end of winter. Both traditions are part of the annual rhythm and remain active among families living in the valley.
Train connections run along the valley floor linking the towns, making it easy to hike or cycle one way and return by rail. Ski centers and trailheads for mountain walks are spread across the entire length of the region.
In 1902 the first mainline electrified railway in the world began operating here, linking the mountain villages. This technical advance made it possible to run trains on steep gradients without steam locomotives and opened new connections across the region.
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