The Romantik Grand Hotel della Posta is not only a relaxing oasis right in the centre of Sondrio. It is also a good starting point to discover the surrounding Valtellina valley, and to make day trips to Bormio or Lake Como.
In Montagna, only 10 minutes by car away, you find Castel Grumello built in 1326 by Corrado de Piro. The once proud castle was partially destroyed by the Grisons when they invaded the region. Today it is overlooking the wine-growing district of the same name. Grumello is one of the top quality wines of the Valtellina region, which you should not miss.
About 15 kilometres from Sondrio the village Teglio with its famous Palazzo Besta awaits its guests. The Renaissance building was commissioned by Azzo I and Azzo II Besta at around 1433. It is famous for its frescoed walls, which show mythological themes from the Aeneid, the Orlando Furioso (an Italian romantic epic) and the Bible. The Palazzo Besta also houses the prehistoric museum “Aniquarium Tellinum”.
Tirano near the Swiss-Italian border is about 30 kilometres away from Sondrio. Here you can visit Palazzo Salis with its beautiful Italian garden. This type of landscape garden is very rare in the alpine region. The Italian garden of Palazzo Salis is one of only two in the Valtellina, and it is by far the largest and most famous. Located nearby is the Catholic shrine of the Madonna di Tirano, a major tourist attraction. And just outside of Tirano you can find the Piangembro Natural Reserve which is characterized by a highmoor with rare and endemic species.
Also near the Swiss-Italian border and about 35 kilometres away from Sondrio lies Grosio. Rock carvings dating back to 2200-1000 b.c. are prove that the place was inhabited since the late Bronze Age. During the Middle Ages the town was a stronghold of Venosta: On the hillside of Grosio still lie the ruins of the S. Faustino and Visconti Venosta castles, the latter being mostly reconstructed. Grosio is also the ideal starting point to discover the Grosina valley, one of the lesser-known valleys of the Alps.
Visiting Palazzo Vertemate in Chiavenna (40 kilometres from Sondrio) means going back to the 16th century. The complex has maintained its original structure over time and the beautiful estate faithfully reflects the image of the past. Since 1988, the complex has become a museum owned by the town of Chiavenna. It took not only care for its preservation and the restoration of wooden sculptures and paintings inside, but has also given special attention to the agricultural component by giving new life to the vineyard, the gardens, and the orchard.
About 65 kilometres northeast of Sondrio lies Bormio, located on the old main trading route from Venice to Switzerland. Due to its thermal baths the city has been a tourist attraction since Roman times. Today modern skiing facilities, the unique medieval town centre and Roman style SPAs make Bormio an attractive destination. You cannot leave Bormio without visiting the Stelvio National Park just outside the city. But if you are not fond of hiking, we have a tip for you: Bormio’s botanical garden “Rezia” was created in 1980 with the primary mission to collect and preserve all plant species in the Stelvio National Park, but also to preserve species from other mountain regions including the Andes, the Himalayas, and the Pyrenees.
Tremezzo, about 70 kilometres southwest of Sondrio, is located on the western shore of Lake Como. The city is best known for its villas, of which the most famous is the Villa Carlotta with its much-admired gardens. It was built for the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici in 1690 and extends over a 70,000 m², facing the Bellagio peninsula. An Italian garden, with steps, fountains and sculptures was laid out at the same time. In 1843, it was given as a wedding present by Princess Marianna of Prussia to her daughter Charlotte, Duchess of Saxe-Meiningen, after whom the villa is named today.
And coming back from your discovery tours of the region you will enjoy the hospitality of the Romantik Grand Hotel della Posta, a nice refined meal at the restaurant and a good night’s sleep.
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