History
A fascinating mix of thermal baths, skiing, cycling, art and World War One battles in Alta Valtellina
The Bormio area was already settled in Ancient Roman times, famous even then for its thermal waters, though human activity here dates back to prehistory.
In the Middle Ages, roads in the area, like those leading to the Fraele towers at Cancano and the Gavia Pass, were key trade routes linking southern and northern Europe. And in more recent history, the Stelvio Pass and ski slopes of Bormio and Santa Caterina have been the setting for many iconic moments in cycling and skiing.
A popular hunting ground since the prehistoric era, Bormio rose to prominence in the Roman period.
Bormio was already well known in Ancient Roman times; Pliny the Elder mentioned the thermal waters here in his work Naturalis historia (1st century AD). Subsequently, the Goth Cassiodorus wrote about the properties of the ‘acquae Burmiae’ in a letter to Theodoric the Great (4th century AD), in reference to the historic baths in Valdidentro.
Did you know that Bormio played an important role in the Middle Ages? The village was a key cultural and commercial crossroads linking northern and southern Europe.
Though it was subject to periods of external rule throughout the Middle Ages, Bormio always maintained a degree of independence and autonomy thanks to its strategic location, which guaranteed both commercial and artistic prosperity – evidence of which is still all around, as you’ll see during your stay.
The 1300s and 1400s were a cultural and artistic golden age for Bormio. You can still admire churches and buildings from this time, as well as the many works of art they house.
In the Middle Ages, the Bagni Vecchi in Valdidentro were made up of the Medieval baths for women, and Roman baths for men. A xenodochium (a type of hostel) run by monks was built to accommodate travellers and it seems that Leonardo Da Vinci himself stayed there in 1493, subsequently mentioning the Bormio baths in his Codex Atlanticus.
Did you know that for almost 300 years, Bormio was under the rule of the Grisons? The Swiss canton replaced the French in 1512, their troops occupying the area, though granting legal and commercial privileges. Grison rule ended in 1797 and Bormio (along with the rest of Valtellina), joined the Cisalpine Republic.
The first inquisitors had already reached Bormio by the end of the 15th century. Witch hunts reached their height in the 17th century, while the last trial took place in 1796. The phenomenon was linked to a fear of the plague (and illness in general), sudden death, failed harvests and fires. Just think that 35 people were condemned to death in the two years between 1674 and 1676 alone. The total number over the centuries was much higher.
If you were to jump in a time machine and travel back to Bormio in the 1800s, you would witness the construction of the Stelvio road and the expansion of the thermal baths in Valdidentro.
With the construction of the road to the Stelvio Pass, the Bormio area enjoyed many new opportunities for growth and development. Built for military purposes, today this road is a crossroads between three cultures, a cycling mecca, and has a special place in the heart of many a traveller.
Do you know the story of the queen of Alpine roads? Commissioned by the Habsburgs and designed by Carlo Donegani, it was built in record time and inaugurated in 1825. The highest point is the Stelvio Pass at 2,758 m above sea level and it connects three regions: Valtellina and South Tyrol in Italy, and Engadin in Switzerland.
Discover the Bicentenary of the Stelvio Pass Road
In the 19th century, Bormio's thermal baths enjoyed a period of growth and expansion, thanks in part to the opening of the Stelvio road and an increase in international tourism. At the Bagni Vecchi, new pools with waterfalls were added, as well as the Imperial Baths and the San Martino Cave, while the Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi opened its doors in 1836.
A century of turmoil and change for Alta Valtellina.
Following the tragic events of the White War, the Bormio area saw a period of great change and economic growth supported by the opening of Bormio Terme in the town centre, the inclusion of local mountain passes in the Giro d'Italia, the creation of the Stelvio slope in the Bormio ski area and the launch of summer skiing on the Stelvio Glacier.
Many World War One battles took place in what was to become the Stelvio National Park, particularly the Ortler mountains. Still today you can find the remains of trenches, military bases and defences on the trails of the Great War.
After the Bagni Vecchi and Bagni Nuovi in Valdidentro, the 1920s saw the opening of what is now called Bormio Terme in the centre of the town. The renovated building is still open today, where you can relax and unwind or enjoy some family fun.
In 1953, Fausto Coppi won the Giro d'Italia in the very same year that the Stelvio Pass featured in the legendary cycling race for the first time. Since then, the highest point in the race that year is known as the 'Cima Coppi', and the Stelvio has held the honour many times over the decades.
Skiing has been going strong in Bormio for over 80 years. The first ski lifts opened in the 1940s, and in 1982 this little Alpine village entered the spotlight with the inauguration of the Stelvio piste and the first of many international races to be held here.
Summer skiing began on the Stelvio Glacier in the 1950s and 60s. Three generations and counting have since been able to enjoy its sunny slopes. Still today, World Cup athletes, ski clubs and die-hard skiers train here in preparation for the winter season.
Get the most out of your stay, don't miss the many events and activities organised throughout the year in Bormio, Valfurva, Valdidentro, Valdisotto and Sondalo.
Check out our blog for ideas on what to do in and around Bormio; as well as tips, fun facts and stories of locals who have left their mark on the area.
Bormio, Valfurva, Valdidentro, Valdisotto and Sondalo are all districts in Alta Valtellina. Together with the Stelvio Pass and the village of Santa Caterina Valfurva, they offer an incredible array of attractions and activities that will make your holiday unforgettable. Highlights include Bormio's old town, the Cancano lakes, Paluaccio Nature Reserve and Val di Rezzalo.
Unwind at Bormio's thermal spas.
Trying to organise your holiday in Bormio? We've put all the information you need in one place: from which mountain passes are open (so you can plan your journey), to our guide to what's on during your stay, information on which lifts are open, and the opening times for QC Terme Bormio and Bormio Terme. You can also find a list of local restaurants and equipment rental shops.
Our friendly staff are always on hand at our info points to offer help and advice – contact us.
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