Sondrio - Triasso - Castione Andevenno

The following Wine Bike Tour unfolds initially along the characteristic terraces of the Rhaetian side of Valtellina, with picturesque panoramic views of the Adda River and the valley. In the second part, from Castione Andevenno to Sondrio, the route is basically flat and passes through the Bartesaghi Park, the city's most important green area. 

ITINERARY PROFILE

 Length: 16.5 km  

Travel time (without stops): 2/3 hours  

Terrain: all asphalt except for 1.7 km stretch/deviation to reach the Sanctuary of Sassella (unpaved path/mule track rideable even with normal bikes) and a 500-meter cemented stretch when exiting the village of Triasso  

Elevation gain: 250 m; Note: in some very short sections bikes need to be pushed

Type of route: mainly on low-traffic municipal roads, then cycle path inside Bartesaghi Park

WHAT TO SEE ALONG THE ROUTE 

SANCTUARY OF THE MADONNA OF SASSELLA (reachable via a detour along the climb from Sondrio to Triasso) Perched on a rock spur and dating back to the 15th century, the Sanctuary is one of the symbols of the territory thanks to its panoramic position and is also clearly visible along the state road. The Sanctuary consists of a single nave church with a porch and bell tower added in the late 1600s. On the outer wall, along the ancient path, stands the gigantic figure of Saint Christopher, protector of travelers.

ROCK ENGRAVINGS 

In Castione, in the area of La Ganda, not far from Sondrio, there is a large rock that was engraved about 3,000 years ago. A small portion of the surface with rock art was known for several years, but in the summer of 2019, within the "Roots" project and under the supervision of the Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape Superintendency, an archaeological excavation of the site was carried out, expanding the visible area. What emerged, now visible to all, is truly surprising. The numerous figures depicted on the rock, mostly anthropomorphic, have been recorded and are currently under study by experts. Around the rock, amidst the suggestive terraced vineyards landscape, an archaeological park is under development, which will include a trail to visit the ancient engravings. Inside a renovated rural dwelling as part of the project, videos and panels will provide the necessary information for a conscious reading of the rock and its context.

WINE TASTINGS IN CELLARS 

Along the route and/or in the immediate vicinity there are some wineries where you can discover and taste the characteristic wines of Valtellina (reservations recommended):

Triasso and Sassella Agricultural Cooperative (along the route – Triasso area)

Menegola Winery (at La Tavernetta restaurant) (near the route, Castione Andevenno area)

Boffalora Farm (along the route, Castione Andevenno area);

Terrazzi Alti (along the route – Castione Andevenno area)

Alfio Mozzi Winery (near the route, Castione Andevenno area)

La Spia (winery and agritourism) (near the route, Castione Andevenno area)

Fojanini Foundation, La Castellina Farm (along the route, Sondrio)

Visit the Valtellina Wine and Flavors Road website and book your winery experience

BIKE WINE TOUR AND MORE: OTHER ACTIVITIES

 RAFTING AND CANOEING

In the area from Stazzona to Castione Andevenno, the Adda River is ideal for water sports such as rafting, canoeing, and hydrospeed. Navigating the river's rapids surrounded by Alps, vineyards, castles, dense woods, and ancient rural villages allows you to immerse yourself in and experience Valtellina's nature from a completely different, exciting, and evocative perspective

CLIMBING

In the Sassella area, there is an equipped rock climbing wall with various routes suitable for both beginners and more experienced climbers. There is also a 15-meter-long Tibetan bridge and a "Tyrolean gym". At the base of the wall, there is a training area designed for beginners to become familiar with the sport and safely learn how to use the equipment. The gym, managed by the CAI Sondrio section, is open to all.

WALKS ALONG THE PATH OF MEMORIES

This is a long loop that touches the main archaeological and rock art sites in the municipality of Sondrio and starts at the Valtellina Museum of History and Art. The path runs on the Rhaetian side just above the town of Sondrio, using ancient roads and mule tracks that still connect the hamlets of Maioni, Sant’Anna, up to the Triangia plain and the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Sassella, passing through the picturesque vineyards and intertwining with the terrace road

Bike rental points

CICLISPORT via Stazione 21, Poggiridenti | tel 0342 564231   

VALTELBIKE Albosaggia | tel. 393 8220777

DUE RUOTE piazza Carbonera 2, Sondrio | tel. 0342 515213