When you pass Sondalo, you've officially arrived in Alta Valtellina. Famed for its air quality, history, art and places of natural beauty, there are plenty of reasons to stop off here or make the short trip from Bormio.
The beautiful old town
Sondalo's old town dates back centuries and is well worth a visit.
As you walk through the narrow streets you'll find plenty of relics of the town's Medieval past, like the bui redond, the historic octagonal fountain at the heart of village life, and the Church of St. Marta, adorned with beautiful frescoes and a Romanesque bell tower.
Just outside the centre you can find the Church of St. Agnes, perched on a hillside where there was once a castle.
Pineta di Sortenna
Italy's first sanatorium, the Pineta, opened in 1903 in the pine forest above Sondalo. This beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture, a stark contrast to the austere hospitals of the time, also featured many balconies and terraces where patients could sit in the fresh air and sunlight.
Now a spiritual centre run by the Sisters of Mercy of Verona, it’s an interesting detour during opening hours.
The sanatorium complex
Spread over nine pavilions, Sondalo's sanatorium was once the largest in Europe, treating tuberculosis patients with a combination of fresh mountain air and sunlight.
During the Second World War, the complex secretly housed works of art from national museums and private collections.
If you're interested in learning more about the history of what is now the Morelli Hospital, visit the Sanatorium Museum.
Val di Rezzalo
Entering this untouched corner of the Stelvio National Park dotted with traditional baite, mountain cabins built from wood and stone, feels like stepping back in time.
Following the Rezzalesco stream uphill, this is a popular spot for ski touring in the winter or hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Along the Fumero-Passo dell'Alpe trail you’ll also find remnants of the First World War front, including tunnels, trenches and small forts.
The oldest wooden crucifix in Valtellina
At the Church of St. Francis in Sondalo, you can find the oldest wooden sculpture in the Province of Sondrio. The Al Romit crucifix is a beautiful example of Romanesque art, named for a hermit who once lived in the church.
