Traona: Between the Adda, Wine Tradition and Costiera dei Cech

Traona combines the sunny landscape of the Costiera dei Cech with wine tradition, religious art and paths along the Adda. The Costiera dei Cech, which faces fully south, has a particularly pronounced Mediterranean microclimate. The area of Traona partly encompasses the alluvial fan of the Vallone stream on the right orographic bank of the Adda and partly lies on the sunny Costiera dei Cech at the foot of the Rhaetian Alps. The surrounding area therefore brings together river landscape, hillside location and a distinctly Mediterranean character.

Traona between viticulture and regional history

The climate in Traona favours the cultivation of grapevines and olives as well as flower growing. This connection between landscape and agriculture is also reflected in local traditions. Traona in Cantina is an annual event during which characteristic wine cellars are opened and tastings take place. In the historic pressing of grapes at the Antico Torchio di Corlazzo, communal work and socialising were closely connected.

The Antico Torchio di Corlazzo contains a historic wine press built in the 17th century. The large machine was used to press grape pomace and produce wine. Another culinary tradition is associated with the Forno Sforzini: it is still opened to the public and put into operation at some events so that visitors can sample freshly baked bread and focaccia.

Churches, museum and noteworthy buildings

The Chiesa di S. Alessandro was solemnly consecrated on 30 April 1690. The Oratorio di S. Ignazio di Loyola is a Baroque artistic gem with a design that appears neoclassical in its simplicity. Both sacred buildings represent different art-historical accents and make religious architecture an important part of the exploration.

The Museo San Luigi Guanella also offers insight into a specific history of a person and place. Don Luigi Guanella spent three important years of his life, from 1878 to 1881, in the building that now houses the Museo San Luigi Guanella. The apartment associated with the Museo San Luigi Guanella was converted into a museum in 1977. The museum rooms were restored in 2012; the new museum was inaugurated in September 2013.

Another destination is the Chiesa di S. Maria in Bioggio. It is located at an altitude of 771 metres amid chestnut woods; the smaller chapel was last rebuilt in 1757. The Arco della Dogana, for its part, recalls the economic function of the place: it served as a customs post for trade by water and on the roads, as well as for collecting duties.

Paths along the Adda and on the Costiera dei Cech

For walks and cycling tours, the Sentiero Valtellina opens up a broader regional context. The 114-kilometre cycle and footpath runs from Colico to Bormio along the Adda River. The Sentiero Valtellina is located about 1.3 kilometres from Traona; access points are at the bridge over the Adda or at Valletta on the Isola della Pescaia.

The Isola della Pescaia can be explored via a 350-metre-long path that connects directly to the Sentiero Valtellina via the two bridges. Two covered bridges, each 35 metres long, connect the Isola della Pescaia with the two banks near Traona and Cosio Valtellino. The Isola della Pescaia was made accessible in 2016 and enhanced for educational and nature-study purposes.

Another hiking option is La Via dei Terrazzamenti, which runs as a trekking route along the particularly sunny side of Valtellina belonging to the Rhaetian Alps. Together with the Sentiero Valtellina, it offers different ways to view the landscape on foot or by bicycle. The SS 402 Valeriana runs through Traona and skirts the Rhaetian slope of Valtellina. For orientation when travelling there, it is also relevant that Traona is about 1 kilometre from the state railway line and the SS 38 dello Stelvio.

Traona as a base for planning your trip

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation in Traona, you can organise your trip around cultural history, wine tradition and paths along the Adda. The distances to the Sentiero Valtellina and the access points help you define the focus of your days more precisely without losing sight of the cultural destinations.

For further trip planning, you can also discover Tovo Di Sant’agata, Cedrasco, Poggiridenti, Chiuro, Valdisotto, Montespluga, Forcola and Sernio.

For the overarching travel overview: Sondrio.