Geography and Landscape
The Orobie Valtellinesi stretch across the northern slopes of the Bergamo Alps, forming a vast and rugged landscape of high-altitude pastures, glacial valleys, and deep mountain gorges. The region is characterized by dramatic peaks such as Pizzo di Coca (3,050m) and Pizzo dei Tre Signori, offering some of the most spectacular trekking routes in Lombardy. The valleys are dotted with ancient alpine huts and pastures where cheesemaking has been a way of life for centuries.
History and Cultural Heritage
The Orobie Valtellinesi have long been a crossroads of trade and migration, with historic shepherding routes connecting the valleys of Bergamo, Valtellina, and Switzerland. Since medieval times, local communities have specialized in alpine dairy farming, taking advantage of the region’s vast pastures. Many villages, such as Gerola Alta and Tartano, still preserve their centuries-old traditions, from transhumance rituals to the bitto aging caves, where cheese is matured for years to develop its complex flavors.
The Art of Cheese-Making
The Orobie Valtellinesi are best known as the homeland of Bitto cheese, one of Italy’s most prestigious and historic cheeses. Traditionally made in high-altitude pastures, Bitto DOP is crafted using a mix of cow’s and goat’s milk, then aged in stone cellars for up to 10 years. The region also produces other alpine specialties like Scimudin, a soft and delicate cheese, and Formaggi di Alpeggio, made exclusively from summer mountain milk. Visitors can explore local dairies and mountain huts, experiencing firsthand the craftsmanship behind these world-class cheeses.
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