Those who choose Teglio, the historical capital of Valtellina, as a holiday destination, will first of all be surprised by the spectacular scenery in which they will find themselves.
One of the most beautiful views of the Valtellina can be seen from the top of the hill on which the century-old Torre de li Beli Miri stands. The tower dominates the valley from its altitude of 900 meters and gets its name from the beautiful view of the valley that it offers.
Hidden behind this hill lies the town of Teglio, located in a large, sunny terrain. This strategic and pleasant location been an advantage for the village both in the past and in the present.
Currently Teglio is a excellent vacation spot year round thanks to its mild and dry climate, its green surroundings and the natural beauty that enrich its charm. Its natural attractions include its pine forest and Prato Valentino, a winter ski resort and also a place for pleasant strolls in the summer as well as Monte Combolo from which you can see the top of Monte Rosa.
Teglio, the Historical Capital of Valtellina
In former times Teglio was the historical capital of Valtellina, the valley of Teglio. The town's history has deep roots and a dive into its past means going back to prehistoric times, as is evidenced by the discovery of the mysterious Stele Caven, housed in the Palazzo Besta.
Even the Romans chose Teglio as a strategic location and built a watchtower, while the Byzantines made the Castrum Telii a key point in the defense of the valley that at this time was called Valtelllina.
Many artworks remain in Teglio that are evidence of its medieval period, such as prisons, the home of the executioner, and churches, such as St. Stefano (small photo at the left) of early medieval origin, that was once part of the castle, or St. Pietro (large photo at the left), one of the rare examples of the Lombard Romanesque.
During the XVI century several palaces were built, such as the wonderful Palazzo Besta (pictured below).
The XVI century also was the century of the harsh rule of the Grisons (Swiss) in the valley. They introduced the Protestant Reformation.
In those years there was a heavy atmosphere of mistrust and conspiracy that culminated in the so called "Sacred Slaughter". This massacre occurred on the evening of July 18th in 1620 when people from the town shot at the protestants who were officiating their ceremony in the Church of St. Ursula and burned the steeple where women and children had taken shelter.
Twenty years of robberies and violence followed due to the struggles between various rival powers (France, Spain and Grisons) for the possession of the Alpine passes. Peace returned in 1639 when the Grisons took possession of the valley again. Between late 1700s and early 1800s the Grisons lost the domain of Valtellina, which was then annexed to the Lombard-Venetian region and has followed the fate of Lombardy since that time.
Come and discover the history of Valtellina and its magnificent palaces and castles around the historical capital of Valtellina!
