Sondrio
Sondrio is an Italian city and comune, and the administrative centre of the Province of Sondrio, located in the heart of the Valtellina. As of 2015 it counted approximately 21,876 inhabitants. In 2007 Sondrio was named Alpine Town of the Year.
At a glance
- Type
- City and comune, provincial capital
- Period
- Historic Alpine city
- Style
- Valtellina valley town
- Location
- Province of Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy
Overview
Sondrio is an Italian city and comune serving as the administrative centre for the Province of Sondrio. It lies in the heart of the Valtellina, the major valley of north-eastern Lombardy. As of 2015 the city had approximately 21,876 inhabitants.
History
Sondrio grew as the principal settlement of the Valtellina, the Alpine valley it administers. Its role as the seat of the province reflects its long-standing position at the centre of the valley’s life. In 2007 the city was recognised as Alpine Town of the Year.
What you see
Sondrio is set in the Valtellina, a broad Alpine valley framed by mountains in north-eastern Lombardy. The city occupies the valley floor at the heart of a renowned wine-growing and mountain district. Its Alpine setting defines the character of the town and its surroundings.
Cultural significance
As the capital of its province and the principal town of the Valtellina, Sondrio is a focal point of Alpine Lombardy. Its designation as Alpine Town of the Year in 2007 underscored its standing among mountain communities of the region.
Practical information
Check official website for current visiting information. Sondrio is located in the Valtellina in the Province of Sondrio, Lombardy.
Getting there
Sondrio is reached by rail and road through the Valtellina, connecting to Milan and Lake Como to the south-west. The valley routes link the city to the wider Lombard transport network and to the Alpine passes to the north.