Valtellina, XIV century. We are in 1335: the troops of Azzone Visconti conquer the Valley, dividing its territory in Contadi and Terzieri: the Contadi of Chiavenna and Bormio, the Terziere Superiore, the Terziere Mezzo and the Terziere Inferiore. Such a division is geographical and administrative at the same time: the territory called Terziere Superiore includes the community of Sondalo (now part of the Alta Valtellina), Grosio, Grosotto, Mazzo di Valtellina, Vervio, Tovo S. Agata, Lovero, Sernio, Tirano, Villa di Tirano and Bianzone.

The administration pertains to the Council of Terziere, made up of a representative – generally the Dean – of each community and of two representatives for Tirano. The Chancellor of Terziere carries out the administrative role. He is elected by the Council and is usually a Notary or an Expert in Juridical Science. During the successive dominations – of the Sforzas, from Grigioni, from France – the Council decides with regards to all the arguments of public life of the community: relations with the Rulers, expenses for the bureaucratic apparatus, payments of the officials and all the obligations which burden local populations.

The identity of the Terziere has been kept alive in the territory of the Media Valtellina through the perpetuation of the local traditions. These have been kept alive thanks to the sensibility of many Valtellinese people who have contributed for the recovery of all that historic-cultural patrimony impregnated with farming spirit, sincere religiosity, attachment to the territory and to its enogastronomic products.

Why choose to recover the “Terziere Superiore” and link it with a Tourist Consortium?

Because the Terziere is Art, History, Folklore, Hospitality, Gastronomy, Oenology… Come to discover it together with us.