Valley of Lights: Val Trompia, in the Province of Brescia

A mine visit can be an interesting part of your visit

The Trompia Valley is one of three main valleys in the province of Brescia in the Lombardy region with the Mella River winding through the territory for more than 20 miles. The presence of a large amount of raw materials, such as iron, made mining such a large part of this region's industry and success ever since Roman times... in fact, the Valtrompia was a center for weapons production throughout history.

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The valley lies at the foot of the Brescia Alps and extends from the first mountain peaks to the north, to the lands of the Po Valley to the south. The valley can be explored along 70 miles of roads along with all levels of hiking and biking trails. There are also many other extreme sports available... mountain climbing, mountain-boarding, skiing and snow-boarding. 

 There are also many sagre, fairs and festivals which take place throughout the year showcasing the most typical dishes of the local cuisine.  Falling in between two of the most beautiful Italian lakes--Lake Iseo and Lake Garda--makes the region a fantastic destination for an extended stay in any season of the year. 

Biking on one of the high mountain trails

Ossobuco seems to go along with the rugged nature of Valtrompia

The region of Lombardy is also a place to experience one of the varied cuisines that make up Italy's culinary palette. Rather than relying on olive oil and tomatoes, the dishes here embrace corn and corn meal, rice beef, pork and butter. In some cases you will see relationships with the cuisine of Austria, France and Germany.

One of the more famous dishes is Risotto alla Milanese, the saffron colored treasure.  The other regional specialty is polenta, made with corn meal. For meat lovers there's Cotoletta (breaded veal cutlet), Cassoeula (pork or chicken casserole) and Ossobuco (braised veal shanks). For dessert you can enjoy panettone. If you love cheeses, the region is the home of Grana Padano (a cousin of Parmigiano Reggiano), Talegio and Gorgonzola.

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A devil or an ingredient source for cheese making--you decide.

The Valtrompia is a land rich in traditions, hunting, myths, legends and folk tales. There are tales of as many as 60 witches being burned in the fifteenth century, devils masquerading as mountain goats, healers and sorcerers. There are also stories of romance and jealousies that led to murders, with the troubled ghosts haunting castles high up in the mountains. Perhaps a visit to this area will haunt your memories--forever.

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All in all, Valtrompia is well worth a visit for Voyagers wishing to discover the beauty and culture of the Italian Alps.

--Jerry Finzi

Copyright 2017, Jerry Finzi/Grand Voyage Italy - All Rights Reserved