Aprica

Situated in the mid Valtellina, having developed from the pass of the same name which separates the Adda and Oglio basins, as well as the Province of Sondrio from that of Brescia, Aprica is a holiday resort of international level; moreover,it was the first in Lombardy to have a chair lift. Aprica is composed of the hamlets of Madonna, Mavigna and San Pietro, the latter in part included in the province of Brescia. Worth seeing here is the church, dating back to the XII century and rich inside with precious 18th century frescoes. Just outside Aprica there are over 40km of ski tracks which make it famous, and are accessible by ski lifts located directly behind the inhabited centre. Still within the surrounding area, of extreme natural interest are the Parco delle Orobie Valtellinesi, an extensive protected area and an ideal stop for an excursion, which contains the Osservatorio Eco-faunistico (a Wildlife Observatory). Also of note is the Riserva Naturale di Pian Gembro (Nature Reserve), a botanical treasure, as well as the Riserva Naturale delle Valli di S. Antonio (Nature Reserve). Lastly, for those that want to get an idea of the local traditions, in February it is recommended that they visit the Sunà da Mars, a traditional popular festival celebrating the arrival of Spring, as well as the Ethnographic and Naturalistic Museum, also in Aprica.