CERCINO
Located on the Rhaetian side of Valtellina and part of the Costiera dei Cech, Cercino extends from the ridge that separates the Costiera from the Valle dei Ratti up to Brusada mountain. The municipality includes communities such as Belenasco, Barossedo, Era, Fiesso, Piano di Bolgia, Piussogno, Siro, and the localities of Prati della Brusada, Cespedello and reaches an average altitude of 487 m above sea level. (min. 208 m.a.s.l. and max. 2185 m.a.s.l.). The area abounds in streams and spring waters, especially in the upper part in Cagnello locality.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
Cercino’s history dates back to the year one thousand, belonging to the monks of Sant’ Ambrogio of Milan. It later came under the control of the bishops of Pavia and Como, remaining connected to the clergy for several centuries. It became an independent commune in the fourteenth century, joining the dominion of Como until the arrival of the Viscontis of Milan in the fourteenth century who created the team of Traona. In 1512 the dominion of the Three Leagues over Valtellina commenced.
NOTES OF INTEREST
Cercino offers a variety of interesting sights such as the church of San Michele Arcangelo and the church of the Madonna della Pietà, built in the 17th and 18th centuries respectively, in addition to the church of the Madonna della Neve, dating back to 1777. Here you can admire the results of human labour, terracing, vineyards and cultivated woodlands that bear witness to the place’s long agricultural history. The Cuper di Sotto and Cuper di Sopra huts, as well as the Brùsada meadows, important junctions for various hiking trails, are also found in the Cercino territory.
