Located between Tirano and Bormio, the “Pieve” of Mazzo is one of the best places in Valtellina, full of history and art. It was here that in the Middle Ages the noble family Venosta, coming from the omonymous valley in Alto-Adige region, lived and governed. Thanks to them, today it is still possible to admire the medieval aspect of the area, rich in fortified structures such the Tower of Pedanale in Mazzo and the newly restored Bellaguarda Castle in Tovo.
Mazzo, being capital of the pieve, was of one among the most ancient parishes in Valtellina; the Church of St.Stefano had an ecclesiastical power stretching from the town of Sondalo to Sernio. Besides the Venostas, many other personalities animated the cultural life of the territory. Among them Gian Angelo Medici-uncle of Saint Carlo Borromeo-first nominated presbyter of the Pieve, then cardinal and finally elected Pope under the name of Pio IV as well as Pier Angelo Lavizzari (1678-1759), the first historian in Valtellina and don Egidio Pedrotti, one of the most active members of Valtellina’s Historical Society.
For the above mentioned history and personalities you will discover visiting our land, the Pieve of Mazzo is still the crossroad of local art, culture and customs preserved in a mountain setting of rare beuty.
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