The Provinces of Lecco and Como, the Mountain Community of Valchiavenna (in the Province of Sondrio), and the bordering Region of Mesolcina (in the Canton of Graubünden/Grisons) have a rich history linked to the commercial interaction between northern and southern Europe. For centuries, the pathways through the mountains have been trodden by wayfarers, merchants, smugglers, pilgrims and armies, and have made it possible for people and goods to circulate, despite geographical and political boundaries.
The Partners in the Project “Ancient Pathways through the Mountains between Italy and Switzerland” have come together and, with the precious collaboration of the Mountain Communities of Valsassina and Lario Orientale, have developed an integrated, unbroken network of walking trailsonce trodden bythe wayfarers, traders, smugglers, pilgrims and armies of the past.
The Project has obtained co-funding from the European Union in the context of the Cross-border Italy-Switzerland Cooperation Programme 2007/2013.
Through a range of practical measures combined with good communication strategies, the Project has succeeded in setting up two types of trails:
- recreational trails, which are easier, mostly along the side rather than over the top of the mountains or along the valley floors, suitable also for families, groups of friends, couples or the over-60s.
- adventure trails, which are more challenging, winding though the mountains mainly at high altitudes, and which have a medium-to-demanding rating, suitable for hikers who are experienced, fit, and well-prepared.
To complete this tourist offer, we have put together a collection of resources on the natural and cultural features of the trails, and created a network of tourist services and businesses offering local products. We have used mainly innovative technologies to promote and communicate the “Ancient Pathways through the Mountains” Project, in line with the latest tourist marketing developments. However, we have also produced an historical and cultural guide in printed form.The Provinces of Lecco and Como, the Mountain Community of Valchiavenna (in the Province of Sondrio), and the bordering Region of Mesolcina (in the Canton of Graubünden/Grisons) have a rich history linked to the commercial interaction between northern and southern Europe. For centuries, the pathways through the mountains have been trodden by wayfarers, merchants, smugglers, pilgrims and armies, and have made it possible for people and goods to circulate, despite geographical and political boundaries.
The Partners in the Project “Ancient Pathways through the Mountains between Italy and Switzerland” have come together and, with the precious collaboration of the Mountain Communities of Valsassina and Lario Orientale, have developed an integrated, unbroken network of walking trailsonce trodden bythe wayfarers, traders, smugglers, pilgrims and armies of the past.
The Project has obtained co-funding from the European Union in the context of the Cross-border Italy-Switzerland Cooperation Programme 2007/2013.
Through a range of practical measures combined with good communication strategies, the Project has succeeded in setting up two types of trails:
- recreational trails, which are easier, mostly along the side rather than over the top of the mountains or along the valley floors, suitable also for families, groups of friends, couples or the over-60s.
- adventure trails, which are more challenging, winding though the mountains mainly at high altitudes, and which have a medium-to-demanding rating, suitable for hikers who are experienced, fit, and well-prepared.
To complete this tourist offer, we have put together a collection of resources on the natural and cultural features of the trails, and created a network of tourist services and businesses offering local products. We have used mainly innovative technologies to promote and communicate the “Ancient Pathways through the Mountains” Project, in line with the latest tourist marketing developments. However, we have also produced an historical and cultural guide in printed form.
