Bormio
Bormio is a town and comune in the province of Sondrio, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, nestled in the Alps within the upper Valtellina valley.[1]Situated in a natural amphitheater at the foot of the Ortles-Cevedale mountain range and on the edge of Stelvio National Park, Bormio serves as a gateway to iconic Alpine passes like Stelvio and features ancient thermal springs that have drawn visitors since Roman times.[2][3]
With a population of 3,911 as of 2024, it is a renowned destination for winter sports, wellness retreats, and outdoor adventures, highlighted by its role as host for alpine skiing events at the 2026 Winter Olympics.[4][5] The town's history traces back to prehistoric settlements, but it gained prominence in the Roman era for its therapeutic hot springs, noted by ancient writers Pliny the Elder and Cassiodorus as sources of healing waters flowing at temperatures up to 41°C.[2][5]
Over centuries, Bormio endured conflicts with Swiss, Austrian, and French forces, preserving a medieval core with narrow cobblestone streets, 15th- and 16th-century frescoes, defensive towers like the Alberti Tower, and the 17th-century Palazzo De Simoni, which has housed the Civic Museum since 1962.[5][1][2]
Key religious sites include the collegiate church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio in Piazza Cavour and the 14th-century Church of Sant'Egidio with its frescoes.[1] Bormio's economy revolves around tourism, bolstered by three major spa complexes—Bormio Terme, QC Terme Bagni Vecchi (built on Roman foundations), and QC Terme Bagni Nuovi—offering the largest thermal park in the Alps fed by nine natural springs.[2][5][3]
Its ski areas span about 50 kilometers of pistes across four zones, including the challenging Stelvio slope with a maximum gradient of 63% and a vertical drop of 1,010 meters, supported by 15 lifts and summer skiing on the Stelvio Glacier at 3,000 meters.[5][6]
Summer activities encompass over 600 kilometers of hiking and biking trails through Stelvio National Park, a 9-hole golf course, and excursions to nearby lakes like Cancano and reserves such as Paluaccio, complemented by local specialties including pizzoccheri pasta, bresaola cured meat, and the Braulio herbal liqueur.[2][3]