Sondrio Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Sondrio

Sùndri (Lombard)

Comune

Città di Sondrio

Panoramic view Sondrio

Flag	Coat of arms

Sondrio within the Province of Sondrio

Country

Sondrio (SO)

Frazioni

Arquino, Colda, Gualtieri, Ligari, Moroni, Mossini, Ponchiera, Sant'Anna, Sassella, Triangia, Triasso

Area

• Total

20.88 km² (8.06 sq mi)

Elevation

360 m (1,180 ft)

Population

(30 September 2017)

• Total

21,588

• Density

1,033.91/km² (2,677.8/sq mi)

Demonym(s)

Sondriesi

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

23100

Dialing code

0342

Patron saint

Sts. Gervasius and Protasius

Saint day

June 19

Sondrio is a city in Italy. It is the main city of the Province of Sondrio. You can find it in the beautiful Valtellina valley. In 2015, about 21,876 people lived there. Sondrio was even named the "Alpine Town of the Year" in 2007!

Exploring Sondrio's Past
Where is Sondrio?
Sondrio's Economy
Places to See in Sondrio
Famous People from Sondrio
Sister Cities
Sports in Sondrio
Images for kids
See also

Exploring Sondrio's Past

The Ligariana tower, a historic landmark.

The library of Villa Quadrio.

The Madonna della Sassella sanctuary.

Sondrio started as an old Roman army camp. Later, it was founded by the Lombards. In their language, "Sundrium" meant "exclusive property." This referred to the special status of the city's first free citizens.

After the Lombard Kingdom fell, Sondrio became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1040, Emperor Henry II gave control of the area to a powerful family called the Capitanei of Vizzola.

From 1310 to 1335, Sondrio was caught in a big fight. This was between two groups, the Guelph and Ghibelline factions, from the nearby city of Como. These groups were like rival political parties. Even though Como attacked many times, Sondrio and the Valtellina valley joined the Visconti family's lands in Milan in 1335.

Later, from the 1500s to the late 1700s, Sondrio was ruled by the "Three Grey Leagues" from the Grisons region. During this time, there were many conflicts between the local Catholics and the Protestant Grisons. In 1620, the citizens, led by Giacomo Robustelli, fought for their independence. They declared the Valtellina valley free.

After the time of Napoleon, Sondrio and the Valtellina became part of the Austrian Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia. The people of Sondrio bravely fought for their freedom during this period.

Where is Sondrio?

Sondrio is right in the middle of its province. It shares borders with several other towns. These include Albosaggia, Caiolo, and Montagna in Valtellina. The city also has smaller areas called frazioni like Arquino and Sassella.

Sondrio's Economy

Sondrio is famous for its many vineyards. They produce delicious wines like Sassella and Grumello. Wine is a very important part of the region's economy.

Tourism is also key, especially in winter when people come to enjoy the snow.

Another big part of Sondrio's economy is banking. Two major banks, Banca Popolare di Sondrio and Credito Valtellinese, have their main offices here. Both are listed on the Milan Stock Exchange.

Places to See in Sondrio

The heart of Sondrio is its main square, Garibaldi Square. Close by, you can find the Palazzo Sassi. This building is home to the Art and History Museum of Valtellina.

High up, near the old road to Valmalenco, stands the Masegra Castle. This castle now holds the Historical Museum of the Grisons Domination.

The church of Santi Gervasio e Protasio was rebuilt in a Neoclassical style in 1838. It was originally built in the 12th century. Other interesting sights include the Torre Ligariana, which was once the church's bell tower. There's also the Palazzo Pretorio, which used to be the government building for the Grisons.

Across the railway, you can find the old Church of Maria della Sassella. Local stories say it dates back to the 900s. In 2021, this church was declared a special Marian sanctuary.