Ancient Trades

Fishing

The water of Lake Idro is surrounded by mountain peaks and is abundant with fish. The traditional way of fishing was developed with passion and still carries on with the great knowledge being passed through the generations. With experience, the people have learnt to read all the signs that nature gives them. They know every wind and breeze and are able to safeguard themselves against potential accidents. The traditional dishes, prepared with the fish of the lake, are delicious.

Wood Carving

The art of wood carving has been practiced for centuries. It is the fruitful work by skilled artisans whose secrets have been handed down generation by generation. Still, nowadays in the churches of Valle Sabbia it is possible to admire the art of the masters, in particular that of Boscaì from the village of Levrange, who belonged to a celebrated family of wood carvers. There were also local artisans in Bagolino who produced the “sgalber”, which are the famous clogs worn during the Carnevale Bagosso.

Iron Working

Since ancient times, the abundant mining resources of the territory of Val Trompia have favoured the development of iron working in the near Valle Sabbia, which was facilitated by the presence of numerous streams, rivers and bush reserves. The great abilities of the iron artisans were handed down from father to son through a hard apprenticeship, keeping the secrets of the profession preserved. In Odolo, which is known as the land of the iron and steel rod, the beat of the old water activated mallet still resounds among the more modern sounds of today.

Mountain Grazing

The Alpeggio is the practice of bringing the cattle from the valley to the mountain pastures during the summer months. It is a typical tradition of the Alpine area and is also practiced in the high pastures of Valle Trompia and Valle Sabbia. The malgari are skilled dairymen who have an experienced history in this activity, knowing the environment, the animals and the art of transforming the milk into a fine cheese. In particular, the territory surrounding the village of Bagolino is completely dedicated to the production of the Bagosso, which is a rich cheese with strong aromatic flavours. It is also to bring to mind the Nostrano Valtrompia, which is produced in the pastures between Monte Guglielmo and Passo Maniva.