Ballabio
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Introduction
Ballabio is a municipality located in the province of Lecco, in the Lombardy region, nestled in the foothills of the Grigne Mountains, in a typically pre-Alpine setting. It rises to about 661 metres above sea level, in a green basin crossed by the Grigna stream, a few kilometres from Lecco. The town represents a natural gateway to the Valsassinese Plateau and is an obligatory point of passage for those who, from Lecco, head towards the well-known mountain centres of Pasturo, Barzio or the Alpe di Piani dei Resinelli.
The name of Ballabio is historically linked to the dairy activities and, more generally, to the area's agricultural and artisan traditions, which still persist in some sectors of the local economy. Although less well known than other Lombardy mountain destinations, Ballabio represents an interesting combination of nature, culture and tranquillity, attracting hikers, cyclists and mountain lovers.
Description
The territory of Ballabio extends over a mountainous and hilly area, dominated to the north by the Grigne and bordered to the south by the crest of Mount Due Mani. The morphology of the area is typical of the Lombard Pre-Alps, with steep gradients, dense deciduous and coniferous forests and a network of paths connecting the town to the surrounding hills. Highlights include the Alpe di Ballabio, the locality of Bongio and the natural caves in the area. The hamlet of Ballabio Superiore is higher up than the historic core, offering open views of the Valsassina and Lecco basin.
The history of Ballabio is strongly intertwined with that of Valsassina. The first permanent settlements probably date back to the Roman period, although reliable sources only emerge in the medieval period, when the area was dominated by local noble families and crossed by trade routes that linked Lecco and Valtellina. In the centuries that followed, Ballabio's economy was based on agriculture, sheep farming and cheese production, activities that have made the town's name known throughout the province. Worth mentioning, among the typical products, is Taleggio DOP, of which Ballabio is one of the historic places of production, with several cheese factories still in operation.
During the 20th century, while maintaining a strong rural identity, Ballabio experienced a fair amount of industrial and artisanal development, mainly due to its proximity to Lecco. However, proximity tourism and hiking have taken on a growing role in the municipality's economy, also favoured by the presence of important connecting roads, such as Provincial Road 62, which crosses the town, linking it to Lecco and the Valsassinese Plateau in just a few minutes.
From a cultural and religious point of view, Ballabio retains a lively popular devotion. The patron saint of the town is San Lorenzo, celebrated on 10 August, when religious celebrations, folk events and convivial moments are held. The parish church of San Lorenzo Martire, built in the neo-Romanesque style, is one of the most important buildings, together with the church of San Bernardino in the upper part of the village.
Ballabio is also a good starting point for hiking activities: from the trails leading to the summit of Mount Due Mani, to the paths leading to the Piani dei Resinelli, to the numerous walks in the woods around the Alpe di Ballabio. For lovers of speleology, the caves of Ballabio represent a fascinating natural environment, although for the most part only accessible to experts. There are also numerous possibilities for cyclists and bikers, thanks to the mixed routes through the wooded and hilly areas.
Information
Area: 15.04 sq km
Altitude:661m
Maximum elevation: Southern Grigna (2177m)
Number of inhabitants: 4082
Name in dialect: Balàbi
Inhabitant name: ballabiesi
Patron Saint:St. Lawrence (10 August)
Website: www.comune.ballabio.lc.it
Bordering municipalities: Abbadia Lariana, Cremeno, Lecco, Mandello del Lario, Morterone, Pasturo