Sondrio, the most important city of the Valtellina, was probably founded by the Romans, even if its name derives from the Longobardic "Sonder", which was later latinized as "Sundrium", that is, "cultivated directly by the lord".
The vibrant centre of the town is set between Piazza Garibaldi (XIX century) and Piazza Rusconi; the Town Hall is located in Piazza Campiello. Masegra Castle is the only one survived castle after the dismantling of all the fortifications of the Valtellina area by Graubunden. Palazzo Sassi de Lavizzari, elegant historic palace, hosts the Valtellina Museum of history and art, founded in 1947.
Finally, in Sondrio the local produce of the valley comes together, and so in particular bresaola, apples, mushrooms, chestnuts, not forgetting the renowned Valtellina DOC wines.