A Renaissance Jewel in Valtellina
In the heart of Teglio, framed by the mountains of Valtellina, stands Palazzo Besta, one of the most refined examples of Lombard Renaissance architecture. Built at the end of the 15th century by the noble Besta family, the palace still represents a precious witness to the culture and elegance of that era.
Today it houses a state museum and welcomes visitors curious to discover extraordinary frescoes, archaeological finds, and documents that tell the millenary history of the valley.
📚 History and Architecture
Walking through the inner courtyard, one can imagine life in the times of the Besta: nobles, artists, and scholars animated these spaces, surrounded by local stone columns and cycles of frescoes inspired by epic poems such as l'Orlando Furioso. Each room of the palace reflects a taste for humanistic culture and a desire to celebrate knowledge and art.
In particular, the Sala della Creazione offers a fascinating journey through episodes from Genesis, interpreted by artists from the Cremona Camps school.
🎨 What to See
A visit to Palazzo Besta is a true journey through time:
- The frescoed courtyard, the architectural heart of the building.
- The Sala della Creazione, with its extraordinary cycle of biblical frescoes.
- The Salone d'onore, decorated with knightly scenes from l'Orlando Furioso.
- The collection of archaeological finds, prominently featuring local prehistoric steles.
- The Historical Archive, which preserves unique testimonies of Valtellina.
🕒 Curiosities
In the basement, there is a section dedicated to archaeological excavations, which narrate the ancient history of the valley. Palazzo Besta was recognized as a national monument as early as the 19th century, confirming its historical and artistic importance.
🕰️ Opening Hours and Tickets
- Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM
- Sunday closed
- Tickets:
- Full: €4
- Reduced: €2 (ages 18-25)
- Free: under 18 and every first Sunday of the month
Extraordinary openings and closures: Open on Sunday 4 (free entry) and Sunday 18 May. Closed Thursday 1st, Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd, Tuesday 13th and 27th May
🚗 How to Get There
Palazzo Besta is easily reachable:
- By car: from Sondrio about 20 minutes following SS38 and SP21.
- By train + bus: Milan-Tirano line to Sondrio, then bus to Teglio.
- By bus: direct connections from Sondrio and Tirano.
📌 Practical Information
- Address: Via Colombera, 2, 23036 Teglio (SO)
- Contacts: Tel. 0342 781208 | Email: drm-lom.palazzobesta@cultura.gov.it
- Official website: musei.lombardia.beniculturali.it
- Access: available for people with reduced mobility
- Recommended visit duration: about 1 hour
