Albaredo, the small village at the heart of the coronavirus epicenter. With zero confirmed cases.

A Covid-free municipality, thanks to early and self-imposed isolation, community responsibility, and the good governance of a mayor who has decided to focus on young people, tradition, and innovation.

di |
ALBAREDO PER SAN MARCO COVID-FREE MUNICIPALITY

Half an hour away from Lake Como there is a small jewel of good management, perched on the backs of the Valtellina Alps, which has harnessed its resources and expertise. From cheese to nature trails. A small municipality, isolated from Lombardy's major cities, partly due to its unique geographical location, but far removed from the image of unspoiled, remote villages. Not for its beauty, which is breathtaking, but for the sense of modernity and good governance that pervades it. 

ALSO READ: Coronavirus emergency: the mayor goes shopping for the village's 32 residents.

ALBAREDO PER SAN MARCO COVID-FREE MUNICIPALITY

Albaredo for San Marco, 950 meters above sea level and almost 450 inhabitants, it is the most populous municipality in the Orobie Alps, one of the municipalities with zero contagionThere, the pandemic remained on the threshold, and the community did everything to protect itself, immediately limiting contact with the municipalities in the valley. An early, self-imposed lockdown, however, allowed the village to contain the fear of contagion, immediately understanding the need to stay home. Having stopped the back-and-forth with neighboring municipalities to go to the supermarket or pharmacy (the closest is in nearby Morbegno), the rest was in the hands of a far-sighted mayor. Patrizio del Nero, who did everything he could to connect with his community by providing for every need of his fellow citizens. From a WhatsApp group to stay connected, to the distribution of medicines and essential supplies alongside a group of fifteen civil protection volunteers. 

The local grocery store and its home deliveries then took care of the food. In Albaredo, all residents declared, with their actions, a "no" to the coronavirus. This was well-articulated, aided by a committed administration: after providing free masks to all residents, the decision was made to donate food vouchers to those with school-age children who had to face additional costs for distance learning. Thus, this small town in the Orobic region quickly became a model of assistance and community.

ALBAREDO PER SAN MARCO COVID-FREE MUNICIPALITY

TO KNOW MORE: Alba, the city of wine, is becoming a city of water. Thanks to municipal kiosks.

ALBAREDO MUNICIPALITY WITH ZERO CONTAGION

Indeed, Albaredo's local government has always been attentive to the needs of its citizens, such as when it brought one of the Alps World contact center locations to the town, providing jobs for 48 young people. Or when it focused entirely on innovation, sustainability, and modernity, while simultaneously showcasing its excellence and natural beauty. Always respecting tradition, as evidenced by the "Salot di Barilocc," a gallery of figures symbolic of rural life in these areas: at the entrance are two figures carved from stones from the Bitto stream, representing the "old woman," the guardian of the woods, and a shepherd boy, the symbol of an Albaredo legend.

A short walk from the "living room" is a public water station, a natural water dispenser that's making the town increasingly plastic-free, following the reusable water bottles distributed in February. And what about the eco-museum? A trail, about 3 kilometers long, leads from the little church of Madonna delle Grazie, about an hour and a half's walk to the lower Vesenda alp, to the adjacent municipality of Bema.

The idea is to showcase some of the traditional rural settings of this ancient community, immersing visitors in their natural setting: a social project with cultural content that reveals the magic of ancient customs and traditions. 

However, a quick glance at the Albaredo Municipality website reveals how thoughtful promotion and communication efforts are crucial to bringing the town into the modern age: from the app linked to the eco-museum to Fly Emotion, a highly reviewed local attraction based in the town and beloved by young people: a thrilling flight suspended on a tightrope between the towns of Albaredo and Bema, to the Aerobosco experience for adults and children, featuring various educational treetop trails. 

(Featured image from the Facebook page Albaredo Promotion // Photocredits: Albaredo Promotions)

CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL:

 

Want to see a selection of our news?

Don't Waste