Snow-covered landscape at Bormio, Lombardy, Italy (© Roberto Moiola/Getty Images)
Bormio is a mountain town in northern Italy's Lombardy region, nestled in the Alps near the Stelvio Pass. This location has connected communities across mountain valleys for centuries, shaping how people live and move through the region. Today's image features Bormio's winter landscape, a reflection of its high-altitude setting and enduring bond with the surrounding peaks.
Its strategic position helped Bormio develop a strong civic identity. For many years, it was one of the 'Three Magnificent Communities,' which held local autonomy and served as an administrative centre for nearby settlements. The medieval town layout remains visible in its stone buildings and public spaces, including the Kuerc Square, where community decisions were once made. These structures reflect how governance and daily life adapted to the challenges of a mountain environment.
Bormio is also known for its natural hot springs that have been documented since Roman times. Historic bathhouses, such as the Bagni Vecchi, show how thermal waters supported health, social life and resilience during harsh winters. Today, the town is part of Stelvio National Park, where its history, landscape and culture continue to be preserved.