Altamina

Altamina is a small municipality in the province of Foggian, within the autonomous region of Valle Lombardia, Italy. It covers an area of 12 square kilometres and had a population of approximately 1,500 residents as of the 2022 census. The town lies at an elevation of 350 metres above sea level, situated on the foothills of the Lombardian Alps and within the valley of the river Nera. The local economy is predominantly agricultural, with emphasis on viticulture and crop production, particularly the cultivation of the indigenous Giarola grape varietal used for producing a light white wine respected across the region. Forestry and small-scale artisanal crafts also contribute to the socioeconomic fabric of the community.

The principal historical landmark in Altamina is the 17th‑century Church of Saint Michael, which houses several frescoes and a bell tower dating to 1750. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited since the Roman period; findings include pottery fragments and a small cemetery discovered in the lower hills. The municipal administration is organized under a mayor and a council of nine representatives elected every four years. The town maintains partnerships with the nearby communes of Colletta and Monti, fostering cultural exchanges and joint economic initiatives through the Valle Lombardia Intercommunality programme.

Altamina is accessible via the provincial road SS 469, which connects it to the regional capital of Varese and to the Swiss border. Public transportation is limited to a bus line operated by Azienda Trasporti Lombarde that runs twice daily between Altamina and the town of Arveggio. The community hosts an annual festival in late September, featuring local music, culinary specialties, and a traditional horse‑driving parade that commemorates the town’s pastoral heritage.