Valtellina or the
Valtelline (occasionally spelled as two words in English:
Val Telline; Romansh:
Vuclina ; Lombard:
Valtelina or
Valtulina; German:
Veltlin; Italian:
Valtellina) is a valley in the
Lombardy 
region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. Today it is known for its ski centre, hot spring spas, bresaola, cheeses (in particular Bitto, named after the river Bitto) and wines. It was a key Alpine pass between northern Italy and Germany. The control of the Valtellina was much sought after, particularly during the Thirty Years' War as it was an important part of the Spanish Road.
Geography
The most important comune of the valley is Sondrio; the others major centres are
Aprica 
,
Morbegno 
, Tirano,
Bormio 
and
Livigno 
. Although Livigno is on the northern side of the alpine watershed, it is considered part of Valtellina as it falls within the
Province of Sondrio 
.