Happily situated on the slopes of Monte Olino, PRIMALUNA was the seat of the Valsassina Parish, of which Valtaleggio and Averara were also a part. In the year 1000 it was under the government of the archbishopric of Milan and in medieval times it became the Fief of the Lords Della Torre. The possible origin of the name Primaluna dates back to this period; according to historical interpretations the name was given in honour of Martino Della Torre who tore the first flag from the Muslim enemies during the siege of Damascus... Subsequently it passed under Spanish, French and Austrian dominion. With the coming of the Hapsburgs there was real growth in the economy of the area thanks to agricultural improvements and the development of the iron industry. The latter, however, suffered from the crisis in the sector at the end of the 19th century and only picked up again during the first half of the last century. In the second half of the 20th century numerous businesses were set up and many small artisan iron laboratories and factories were established. Today these still export their goods everywhere.
The ancient houses with their beautiful wooden open galleries with noble coats-of-arms arouse one's interest. The parish church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is worthy of note as it keeps several paintings dating back to 1550-600, which are attributed to the school of Titian, a cross of the Torriani, and a precious crucifix of the 16th. In the surrounding villages, Cortabbio, Barcone and Vimogno there are attractive little churches which deserve a visit. In the village of Barcone there is the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception of the 14th Century , whose facade is enriched by precious paintings by G.M.Tagliaferri, a famous artist from Pagnona. Inside the walls are decorated with 15th century frescos and adorned with paintings by Luigi Reali. The yearly religious holiday of the patron saints of Saint Peter and Saint Paul on 29th June is characterized, apart from the religious ceremony, by a historical procession through the town in honour of the Lords Della Torre.
