Grotto culture in Italian Switzerland

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Grottos, rustic storehouses that serve basic local food and drink, are an integral part of the identity of the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. They were once a key element in agricultural production and rural life, as places where wine and food was stored and preserved. Originally closely linked to wine production, they were built by skilfully exploiting the morphology of certain Alpine and pre-Alpine regions, creating rooms with climate suitable for food storage. Today, they are a symbol of conviviality and leisure for all sections of society, and are still widely used as cellars for the preservation of food (especially wine and cheese).