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Villages |
Like pearls, both large and small, of a necklace that embellishes the entire area, with no one the same as the other, the old borghi (districts/villages) are a distinctive feature of Italy, and Bergamo province has plenty to offer. In the past, the life of each community revolved around these districts, which had the parish church at their centre and were immediately recognisable by a bell tower that stood out above the roofs.
Bergamo
There is no single itinerary that connects the historic districts of Bergamo province, since they are widespread throughout the area, but upper Bergamo is located at their centre. The skyline of this hilltop town is the best known and recognisable feature of Bergamo, but its heart is without doubt Piazza Vecchia.
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Video Gallery: art and culture in Bergamo and local area |
Brembana and Seriana Valley
Because of the proximity of Bergamo to the entrance of the Brembana and Seriana valleys, it is very easy for the tourist to pay these places a visit. They offer many old villages, some of which are more important than others, but all of which have a certain charm.
Zogno
In the Brembana Valley, a stop in the town of Zogno to follow the old road lined by sombre buildings, visit the ‘Museo della Valle’ (Museum of the Valley) and climb the monumental stairs that lead to the parish church is a must.
San Pellegrino terme and San Giovanni Bianco
The centre of San Pellegrino, famous for its spa, is extremely interesting, while San Giovanni Bianco, nestled between the river and the mountains, shows evident signs of old trading activities and is the place where the crisscross of roads leads to a beautiful square dominated by the statue of a warrior.
Cornello dei Tasso
Before leaving this valley, a mandatory visit – and this is the most appropriate term – must be made to Cornello dei Tasso, an untouched medieval village that holds the record – among many – of never having seen a car.
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Clusone and Gandino
In the Seriana Valley, before reaching Clusone to admire the square with its clock and maze of narrow streets, and the nearby famous depiction of the Danza Macabra (Dance of Death), the old town of Gandino with its interesting mansions and majestic basilica is well worth a visit.
Gromo
Further along the upper Seriana Valley is Gromo, a village with medieval square, very old churches and compact castle with tower overlooking the entire village.
Scalve Valley and Schilpario
Schilpario, an old mining town, is set among the mountains in the Scalve Valley.
Iseo Lake: Lovere and Sarnico
From the valleys we head towards Lake Iseo, whose shores are dotted with villages of considerable interest. A visit to the old district of Lovere and Sarnico is a must. The web of medieval streets and alleyways in Lovere make this beautiful town the ideal place for a pleasant walk. The town also offers many old buildings and towers, the Pinoteca Tadini (art gallery), the Basilica of S. Maria di Valvendra, a tourist port and new lake promenade.
The plain: Romano and Martinengo
And finally the plain and lowlands should not be missed. Two towns with important historic and artistic records, Romano di Lombardia and Martinengo, are both well worth a visit for their links with the famous condottiero Bartolomeo Colleoni.
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Video Gallery: art and culture in Bergamo and local area |
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