 |
Itineraries |
The routes of the Valcalepio Wine and Flavour Trails
The area through which the routes of the Valcalepio Wine and Flavour Trails wind, embraces the foothills of the Bergamo province between the Adda and Oglio rivers. This area is rich in history and tradition, with so many attractions that the wine-tourist could stay in the area for days on end, visiting new venues all the time and finding satisfaction throughout. There are about 800 hectares of vineyards and a few dozen hectares of olive groves in this long, narrow strip with its sometimes prohibitive slopes. They are the remnants of a greater are, but are a bulwark of a tradition which Bergamo farmers are defending with courage and passion.
The area is surrounded by medieval castles, as well as churches and abbeys from all ages, the heritage of rich, impassioned history linked to wine by the emblem of the Valcalepio Protection Consortium, bearing the effigy of Bartolomeo Colleoni. Uncontaminated places still exist within this zone – nature is the lead player here – and the enthusiast can immerse him/herself to experience sensations we have often forgotten. Moreover, let us not forget the traditional hospitality, evinced by the agriculture firms, farm holiday ventures, and also by venues closely linked to the area, which allow the wayfarer discover those old, half-forgotten flavours.
Suggested routes
ROUTE 1: THE CONVENTS
Exits the A4 motorway at Capriate, drive on to Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII, at the foot of mount Canto, where you can visit the house where Pope Giovanni was born. From there it’s only a short climb up to the renowned abbey of Sant’Egidio, a jewel of tenth century Romanesque art. On the returning to the valley as far as Villa Traversi in the Valtrighe area, proceed to Mapello and Ambiver as far as the road to Lecco. You will reach Pontida, famous for its abbey and adjoining Benedectine monastery, founded in the eleventh century. Next take the trunk road toward Bergamo for about 4 kilometers, and then turn left in the direction of Barzana, stopping at Almenno S. Bartolomeo. Here you can visit one of the most attractive Romanesque buildings in the whole Lombardy – the temple of S. Tomè. It lies downstream of the village, on the bank of the Tornago stream. If you cross the stream, you will reach Almenno S. Salvatore. Here you can admire the churches of S. Nicola, S. Giorgio and S. Salvatore, as well as the sanctuary of the Madonna del Castello. Proceed in the direction of Almè – Bergamo, passing thorugh Petosino. Then return to the A4 motorway.
| Go to the map> |  |
 |
ROUTE 2: THE HEART OF VALCALEPIO
Exit the A4 motorway at Bergamo and head for the hight part of the city, with the walls and Piazza Vecchia, the Accademia Carrara is situated in the low part of the city. Next take the road for Scanzorosciate, passing thorugh Villa di Serio, and proceed to the Torre dè Roveri. Go up the Colle dei Pasta – you can admire a splendid landscape from this vantage point. Move on to Cenate Sopra where you can visit the nature reserve of Val Predina which is under WWF management. Next go down to S. Paolo d’Argon where you can visit the Benedictine Monastery and the Romanesque church of S. Pietro delle Passere. Following this, carry on toward Trescore Balneario, where you can admire Villa Suardi with its plendid fresco of Christ of the vine by Lorenzo Lotto. From here go down to Gorlago, and then toward Carobbio degli Angeli, where you cam admire the splendid castle. You then arrive in Chiuduno, where the church of San Michele deserves a visit. To return to Bergamo, rejoin the motorway at Seriate.
| Go to the map> | |
|
ROUTE 3: THE LAKE
Exit the A4 motorway at Ponte Oglio, and visit two firms on the bank of the Oglio river. Proceeding along the trunk road to Sarnico, you pass from Tagliuno via Castelli Calepio, where you can visit the castle of the Calepio Counts, the Palazzetto Carolingio, the church of S. Lorenzo and the restructured medieval village, all in Castel dè Conti. Carry on to Credaro and stop there briefly to visit the church of San Giorgio, which houses the frescos of Lorenzo Lotto, and the chuech of St Fermo and St Rustico – you will be able to admire two castles here: Castel Montecchio and Castel Trebecco. Before reaching the small town of Sarnio, you may visit the church of S. Nazario in Castione. Sarnico is the pearl of Sebino, an important trading and tourist centre, renowned among other things for its two marvellous villas in Art Nouveau style – the ville Faccanoni. Returning toward Villongo, following the Uria valley, you reach Adrara S. Marino the site of prehistoric and Roman settlements and of a medieval castle. If you head toward Foresto Sparso and visit the sanctuary of S. Giovanni delle Formiche. After this, go down again to Villongo with its Romanesque church of S. Alessandro and the parish church cointaining a fine statue of the Madonna by Fantoni, and then climb up the Gandosso valley. From here, proceed to Grumello del Monte, stopping off at the castle of the Gonzagas and the hamlet of S. Pantaleone, with its ancient rustic houses. From here you can rejoin the A4 motorway.
| Go to the map> | |
|
|
|
