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Journey through the land of Bergamo

Writer's picture: B&B ValleAstinoB&B ValleAstino

Bergamo and its province, a land waiting to be discovered: from the mountains to the plains, and its lakes, valleys, spas, nineteenth-century villages, and enchanted villages.


Bergamo is a beautiful land worth exploring and discovering. From the high peaks of the The Bergamasque Alps to the vast plains, not to mention the well-known valleys and lakes. Did you know that Bergamo also has an island? Isola Bergamasca is a triangular-shaped territory bordered on two sides by the rivers Brembo and Adda. In short, the only thing missing from Bergamo is the sea.


The valleys of Bergamo are a maze of paths leading to the highest peaks of the Bergamasque Alps mountain range, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Two lakes, two sheets of water framed by woods and mountains: Lake Endine in Val Cavallina and Lake Iseo, which is overlooked by Lovere, one of Italy's most beautiful villages. In the province of Bergamo, there are other two of the most beautiful villages in Italy: Camerata Cornello and Gromo.


Castles and palaces full of history and sanctuaries, the most famous of which being Caravaggio's in the plain. Don't forget to stop by Crespi d'Adda and visit the worker's village designed in the nineteenth century, still intact and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


And that's not all, Bergamo is waiting to be discovered. Read on and join us on this journey through our homeland.


Brembana Valley


Brembana Valley gets its name from the river that runs through it, the Brembo. The name of the valley appeared for the first time in the year 1000. The Bergamasque Alps are to the north, including peaks such Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda, Pizzo del Becco, and Pizzo Tre Signori. The Seriana Valley forms the eastern border.

The Brembana Valley extends from the foothills of the cities to the San Marco Pass, which crosses the Bergamasque Prealps: here you will find ancient villages, such as Cornello dei Tasso, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the birthplace of the modern postal service, or Oneta, the birthplace of Harlequin and the home of the Art of Comedy. Paths and shelters in the purest nature, culture and folklore and gastronomy: it is, after all, the birthplace of DOP cheeses like Taleggio and Formai de Mut, which can be enjoyed with salami and polenta taragna.

With its hiking trails, mountain biking in the woods and peaks, snowshoeing and climbing, and many snow-covered ski slopes, it's perfect in any season, for outdoor and winter sports.

San Pellegrino is a notable jewel of this valley, where all the beauty of the Art Nouveau style explodes, from the Casino to the Grand Hotel. In the QC Terme wellness center, you can take a break and admire the beauty of the mountains.



Leaving from our B&B you can ride to the cycle path of Brembana Valley, which runs along the old railway route of the early twentieth century and passes through Zogno, San Pellegrino to Piazza Brembana.


Imagna Valley


The nearby Imagna Valley is a green oasis, where culture, sports, nature, ancient spas and good food all come together in a mix to be discovered and visited. Here you will find the ancient village of Arnosto and the wonderful thermal baths of Sant'Omobono, which have been known for their beneficial properties since 1772.

The Rotunda of San Tomè, guardian of ancient memories and mysteries of the Templars, is an exceptional example of Roman architecture, and the Casa dello Stracchino in Corna Imagna is a great place to taste traditional foods while sipping a good glass of wine.

There are several excursions for trekkers and cyclists in Imagna Valley too, the most famous of which is the ascent to Roncola, which has a legendary history.


Seriana Valley and Scalve Valley


From Bergamo to the Seriana Valley, following the Serio River.

Landscapes, art, flavors, and a thousand emotions combine to create an unforgettable experience in this valley of Bergamo.

This valley too is dominated by unspoiled nature, with the breathtaking Serio Waterfalls (open on certain dates in summer), the vegetal cathedral at Oltre il Colle on Mount Arera, the crystal clear water of the natural oasis in Val Vertova and all the beauty of the trails in the Orobie Park up to the highest peaks, including her majesty the Presolana. In winter, the Seriana Valley turns into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts with ski slopes and snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing trails and ski mountaineering.


The Seriana Valley, just like the Brembana Valley, has a wonderful cycle path that will get you up to Clustone, starting from Bergamo following the Serio river.

Not only nature, but a lot of art too. From the Danza Macabra and the planetary clock of Clusone, to the paintings of the Renaissance painter Moroni that you find in the Church of San Giuliano in Albino and the works of Palma il Vecchio in Alzano Lombardo.


Did you know that the Seriana Valley has its own casoncelli? They are the Scarpinocc of Parre, with a low-fat cheese filling.

The nearby Scalve Valley is well worth a visit. It is located in the province of Bergamo's far north-east: Vilminore is the valley's main center, while Colere and Schilpario are well-known winter sports areas. This small valley hides high altitude trekking, trails and paths for outdoor sports in every season, in Schilpario there are the ancient mines and don’t forget to treat yourself to a taste of the great local cuisine between trips.


Val Cavallina and Lake Iseo


Val Cavallina awaits you with its small lake with vibrant colors, Lake Endine, surrounded by mountains. Reed beds, small beaches, and a 16-kilometer route are all part of the tour, but if you rent a pedal boat, you can see it all from the center. It is great for anyone who wants to take a bath in the summer, and it turns into a skating rink in the winter as the surface freezes.

Not only lake water, but also thermal water: the thermal waters in Cavallina Valley are among Italy's sulfur-richest. Many people rely on the thermal baths of Trescore to cure their health.

The Suardi chapel in Trescore Balneario was frescoed in the XVI century by Venetian painter Lorenzo Lotto.

Architecture, art, and history come together in the two castles of Monasterolo and Bianzano.

Lake Iseo is close to the Cavallina Valley and 30 kilometers from Bergamo, with historic villages overlooking the water and scenic routes as the main attractions.


Take a boat and head to Montisola, Europe's largest lake island, where seeing sardines drying in the sun is the norm and then enjoy them with a glass of good wine. Spend a romantic day in Sarnico among the Liberty style villas with floral decorations in a retro atmosphere, or spend a romantic day in Lovere, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, where works of art by Canova are kept in the Tadini Academy.

On the lake’s shore, surrounded by nature, is the Orrido del Bogn: there are paths leading there from Riva di Sotto and long scenic roads to travel by mountain bike, car or motorcycle.


Terre del Vescovado


Terre del Vescovado (“Bishopric Lands”) is an area that includes 15 municipalities in the eastern part of the province of Bergamo: Albano Sant'Alessandro, Bagnatica, Bolgare, Brusaporto, Carobbio degli Angeli, Chiuduno, Costa di Mezzate, Gorlago, Gorle, Montello, Orio al Serio, Pedrengo, Scanzorosciate, Seriate and Torre De' Roveri.


Here you can find the smallest DOCG of Italy, Moscato di Scanzo. The fine red berry passito is grown on the hills in only 31 hectares. Not only that, but this land is also known for other food and wine delicacies such as olive oil and craft beers.

The suggestive name combines history, culture, and a long tradition. These locations evoke the exploits of knights in a captivating romance between hills and plains that lives on in ancient stately homes and castles, evidence of an overwhelming past. In Chiuduno there is one of the most ancient castles of the province.


The plain of Bergamo


The plain lies south of the city.

It is washed by the rivers Oglio, Adda and Serio: the plain of Bergamo is rich in history, culture, and religion, making it ideal for numerous excursions outside of town to castles, historical commemorations, and religious paths.

The Caravaggio Sanctuary is only 26 kilometers from Bergamo and attracts pilgrims from all over the world to the sanctuary dedicated to Maria del Fonte, who appeared to a woman in 1432.

The Basilica of San Martino, dedicated to the Saint of Tours, has the highest bell tower in the province and Lombardy, and it is in Treviglio.


Castles and ancient dwellings abound on the plain. The most suggestive? We say it is the castle of Brignano Gera d'Adda, built in 1700, a typical example of a residence-castle in baroque style. Some other examples? Cologno al Serio is a fortified village of ancient splendor and the Castle of Malpaga is the ancient home of the leader Colleoni and today a famous setting for festivals and historical commemorations.

The plain is known for its numerous fountains and irrigation ditches, which are used to irrigate the countryside: pay a visit to the most famous fountain, Brancaleone, near Caravaggio.

There is a ring tour of the entire Bergamo plains for those who enjoy trekking. This is a cycle-hiking route among castles, fountains, and protected areas, away from busy roads, surrounded only by cultivated fields, farms, small churches, greenhouses, and ditches, and along which you can see various species of local birds, such as herons and ash, especially during the summer months.


Bergamo Island and Crespi d'Adda


An island in Bergamo surrounded by two rivers, the Adda and the Brembo.

Sotto il Monte is a gathering place for believers from all over the world, who come to see where the Good Pope, Pope John XXIII, was born in 1881, and the sanctuary dedicated to him, a place of prayer and pilgrimage.

Legend has it that Leonardo loved the river Adda, so much that he chose it as the setting for his painting The Virgin of the Rocks and designed the ferry that still crosses it today. The departure point is Villa d'Adda!

Between the abbey of Sant'Egidio in Fontanella and the basilica of Santa Giulia in Bonate Sotto, the island of Bergamo reveals the mysteries of Romanesque architecture, with fascinating myths and stories of valiant heroes.

The Tower of the Sun in Brembate is an astronomical observatory where visitors can learn about stars and planets, while Leolandia, an amusement park with a miniature version of Italy inside, is ideal for children.



On December 5, 1995, UNESCO designated Crespi d'Adda as a World Heritage Site, citing it as an exceptional example of the phenomenon of workers' villages, the most complete and best preserved in Southern Europe.

It is an ideal work village that develops around the textile factory, which is at the center of the inhabitants' lives and the village's very existence. The main avenue is lined with schools, workers' houses with terracotta decorations, the factory, and the manor house, and ends with the monumental cemetery. Crespi d'Adda was the first village in Italy to be equipped with modern Edison lighting.

Crespi d'Adda is now inhabited, and there are no opening or closing times, so it is always open for visits at any time. Parking is available outside the village, and you must walk 800 meters to get to the center.


Don't wait any longer, book your stay now: check if our rooms are available during the dates you require!

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CONTACT US

Phone: 348 7824524

via Enrico Rastelli, 7 24129 Bergamo

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HOW TO GET THERE

The international airport of Bergamo-Orio al Serio, which serves over 100 destinations, is 9 kilometers from our B&B Valle d'Astino and 12 minutes by car or Airport Bus from the railway station and city center. If you take a taxi the cost should be around 20 euros.

The train station is in the city center, 5 kilometers away (10 minutes by car), and can be reached by city bus 8 or rented electric city bicycles.

The Bergamo exit of the A4 Turin-Venice highway is 5 kilometers away.

The Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo is only 2 km from our B&B.

For additional information, please contact us.

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