Borghi Medievali vicino a Bergamo - Clusone

10 Medieval Villages near Bergamo that you cannot miss

Outside Bergamo

09 December 2024

The wonderful medieval villages in the province of Bergamo represent one of the most fascinating historical and cultural treasures in Lombardy.

These little gems, surrounded by green hills, lakes and deep valleys, still preserve the charm of the past, offering their visitors a journey back in time.

The Medieval Villages near Bergamo

These small towns still preserve the charm of the past, with their cobbled streets, ancient walls, towers and castles that narrate centuries of history.

Among the most famous ones there are Clusone, with its famous Astronomical Clock, and Lovere, overlooking the shores of Lake Iseo, both listed among the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in Italy’.

Exploring these places means going back to the Middle Ages, surrounded by the stillness and magic of a bygone time.

Among the most fascinating medieval villages near Bergamo, here are ten that are definitely worth a visit. Let’s discover them together, and let’s find out why it is worth visiting them.

Clusone

Located in the Val Seriana, just 45 minutes from the city, Clusone is a medieval village near Bergamo of great interest. The historic centre has an atmosphere of another era, with elegant palaces, churches and characteristic alleys that narrate centuries of history. In addition to its medieval structure, it is famous for the Fanzago Planetary Clock, a masterpiece of mechanical engineering dating back to the 17th century, located on the south-facing façade of the Town Hall Tower.

Visitors are attracted by the mystery of this ancient clock, which has the peculiar characteristic of indicating the hours with a single hand (instead of two), and which moves counter-clockwise, and by the magnificent frescoes of the Dance Macabre that adorn the façade of the Oratorio dei Disciplini, which are a unique representation of the medieval vision of life and death.

Clusone – Dance Macabre in the Oratorio dei Disciplini

There are also many itineraries in the surrounding nature: from the Parco delle Orobie Bergamasche to peaceful walks along the Seriana Valley Cycle Route.

Worthy of mention in particular, near the village:

the walk that goes up to Rifugio San Lucio (call to check the opening),
a walk in the Clusone pine forest, which can also be done with children,
the walk up to Colle Crosio where you can appreciate the panorama of the village and the valley, and where you can visit the small church dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

Clusone combines history, art and nature in a single experience.

Gromo

Surrounded by the Orobian Alps and not far from Clusone, Gromo, the ‘borgo degli spadai’ – the ‘village of the sword-makers’ – is a small village overlooking the Serio river valley that still retains its ancient castle (Ginami) and several towers dominating the landscape. In the Middle Ages it was famous for the production of bladed weapons.

Its narrow alleys and its central square (Dante), surrounded by historic buildings, make it a perfect place for a journey back in time; walking through its streets you can feel the deep connection with history, between stone walls and buildings decorated with frescoes.

You cannot miss the Museo delle Armi e delle Pergamene – the Weapons and Parchments Museum, which narrates the glorious past of Gromo.

Nature lovers can explore the surrounding area: the Val Sanguigno, with its unspoilt landscapes, is perfect for hiking and trekking.

Gromo

Cornello dei Tasso

This small village in the Brembana Valley is another example of a well-preserved medieval town. It is famous for being the birthplace of the Tasso family, pioneers of the postal service in Europe.

Walking through the village along an old mule track, you can admire the ancient stone houses, the porticoed street and the Chiesa dei Santi Cornelio e Cipriano – the Church of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, with frescoes dating back to the 14th century.

Be sure to visit the Museo dei Tasso e della Storia Postale – Tasso and Postal History Museum, which recounts the evolution of communication and the importance of this family in the history of postal services.

Surrounded by a beautiful nature, Cornello also offers hiking trails, such as the one connecting the village to the nearby Oneta, another charming medieval village famous for its Harlequin house-museum. Along the road from Bergamo to Cornello, it is also possible to make a stop in the village of Clanezzo, where there is an ancient castle and a medieval bridge crossing the Brembo river.

Cornello Dei Tasso

Lovere

Another village worth visiting in the province of Bergamo is Lovere, located on the north-western shore of Lake Iseo. Its historic centre, with its ancient houses and cobbled alleys, offers many romantic settings.

Be sure to visit the Torre Civica, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra, a Renaissance jewel, and the Galleria dell’Accademia Tadini, which houses artworks and a remarkable museum.

For those who love outdoor activities, Lovere offers water sports on the lake and hiking and cycling itineraries in the surrounding area. An evening visit will be a romantic experience, with the illuminated village reflected in the calm waters of the lake

Lovere

Riva di Solto

Overlooking Lake Iseo as well, Riva di Solto is a small medieval and fishing village with an enchanting atmosphere. Its narrow alleys leading down to the lake, and its ancient palaces, flower-filled balconies and breathtaking views over the lake make this village a pearl.

A must-do is the beautiful lakeside walk to the orrido del Bogn – Bogn gorge on the border of the village, a popular bathing spot with incredible colours.

Sarnico

Sarnico is another village near Bergamo, and it is located on the southern shore of Lake Iseo. Its historic centre has a strong medieval atmosphere, with its ancient buildings and charming squares.

You can explore its cobbled alleys, craft shops and the Chiesa di San Paolo, with its Renaissance frescoes, on foot. Nature lovers can take the Ciclopedonale del Bogn – Bogn Cycle-Pedestrian Trail, a spectacular path along the lake between rocks and vegetation.

Its proximity to the lake and to the capital of the province, together with the presence along the coast of elegant Art Nouveau villas – such as Villa Faccanoni and Villa Surre – make Sarnico an ideal destination for a day trip from Bergamo. It is also a perfect starting point for boat trips on the lake.

Sarnico

Arnosto

This is one of the tiny medieval villages – although in this case it would be more correct to use the term ‘Contrada’ – near Bergamo, located in the heart of the Imagna Valley, one hour’s drive from Bergamo, which still preserves its ancient structure.

With its ancient houses with steeply sloping roofs made entirely of local stone, narrow alleys and the ancient customs house, it is an ideal place for those looking for tranquillity and the charm of a bygone era.

Sotto il Monte

Famous for being the birthplace of Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who became Pope John XXIII, Sotto il Monte offers a spiritual and historical experience.

Its main attractions include the Pope’s birthplace and the Sanctuary dedicated to him, immersed in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity

San Pellegrino Terme

Famous for its recently renovated thermal baths and mineral waters, San Pellegrino Terme is a charming village with Art Nouveau architecture, located in Val Brembana as well.

The Casino, an architectural jewel that will enchant you with its ornate interiors, and the Grand Hotel, a symbol par excellence of the Art Nouveau style, bear witness to its glorious past as a luxury tourist destination.

There is also the possibility of impressive walks along the tree-lined avenue of the thermal baths and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains.

The village is connected to Bergamo by regular and frequent buses.

San Pellegrino Terme – The Grand Hotel

Crespi d’Adda

Crespi d’Adda, a picturesque working-class village founded in the late 19th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit.

Although its history is more recent, its architecture and town planning somehow recall the medieval era, with neat streets and brick buildings.

It is located 17.5 km from Bergamo, and nearby you can also spend a day in the Leolandia children’s amusement park.