{"id":683,"date":"2024-06-21T15:49:56","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T13:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/?post_type=racconti_di_viaggio&p=683"},"modified":"2024-10-23T12:05:57","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T10:05:57","slug":"castagneta-valmarina-and-the-monastery","status":"publish","type":"racconti_di_viaggio","link":"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/castagneta-valmarina-and-the-monastery\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking from Via Castagneta to Valmarina"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hidden among the creases of the Bergamo hills, the path from Castagneta<\/strong> to Valmarina<\/strong> offers an enchanting experience that combines natural beauty with the region’s rich historical heritage, which is well represented by the former Monastery of Valmarina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Located close to Bergamo<\/strong>, this itinerary is the perfect opportunity to experience the tranquillity of the foothills, and to discover hidden treasures along its path.<\/p>\n

The path to Valmarina<\/h2>\n

The 18-km loop itinerary starts from Via Castagneta<\/strong> in Bergamo, where we take the Green Way<\/strong> del Morla cycle path in the direction of the Benedictine Monastery of Valmarina<\/strong>, following the trails that run through the countryside of the Bergamo province.<\/p>\n

Some highlights of the itinerary are Via Ramera, Colle Roccolone<\/strong> and the Quisa cycle-pedestrian path<\/strong>, which runs through some sections of forest, following the signs for path 910 towards Laghetto di Gres.<\/p>\n

In some sections, this itinerary blends with the Vases Trail<\/a>,<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0and it will give you the opportunity to admire several small churches and shrines of historical and religious interest.<\/p>\n

\"Valmarina\"

Valmarina \u2013 Picture of the former Monastery taken from primabergamo.it<\/p><\/div>\n

What to see in Castagneta and Valmarina<\/h2>\n

This hike gives you the opportunity to experience an enchanting landscape, winding through and embracing the Parco dei Colli<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Colli Park in Bergamo. Among the countryside and forests, you will also see several places of interest such as the remains of the ancient Vases Aqueduct<\/strong>, which centuries ago used to supply water to the Upper Town of Bergamo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is also possible to see Villa Agliardi<\/strong> and the Sanctuary of Sombreno<\/strong>, which are located in the municipality of Sombreno, and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Castagna<\/strong>, located on Colle Roccolone.<\/p>\n

However, the most important historical and cultural building is undoubtedly the Monastery of Valmarina<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Benedictine

Benedictine Monastery of Valmarina – Parco dei Colli Site – Picture taken from bergamodascoprire.it<\/p><\/div>\n

Benedictine <\/strong>Monastery of Valmarina in Bergamo<\/h2>\n

The former Benedictine Monastery of Valmarina<\/strong> is located in an open meadow surrounded by woods and vineyards. The origins of this building date back to the year 1153<\/strong>, when it was built to house a small community of Benedictine nuns<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The nuns’ life was helped by the presence of a stream<\/strong> flowing near the monastery, which was cleverly channelled in order to be used as a resource for monastic life.<\/p>\n

However, the monastery had already been abandoned by the end of the 15th century and converted into a farmstead, but it still retains certain parts of the classic structure of Benedictine life, such as the refectory<\/strong>, the chapter house<\/strong> and the Romanesque church<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In the 18th century, several sections and rooms were added in order to create the enclosed courtyard that we can admire today. The former monastery was recently renovated and since 1997<\/strong> it has served as the headquarters of the Park Management Authority of the Colli Park – Parco dei Colli<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Other itineraries around Bergamo<\/h4>\n