La “Dimora di Beatrice”
Via Carale, 15
24010 Santa Brigida
Bergamo - Italia
Santa Brigida is a "scattered" municipality, meaning it lacks a clearly defined town center (though the most important meeting places and the post office are located near the Town Hall). The town is located approximately 40 km from Bergamo, in the Upper Brembana Valley, within the Averara Valley. Given its size and its 12 hamlets, it lies at approximately 800 to 900 meters above sea level. Our "Santa" is the perfect transit and rest stop for ascents to nearby Monte Avaro, its cross-country ski slopes, and breathtaking hikes. Santa Brigida has just over 500 residents, but it fills with tourists on weekends and, during the holidays, bustles with vacationers, making it a truly vibrant hub of activities.
Santa Brigida Bergamo
Art, Tradition and a lot of Nature
History
The toponym "Avaro," which today refers to the gentle slopes of the mountain of the same name, characterizes the entire "Averara Valley," which has been mentioned since shortly before the year 1000. Together with the current towns of Olmo al Brembo, Mezzoldo, Ornica, and Cusio, they formed the autonomous Municipality of the Averara Valley, which remained independent until the arrival of Venetian rule. Under the rule of the "Venetian Republic," which lasted until the 18th century, the community maintained its distinctive identity despite the rigid caste system typical of medieval northern Italian society. This period saw the beginning of mining and quarrying, which has continued to characterize some of the most important professions to this day, and emigration, which would continue to disrupt society even after the end of World War II. With the arrival of Napoleon and, subsequently, the Austrian invasion, the Averara Valley Municipality found its final end, and Santa Brigida became an autonomous government entity. These years saw the greatest economic and demographic crisis in the town, which experienced a long period of darkness in its history. Following the unification of Italy, emigration became even more massive, with Switzerland and, even more so, France as its preferred destinations... a fact we are reminded of every summer when the town teems with "repatriates" in their cars with French license plates. The post-World War II period, thanks to the efforts of a series of competent political classes, saw the emergence of some agri-food activities, the emergence of a renewed pastoralism, and a generation of skilled workers appreciated throughout the region for their work. Completing a Renaissance picture, the completion of the communication routes brought tourism to the country, with a massive influx of visitors starting with the boom of the 1960s. Today, there is a fervent return to tourism, less mass, more informed and demanding, and much more respectful of traditions.
Santa Brigida was born in Sweden in 1303 and was canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1391, 18 years after her death in Rome. Saint Bridget, in addition to being the patron saint of Sweden, is also
one of the patron saints of Europe and
experienced an exceptional series
of mystical experiences, which
during her lifetime have been collected
in eight volumes on the lives
of future Popes and Christianity.
Venerated by the Catholic Church
and the Lutherans, the saint's
remains are buried in San Lorenzo
in Rome.
Art, Baschenis Paintings
This is truly an exceptional land where tradition and rurality blend with art, and especially painting. This is the land of the Baschenis family, as well as their students and followers, who adorned places of worship with exquisite frescoes that have survived, and been rediscovered, to this day. From the founder Antonio Baschenis (1450-1490) to the last great exponent, Evaristo (1617-1677), the entire family, originally from Averara, worked in the Santa Brigida area, throughout the Bergamo area, and in Trentino, bringing the valley's name to the forefront of the public eye. Of particular interest is the Church of Santa Brigida, now the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows, where, about 50 years ago, a series of frescoes, some attributed to Cristofaro Baschenis the Younger, from the 15th-century Milanese school, were rediscovered, making this place of worship a must-see. The Parish of Santa Brigida, an eclectic building from the early 20th century, contains a collection of highly interesting late Baroque furnishings and paintings, as well as truly breathtaking landscape views.
Sport, Nature & More…
To describe in detail the natural attractions that you can find in Santa Brigida, as well as in the entire Averara Valley, we would have to open a dedicated website... let's let the images speak for themselves.
The “Monte Avaro”
Mount Avaro, which gives its name to the valley below, rises to 2,088 meters above sea level. It can also be reached via an easy hike with a difference in altitude of about 300 meters from Piani dell'Avaro, offering breathtaking views and guaranteed relaxation. And it is precisely from Piani dell'Avaro, at an average altitude of about 1,700 meters, that a small but well-equipped cross-country ski trail begins, where experienced skiers and beginners alike can enjoy over 7 km of trails. A paradise for families and children, yet never crowded with hordes of gold miners, the gentle slopes are a delight for children, while the on-site restaurants cater to the needs of adults.
The 2024-2025 season is at its peak... on Monte Avaro, it's always sunny! Thanks to www.valbrembanaweb.com for permission to use the video.
Walking
The Averara Valley, due to its unique characteristics, is rich in trails, generally of medium difficulty, for a total of approximately 50 km accessible in all seasons. Download the maps for detailed information.
We are happy to revert any of your questions
Get in touch with us
Phone
00393395485461
postmaster@dimorabeatrice.it