Discover Averara: historic routes and chestnut groves

Averara brings together historic sites, chestnut landscapes and hiking trails. When planning your trip, two differences are especially useful to bear in mind: the buildings and their history, and the very different time commitments of the routes—from a walk of around three hours to a mountain hike lasting several hours.

Via Mercatorum, towers and historic buildings

The Via Porticata di Averara is lined with buildings dating from the 15th century and forms part of the ancient Via Mercatorum. Before the Via Priula was built, this route connected Bergamo with the Grisons and Central Europe. The Torre della Sapienza also offers a special glimpse into history: short Latin maxims and admonitions on its bricks convey religious and moral principles. The tower is considered a rare medieval tool for educating and instructing local communities.

One of the medieval towers stands along the Via Mercatorum, near the former fortification in Contrada Castello. Another tower stood on a rocky outcrop from which the valley and the road to Santa Brigida could be monitored. Casa Bottagisi is an old, characteristic building on the Via Mercatorum. It is often thought to have served as a Venetian customs house, but this interpretation is not supported by documentary evidence. The parish church of San Giacomo in Averara houses an organ made by the Serassi family workshop. Valmoresca is home to the distinctive church of Madonna della Neve.

Chestnut landscapes and local traditions

Chestnut groves extend across almost the entire municipality, reaching altitudes of up to 900 metres. In Castagneto, you will find old chestnut trees and rural buildings restored by the local Castanicoltori association. Landscape and cultural heritage also come together at the Sagra della Castagna in Redivo: held since 1974, it is a cultural gathering that brings together the community, associations and local traditions.

Hiking trails for different time budgets

Sentiero 105B leads from the edge of Olmo al Brembo to Redivo in Averara, passing through the arch-shaped rock formation known as Corna or Büsa della Pizzarèla. It is rated E (Escursionistico). Another trail, Sentiero 110, leads to the dam at 1,546 metres, runs alongside the lake and climbs to Casera Ancogno at 1,759 metres. From there, the route continues along a road and sections of the Via Priula to Rifugio Ca’ San Marco at 1,830 metres.

A route lasting around three hours links Valmoresca, Caprile Inferiore, Losc and Caprile Superiore, following traces of local history. The themed route Averara, la Via Mercatorum e il Passo San Marco takes considerably longer: around seven to seven and a half hours. It involves approximately 1,190 metres of elevation gain and reaches a maximum altitude of 1,985 metres at Passo di San Marco. It is rated E (Escursionisti). Check the conditions on the relevant route before setting out.

Plan access and your visit

The Dall’alto delle Torri loop can be explored independently. The small churches, however, are open only for services or organised visits. You can reach the Via Porticata and the Torre della Sapienza on foot or by bicycle via a paved road; check access conditions before your visit.

Casa Bottagisi is open for free, independent visits; paid guided tours are available by prior reservation. If you are planning a guided tour, confirm the date in advance. Below Passo San Marco, the historic Casa Cantoniera now serves as a mountain refuge, with alpine-style rooms, and as an important starting point for hikes of varying difficulty. If you are considering staying there, check availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: San Pantaleone, Gromo, Trescore Balneario, Ponteranica, Endine, Calusco D'adda, Sarnico, Selvino.

For the broader travel overview: Bergamo.