Capriolo: History, Churches and Trails along the Oglio

In Capriolo, historic buildings and collections meet trails linking the town with the Oglio and Monte Alto. For your stay, you can focus on churches and museums or plan a hike. The sights and route descriptions offer different perspectives on the town.

Churches, Castle and Museums

On the hill above Capriolo is the Castello – Monastero di S. Maria degli Angeli complex: a castle at the foot of the hill and the monastery above it make up its two parts. The fortified complex is compact and irregularly trapezoidal in shape. A central courtyard and tall perimeter walls define its architecture. Tours of the complex are organised by Pro Loco Capriolo; check availability in advance.

The Chiesa Prepositurale di S. Giorgio also brings together several historical periods. The church was first mentioned in 1274 and underwent extensive renovation and expansion from 1674. It houses Gerolamo Romanino’s Resurrection, dated to around 1525. The work was therefore created well before the later renovation. The church offers a tangible reference point for distinguishing between different periods in the town’s history.

Two museums have distinct focuses. The Museo Agricolo e del Vino Ricci Curbastro preserves thousands of objects bearing witness to historical agricultural work. Its four rooms are arranged by theme; reservations are required to visit. In the historic centre, the Piccolo Museo della Memoria displays mementos from the First and Second World Wars, as well as objects from everyday, agricultural and craft life. While one museum focuses on agricultural work, the other’s collection ranges from wartime memories to items from everyday life.

Trails through Capriolo and to Monte Alto

The paved Via Fontane Vecchie connects the lower part of town with the Castello-Monastero. The area of natural springs also includes the historic Fontane Antiche fountain area. The lane thus links a lower-lying part of Capriolo with the castle and monastery complex; its name also refers to the springs and fountain area.

Stage 3 of the Via delle Sorelle also passes through Capriolo. After the villages and vineyards of Corte Franca and Adro, it runs through the town. Beyond the historic centre, the route follows the Oglio River along the Sentiero Verde dell’Oglio towards Paratico. The Sentiero Verde leads to the historic Capriolo NK cotton mill, having crossed under the railway line twice beforehand. This makes it possible to distinguish the passage through town from the riverside section as separate parts of the described stage.

Another hiking option is the approximately 10 km circular route on Monte Alto. It starts near the Chiesa di San Giorgio, climbs uphill to the castle, passes the Chiesa degli Alpini and reaches the summit, where there is a cross. Unlike the riverside section of the Via delle Sorelle, this route is described as a circuit over the mountain, with the summit as its destination. If you are planning a hike, the approximate distance is a useful guide when choosing a route; no walking time is specified. Capriolo is also one of the municipalities in Parco dell’Oglio Nord.

Local Tradition

La Ret, a salami from Capriolo with a De.-Co. designation, is part of the local food culture. This product is the focus of the Sagra di San Giorgio, held every year in April. Its fixed seasonal connection sets the event apart from the buildings and trails described as accessible year-round. If you would like to plan your trip around the Sagra, check the dates for that year’s event in advance.

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For the main travel overview: Brescia.