Gandino lies above the Serio River Valley (Valle Seriana) in the Province of Bergamo, at 550 meters above sea level, an ancient center where wool production and weaving have been a major contribution to the wealth of the village since its flourishing in the 14^th century. There is manifest evidence of medieval society, as well as grand villas and churches from the 15^th to the 17^th centuries.

A walk around the historical center is the chance to admire the many villas, churches and towers. Among the most outstanding of these is the 14^th-century “Palazzo del Vicario” (Vicar’s Villa), now the town hall, in the main “Vittorio Veneto” square, with its arcade structure in the “broletti Lombardi” style. Others include the grand villa “Salone della Valle” and numerous other residences of the aristocratic families of woolen textile producers and traders, whose activity made Gandino famous all over Europe from the 15^th to the 18^th centuries. Only a few steps from these buildings,  the baroque cathedral “Santa Maria Assunta” towers above, one of the major monuments of the province. The San Mauro church, attached to the Orsoline convent, conserves a precious religious relic: the monastic robe worn by Padre Pio from Pietralcina, which is displayed to the faithful every year in the basilica on September 23^rd, the liturgical anniversary, to popular veneration. The canvasses, vestments, lace, gold, and silver objects, constituting the basic accoutrements of the basilica, are displayed in the nearby Museum of Sacred Art, one of the most important storehouses of such materials in Europe. Two sections of the museum are dedicated to the textile arts and Christ’s nativity.

History, faith, and local traditions are revived each year with various celebrations The Corpus Domini parade wends its way through the historic center bedecked with multicoloured ribbons and banners identifying the various neighborhoods. The participation of the ancient fraternal associations in their traditional uniforms provides a unique quality to this procession. Early in the Lenten season prior to Easter, the deeply felt sacred “Triduo” (three holy days) of the dead is observed, when the magnificent radiant wooden halo by the Caniana workshop, about five meters in diameter, is set up in the basilica. Not to be missed the fourth Sunday of Lent is the fair of San Giuseppe (Saint Joseph), when hundreds of arts and crafts stands take over the center.

In July, on the Friday before the first Sunday in the month, the unique and original “Egg Race” takes place, running from Vittorio Veneto square to Fiorano al Serio, in the valley below. This is a passionately popular competition that ends with a village festival preparing and serving a giant omelette.

Each year Gandino plans prestigious events such as the renown concert series at the basilica, the day-long “Gandino Gusto” trek, a wine and food tasting walk from village to village, not to mention the local festivities in each of the semi-autonomous municipal hamlets of Cirano and Barzizza, and on Monte Farno above the valley.

For trekking a great hike starting at the “Fonanei” (springs) along the Alpine trail #544 up to the Val Piana  and then on up to Mt. Sovere to the Malga Lunga refuge. Another option starts at the parking lot on Mt. Farno, from where trail #549 circles Mt. Farno. From the lower side of the the valley, an excursion suitable for children starts where cars can be left at Valpiana, passes the “Fonte delle Mamme” (“Mothers’ Fountain”) to the lovely little “Laghetto Corrado” (Corrado Pond). Also going up to Valpiana (car transit road) you can get “Fontanei” where there is a notable rock-climbing cliff, mapped out and equipped for climbers by the “CAI” (Italian Alpine Climbing Association), at a 60° incline leading to the “Croce di Corno”. Besides the Malga Lunga refuge, points of restoration include the “Parafulmine” refuge, which is open on weekends and holidays throughout the year. The little mountain museum at Malga Lunga features documents, prints, and memorabilia from the partisan resistance of WWII.

As regards gastronomy, in the restaurants of the zone you can taste several characteristic local dishes, from “casoncelli” and “polenta” blended with “formagella” cheese to roast beef and stews

For sport lovers there are two cross-country ski routes at Montagnina, one of 3.7 km. and the other 10 (ask at Rifugio Parafulmine), while Monte Farno is ideal for paragliding, lessons and equipment available at the ”Monte Farno Free Flight Association” (Associazione Volo Libero Monte Farno), Diego Servalli, telephone 348-3115311. Mountain and rock climbing enthusiasts can venture up the established routes of “Falesia Fontanèi”, assisted by the Koren Group, telephone 338-92185303; but there are also artificial practice cliffs near the Sacred Heart oratory and the Gandino Gym & Sports facility. In the Cirano locality  there’s an archery field maintained and equipped by the Valgandino Archery Club. Then there are the tennis courts in town and short-field soccer (“calcetto”) with synthetic grass, a bowling alley, a “beach” volleyball court, and a fully equipped gymnasium. In Casnigo, 3 km. from the center, there are indoor and outdoor swimming pools and avant-garde fitness training equipment. There’s also a well-marked bicycle trail through Casnigo that connects with that of the Valle Seriana, which follows the Serio river for dozens of kilometres from Bergamo to Clusone, also ideal for jogging and walking.

Gandino guarantees a range of services to those who want to establish a residency. Shops and schools schools from nursery school and kindergarten through middle school are close at hand, a modern church oratory with synthetic grass sports field and recreational activities open to the public. The historic center offers great housing possibilities in prestigious villas, some of which are real bargains to be restored for living or used for profit, while in the peripheral neighbourhoods are modern residences with particularly evocative panoramic views.

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bibgandino@yahoo.it

Recommended to see

The Cathedral		The hamlets Cirano e Barzizza		Mount Farno	The Convent	The Giovanelli's Palace
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