Azzone
Welcome to Azzone!
Azzone is a beautiful municipality located in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy, with less than 400 inhabitants. It is a place surrounded by the greenery of the mountains, surrounded by the Regional Nature Reserve Boschi del Giovetto, a place of very high natural interest. The fresh and clean air makes it perfect for a holiday dedicated to nature and outdoor sports. In this article, I will take you on a journey of discovery of this lovely small municipality.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Azzone consists of the town center and the hamlets of Dezzo and Dosso. It is located northeast of the Orobie Alps, on the left bank of the Dezzo stream, in the Scalve Valley. The municipality is surrounded by Mount Camino and the highlands known as the "Pale," which separate it from the Val Camonica. One of the most fascinating places in the country is the Regional Nature Reserve Boschi del Giovetto, where the native ants belonging to the "formica rufa" species can also be found. This area is in high demand for excursions suitable for every need, from simple walks to more challenging activities like trekking and sky-races.
Origin of the Name
The toponym Azzone comes from the word "Some," which indicates an ancient inhabited place. In the municipal territory, there is still the locality of Some, which has kept this name. The toponym has undergone several transformations before becoming Azzone.
History
Antiquity
Azzone is one of the oldest permanently inhabited places in the Scalve Valley. It is assumed that it was also inhabited in pre-Roman times, and even then the area's significant mining resources were used, albeit in a rudimentary way.
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the village came under the control of the Holy Roman Empire and the monks of Tours. Later, the Bishop of Bergamo conquered the territory and gave feudal investiture to the "Captains of Scalve." These were replaced by the "Universitas of Scalve," a small feudal institution similar to a republic, which guaranteed great privileges to the inhabitants and almost total autonomy. With the transition to the Republic of Venice, Azzone maintained its privileges, forming, with the other Scalvine districts, the "Comunità Grande di Scalve."
Modern Age
Towards the end of the seventeenth century, the municipality had its own statutes and was recognized as a district. With the advent of the Cisalpine Republic, it acquired its own municipal autonomy, incorporating the Dezzo district into its borders.
Conclusion
Azzone is a municipality with a fascinating history, surrounded by splendid natural landscapes. The Boschi del Giovetto reserve awaits you with its particular flora and fauna. Come and visit Azzone for a regenerating holiday, immersed in nature.
