Demo
Welcome to Berzo Demo!
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Berzo Demo, a delightful Italian municipality with 1508 inhabitants located in the beautiful Val Camonica, in Lombardy. If you are passionate about nature, trekking, and rock art, this place is definitely for you.
Physical Geography
Berzo Demo is located on the southern slopes of Pian della Regina and includes three settlements: Demo, Berzo, and Monte. The State road 42 of Tonale and Mendola crosses the municipality, from which the Provincial road leads to Cevo. Berzo Demo borders several municipalities: Cevo to the east, Sonico and Malonno to the north, Paisco Loveno and Sellero to the west, and Cedegolo to the south.
Origins of the Name
The name Berzo could derive from "Bersium," a pre-Roman word that means "enclosure for animals." Demo, on the other hand, may have been called so because it was a transit place on the ancient Valligiana road.
History
Berzo and Demo were already well -present in history in 1299 when the consuls of the vicinia pledged their allegiance to the bishop of Brescia. In 1760, the population of the three settlements was 790 inhabitants.
During the fascist ventennio, Berzo Demo was included in the municipality of Cedegolo but regained its autonomy after the war.
Another important page in the history of Berzo Demo concerns the industrial location of Forno d'Allione, which saw its production activity end in 1994 after being fundamental in the field of graphite electrodes between the 1930s and the 1970s.
Art and Culture
Berzo Demo is famous for its many rock paintings, a testament to the ancient human presence in this area. In particular, the UNESCO site of the Naquane Rock Drawings is something you must not miss.
But that's not all. Berzo is also the place where the famous "Polenta e Osèi" was born, a cake made with yellow polenta, raisins, pine nuts, and nuts. The preparation of Osèi is an art in itself, passed down from generation to generation.
Our Suggestions
If you decide to visit Berzo Demo, here are some activities not to be missed:
- A walk to discover the rock paintings of Naquane;
- A hike on Mount Concarena, the highest peak in the Val Camonica;
- A visit to the Church of San Rocco, built-in 1540;
- A stop in Forno d'Allione, to admire the former graphite electrode factory.
Conclusions
That's a summary of Berzo Demo, a truly special municipality full of history. Thank you for following us, and we hope you can visit this beautiful town soon!
