Berzo Inferiore
Welcome to Berzo Inferiore: an overview of the town
Welcome to Berzo Inferiore, a municipality in Val Camonica in the province of Brescia, Lombardy. With a population of about 2462 inhabitants, the town is located in the lower part of Val Grigna, surrounded by Bienno and Esine. The name of the municipality could derive from the Iberian term "ber" (ram, sheepfold) or from the word "Bersium" (hedge or fence). The history of Berzo Inferiore dates back to the Mesolithic period, as indicated by the 33 artifacts found near the Crestoso Pass. Over the centuries, Berzo Inferiore has been the scene of disputes with other municipalities and has been owned by numerous feudal lords.
The history of Berzo Inferiore over the centuries
Berzo Inferiore has a rich and complex history dating back to the Mesolithic period. Over the centuries, the town has undergone various changes, including raids, looting, and conflicts with other municipalities in Val Camonica. In 1041, the town was known as "Bercio", while in 1298 there was a dispute between Berzo and Bovegno over some mountain pastures. In 1350, the Bishop of Brescia invested the rights of tithe in the territories of Berzo Inferiore, Ono San Pietro, and Cerveno to Rainaldo del fu Zanino Federici di Gorzone. In 1404, Berzo Inferiore was destroyed by the Guelfs of Predore and Adrara San Martino as revenge for the looting suffered in previous years. In 1867, the provincial council of Brescia deliberated for the union of the municipalities of Bienno and Berzo, but the idea was met with strong opposition. Only between 1927 and 1947 was Berzo Inferiore aggregated to Bienno, due to the fascist law on the union of municipalities.
Local feudal lords of Berzo Inferiore
Noble families obtained ownership of the town of Berzo Inferiore from the Bishop of Brescia. Among these stands out the Federici family, which dominated the region in 1350 and beyond.
Symbols of Berzo Inferiore
Berzo Inferiore has a coat of arms and a banner. The coat of arms of the municipality was granted in 2002 and depicts the brick hearth of the ancient metalworking forges, a star that alludes to the union of the municipal territory, and a shield with an eagle representing a family of counts Lambertini who would have owned a local castle. The banner of Berzo Inferiore is a blue flag.
Monuments and places of interest in Berzo Inferiore
Berzo Inferiore has many churches and places of interest. The church of Santa Maria Nascente is the parish church of the town, erected from 1609 onwards. The church is an example of religious architecture dating back centuries ago.
Thank you for sharing with us the interesting history of Berzo Inferiore, a municipality with a rich and complex history dating back to the Mesolithic period. We are glad to have learned more about the region, its feudal families, and the places of interest that make it up.
