Bione
Welcome to Bione: the enchanting municipality of Lombardy
Welcome to Bione, an enchanting municipality located in the province of Brescia, Lombardy. With a population of 1310 inhabitants, Bione is considered one of the hidden gems of the region.
Let's explore the physical geography of Bione
Located in the central-western area of Val Sabbia, Bione is in a dominant position that offers a panoramic view of the Vrenda Valley, also known as "Conca d'Oro". The town is surrounded by mountains, and its highest point, Mount Prealba, is 1271 meters above sea level.
Bione belongs to seismic zone 3, which means that it is at low seismic risk but may be subject to slight tremors. In terms of climate, Bione is in the "F" climatic zone.
Let's discover the origin of the name
The origin of the name "Bione" remains a mystery, but there are several hypotheses. Some argue that it derives from the color amaranth, known as "Biom" or "Bion" in the local dialect. Others believe that the name comes from the ancient Greek "bios", which means "life". In past centuries, the country was called in various ways: from Abiono to Abbione to Bion.
The history of Bione
According to historians, the first inhabited nucleus of Bione would have formed around the year one thousand when people from the Po Valley moved towards the mountains due to the raids of the barbarians. Bione was the seat of one of the oldest parishes of Val Sabbia, along with Vobarno, Casto, Idro, and Gavardo.
It is possible that before the Carolingian era, there was a fortified garrison, but there are no remains from that period at ground level. The rural parish of Bione, which detached itself around the year one thousand from the Pieve di Nave, extended throughout the Conca d'Oro. Over time, the parishes of Agnosine (before 1037), Odolo (1559), Gazzane di Preseglie (1671), and S. Faustino (1926) acquired autonomy and the ability to govern and manage themselves.
The spread of Christianity in Val Sabbia is due to Saint Vigilius, the third bishop of Trent, sent to preach in the Valsabbini territories by Pope Damasus I, in the 4th century. A sanctuary dedicated to him is located on the mountains west of Bione, in a very remote position far from the inhabited center.
Bione has a long history, and there are many artifacts that testify to this fact. In 1955, during excavations for the construction of elementary schools, fragments of decorated slabs were found that could date back to the 8th-9th centuries and be remodeled from the ancient church.
The church of Bione
The parish church of Bione is an important landmark for the city, and its bell tower, a compact and robust structure, is the only remaining part of the ancient church. In 1952, the bell tower was renovated and raised to adapt it to the larger size of the new church.
Conclusion
Bione is a city with a rich history and a splendid view of the Vrenda Valley, surrounded by mountains and close to the larger cities of Lombardy. If you are looking for a hidden and charming destination, Bione is the perfect place. Come and discover its ancient history, admire the beauty of its geographical location, and enjoy the hospitality of its inhabitants. We look forward to welcoming you to our beloved city of Bione.
