Borgo di Terzo
Exploring Borgo di Terzo: the hilltop village overlooking Cherio Valley
Borgo di Terzo is a small municipality with 1,147 inhabitants located on the right bank of the Cherio River in Lombardy, approximately 22 kilometers east of Bergamo. Also known as ''Bórgh de Tèrs'' in Bergamasque dialect, the village features a hilly terrain belonging to the Media Val Cavallina, crossed by the Cherio River and the Closale stream, which flows through the eponymous valley.
Diving into history
The name of the village comes from the Terzi family, originally from Borgo di Terzo, which played an important role in the area. The history of the village dates back to Roman times, as evidenced by some artifacts found in the area.
However, the most documented historical period concerns the Middle Ages, when the village was completely surrounded by walls and fortifications, with a castle dominating the valley. It was Emperor Frederick Barbarossa who razed it to the ground in 1168, but few years later it was rebuilt, leaving room for other constructions afterwards. Nevertheless, the so-called ''Torrazzo'' remains, a medieval palace dating back to the thirteenth century and located in the upper part of the village.
Symbols of Borgo di Terzo
The coat of arms of the municipality depicts two black towers closed and walled up on a blue background, on the opposite side a gold shield split in two with three red tortelli. The gonfalon, instead, is split in yellow and blue.
Visit to the monuments
Borgo di Terzo features several noteworthy architectural and religious attractions. Among the most important ones, there is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the thirteenth century and renovated several times over the centuries. The Church houses works by Pietro Marone and Gian Paolo Cavagna, including the painting of the "Crowned Virgin and the Saints Mary Magdalene, Eurosia and Lucia" and the "Christ the Redeemer".
Not open to visitors, the conventual church preserves an altarpiece by the painter Giuseppe Henz depicting a "Madonna with saints and offerer", a golden copper cross from the fifteenth century and a seventeenth-century cloister belonging to the San Michele convent, permanently suppressed in 1797. However, the highlight is the internal well which, with its four white stone columns and Renaissance capitals, is considered a national monument.
Try local cuisine
Lastly, in Borgo di Terzo you cannot miss trying the local cuisine. The village boasts an important culinary tradition, especially when it comes to meat-based dishes and mountain chees.
Conclusions
Borgo di Terzo is an enchanting village, suspended between the hills of the Media Val Cavallina, rich in history and charm. Ideal for a day trip, it offers visitors the opportunity to get to know the local culture and traditions, while enjoying a splendid view of the Cherio Valley and the surrounding green meadows.
