Bossico
ciaoBossico: let's explore together the village of the Bergamo plateau
Bossico is an Italian municipality located in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy, with a population of 977 inhabitants. The village is known for its privileged position on a plateau that dominates many surrounding areas: the Val Borlezza, the high Val Cavallina, Lake Iseo and the Val Camonica. In this article, we will explore together the physical geography, the origin of the name, the history and the places of interest in Bossico.
Physical geography
Bossico is located about 46 kilometers from Bergamo and 60 km from Brescia and is situated on a plateau that stretches from 860m above sea level at the top of Monte Colombina, which reaches 1459m above sea level. The panoramic view of the surrounding nature, including the presence of karst phenomena such as sinkholes, morainic saddles and erratic boulders, makes Bossico a popular tourist destination.
Origin of the name
The origin of the name of the village has been the subject of several hypotheses. According to some, "Bossico" derives from the term "bosso", referring to the presence of this plant. Another theory suggests that the name could come from the Latin word "bos-bovis", meaning "ox", a central animal in the agricultural economy of the area. Professor Alessandro Sina's theory suggests that the dialectal term "Bösec" indicates a depression in the ground located on a hill, suggesting the presence of numerous karst phenomena.
History
Antiquity
Four rocks with prehistoric rock engravings were found on the Bossico plateau, probable evidence of shelters for populations from the valley in case of floods or attacks by other peoples. The presence of some Roman coins dating back to the 19th century also suggests a Roman domination.
Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the Bishop of Brescia built a castle near the village.
Modern age
Bossico was hit by the famous plague of 1630.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality of Bossico was granted by the Decree of the President of the Republic of 30 October 2008 and the banner is white.
Monuments and places of interest
Religious architecture
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1672 on the basis of a previous Renaissance-style place of worship, stands in the heart of the village. The church was expanded over the centuries and today preserves some frescoes, including one dedicated to the Madonna della Rondine. Among the most suggestive elements of the building, there are the columns and the sandstone portal, but also the numerous marble inlays.
Hiking and nature
The position of Bossico makes this locality ideal for hiking and nature lovers. In the plateau's territory, one can visit the Costa di Grom, a morainic saddle that extends above the village, or admire the karst phenomena present, such as sinkholes and erratic boulders. Mount Colombina offers the possibility of breathtaking hikes, where you can admire the panoramic view of Val Borlezza and Val Cavallina.
Conclusions
Bossico is a small municipality of the Bergamo plateau with an ancient history and places of interest worth visiting. Its panoramic position and the presence of karst phenomena make it a sought-after tourist destination, perfect for nature and hiking enthusiasts.
