Brembate di Sopra

Welcome to Brembate di Sopra

Hello everyone! Are you ready to explore the town of Brembate di Sopra with me? This small town is located in Lombardy, in the province of Bergamo, and is home to approximately 7,900 people. It is situated on the right bank of the Brembo river and is only 10 kilometers away from Bergamo.

The history of Brembate di Sopra

This area has a very ancient history, with the first settlements dating back to the Roman civilization. The strategic position of the town, which was located along an important military road that connected Bergamo to Como and Friuli, made it an important military and commercial crossroad towards Europe. Romans decided to establish several military outposts in this area, whose name is still attested by the toponym "castrum" in some nearby districts and by numerous archaeological remains.

Later on, the territory passed under the dominion of the Lombards, whose Duchy of Bergamo also included Brembate di Sopra. The village was often identified with the name of Lemine until 856 when it was called Brembate di Sopra for the first time, thanks to its proximity to the Brembo river.

During the Middle Ages, the village passed from the hands of the Pellegrini counts to those of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, who built numerous fortifications, including a castle in the Tresolzio locality and numerous towers, due to various disputes. This led to clashes between the troops of Bartolomeo Colleoni and those of Truzzano Rota, who sacked the village in 1392.

The annexation to the Republic of Venice in 1427 brought an end to the hostilities and the reunification of Brembate di Sopra, Arzenate, and Tresolzio, which had been previously divided. With the arrival of the Austrians, the area was included in the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom, and the municipalities regained their autonomy until 1927 when Brembate di Sopra was again merged with Ponte San Pietro. Autonomy was definitively restored to the town after World War II.

Let's visit Brembate di Sopra together: history, monuments and local cuisine.

Monuments and attractions

Now that we have traced the history of the municipality, let's discover some of its monuments and attractions. One of the most interesting places to visit is certainly the castle of Tresolzio, dating back to the medieval period. This castle was built by the Ghibellines to defend the territory from the incursions of the Guelphs and underwent numerous destructions over the centuries. Today it has been restored, and its grandeur is still evident, even if it is visible only from the outside.

Another beautiful attraction is the parish church of San Giorgio, dating back to 1772. This church has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries but has maintained its neoclassical appearance. Inside, you can admire many works of art, including a beautiful marble altar and a series of frescoes.

If you love nature, I recommend visiting the Resega Park, a green area that covers almost three hectares. Inside, you will find an artificial pond, a children's play area, and various fitness equipment. It is the ideal place to take a break from the chaos of the city and take a stroll among the trees.

Events and festivals

I cannot talk about the municipality of Brembate di Sopra without mentioning its festivals and events. The most important is certainly the Fiera di San Giorgio, held every year in mid-April. This event dates back to the thirteenth century and is one of the oldest fairs in the province of Bergamo. During the fair, there are stalls selling local products, children's rides, and various shows.

Another event worth mentioning is the Sagra della Polenta, held every year in July. On this occasion, you can taste traditional local dishes, such as polenta with birds, cheeses, and cold cuts.

What to eat

If you want to taste the typical dishes of Brembate di Sopra, you cannot miss polenta. This dish made from cornmeal can be tasted in many variations, such as with ragù or sausage. If you prefer meat, I recommend trying the brasato, a dish made from meat cooked for a long time in red wine with vegetables and spices.

To finish off, do not miss the traditional sweet of the area, polenta e osei. This dessert is made up of custard cream and colored sponge cake, which resemble the pens of birds.

Conclusions

There you go, we have explored the municipality of Brembate di Sopra together. I hope to have made you discover some of the history and beauties of this town. If you are in the area of Bergamo, do not miss the opportunity to visit this small and welcoming community.

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Monday, Oct 24, 2022