Cenate Sopra
Cenate Sopra: A Dive into History
Cenate Sopra, also known as "San Liù" in the Bergamo dialect, is a beautiful town situated at the foot of Mount Misma, in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy, with a population of about 2515 inhabitants. The town is located at the entrance of Val Cavallina, about 14 kilometers east of Bergamo. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover all the secrets and wonders of this splendid town.
Physical Geography
The territory of Cenate Sopra extends over an area of approximately 6.5 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of about 355 meters above sea level. The municipality is part of the Bergamaschi Lakes Mountain Community and is adjacent to the municipalities of Bergamo, San Paolo d'Argon, and Cenate Sotto.
Origin of the Name
The toponym of Cenate first appears in an inheritance document from 830, where it reads "Casa sua de Cenate". Prior to this name, the town was known as Casco, which identified a small hamlet near the locality of Sant'Ambrogio.
History
Despite many historians describing Cenate Sopra as a village of ancient origins, the first document attesting to its existence dates back to 774 when the village of Casco is mentioned in the "Codex Diplomaticus". The name of the current municipality of Cenate Sopra was Casco, until the first half of the 15th century, when it gradually disappeared. The current toponym completely replaced Casco at the beginning of the 16th century.
The parish and the capital were located in the current territory of Cenate Sotto. In the Middle Ages, there were numerous disputes between the two villages of the town, which were divided by the Tadone stream. These conflicts culminated in repeated clashes after San Carlo Borromeo decided to establish a second parish, dedicated to Pope Leo I, in the current territory of the municipality in 1575, effectively dividing the town. The administrative split was ratified in 1611.
In 1927, the town was merged into a single administrative entity with the municipalities of Cenate Sotto and San Paolo d'Argon, taking the name of "Cenate d'Argon". This union lasted until 1948, when the three entities were again split into individual municipalities.
Festivities
The patron saint of the town is Pope Leo I, and the hamlet of Sant'Ambrogio, which celebrates its saint on December 7th, has the appearance of a medieval village. The hamlet of Valpredina, on the other hand, celebrates the feast of the Holy Cross on September 14th, and from here you can access the WWF oasis.
Symbols
The municipal coat of arms of Cenate Sopra was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on June 1st, 1998. The banner is a cloth divided into yellow and red.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Cenate Sopra is rich in monuments and sacred buildings of particular artistic interest, including the Church of San Leone, the parish church dedicated to Pope Leo I, who acquired this title in 1611. This church is a real gem of Bergamo Baroque style.
Of particular naturalistic interest is the area located at the base of Mount Misma, where the protected area of the Valpredina Regional Reserve managed by the WWF has been created. Here, you can admire protected species of flora and fauna, in addition to a botanical garden.
Conclusion
Cenate Sopra is a town that offers a great variety of interests and destinations for all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for artistic and historical beauties, or want to discover nature and the protected environment at the foot of Mount Misma, Cenate Sopra is the perfect place for you. Come and discover this splendid municipality in Lombardy, which will surprise and conquer you with its beauty and irresistible charm.
