Cenate Sotto
Cenate Sotto: a historic village immersed in nature
Cenate Sotto, with its ancient history and hilly location surrounded by nature, is a town of 3904 inhabitants in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy. Located at the entrance of the Val Cavallina, about 14 kilometers east of the capital city of Bergamo, this village is the ideal place for those who wish to travel back in time and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding area.
Physical Geography: a hilly territory between woods and crops
The town of Cenate Sotto is located at the foot of Mount Misma towards the plain and at the entrance of the Val Cavallina towards Trescore Balneario. The territory is hilly, partly wooded and partly dedicated to cultivation. Cenate Sotto boasts vineyards, orchards, vegetables, cereals and maggengo, the typical vegetable of the area.
History: a village of ancient origins
Despite many historians describing the town as a village of ancient origins, the first document attesting its existence dates back to 774 when, in the Diplomatic Codex of the gasindio Taidone, the village of "Casco" ("Re-gente per Orsone et Sabotino massarii in Cascas") is mentioned. The definitive name of Cenate appears a few decades later, precisely on August 1st, 830, when an inheritance document reads: "Casa sua de Cenate," in March 867 "cenate" while in February 996 there is a mention of "vicus cenate." This indicates that in the 9th century there was already a inhabited village to which a fortified part, the castle, was added.
The Castle of Lupi: the medieval history of Cenate Sotto
The medieval period saw the town of Cenate Sotto in a strategic position, which allowed it to be in a defensive and controlling position on the road that leads from the plain to the Val Cavallina and Trescore Balneario. In this regard, numerous fortifications were built, the most important of which is the Castle of Lupi. Located in a dominant position over the entire village, it was built for the Suardi family, who were expropriated by the Republic of Venice in 1483 because the condottiero Guglielmo Suardi supported the Visconti family. The castle was then assigned to the Lupi family, aligned with the Serenissima.
In the medieval period, there were numerous disputes between the two villages of the town (then called "Cenate San Martino") divided by the Tadone stream. These disputes led to repeated clashes after Saint Charles Borromeo decided to establish a second parish, in the territory of Cenate Sopra, in 1575, effectively dividing the town. The administrative split was ratified in 1611.
Monuments and places of interest: art and nature in Cenate Sotto
The town of Cenate Sotto offers interesting artistic and naturalistic itineraries. First of all, there is the Church of San Martino Bishop, dedicated to the patron saint, which was built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 17th century. Inside the church, you can admire the painting by Giovan Battista Moroni depicting San Martino.
Cenate Sotto is also ideal for those who love nature and want to go hiking in the hills. The surrounding area is rich in trails immersed in nature, which allow you to discover scenic views and enjoy the beauty of the Bergamo area.
In conclusion, Cenate Sotto is a historic and naturalistic village worth visiting to discover its beauties and experience an unforgettable experience in the heart of Lombardy.
