Andrista
Andrista: A Charming Village in Val Camonica
Andrista is a hamlet located in the stunning Val Camonica, part of the municipality of Cevo. This delightful village enjoys a privileged position overlooking the village of Cedegolo and is known for the legendary story associated with the visit of Charlemagne to the area.
Territory
Andrista is located on the fourth stage of the Cammino di Carlo Magno, which starts from Lovere and goes all the way to Ponte di Legno. The village occupies a favourable position on a hill, just outside the Valle di Saviore. Moreover, it is crossed by a stream called Coppo, and following its course, visitors can admire a picturesque waterfall. This small river also had an important function in the past; it once powered the mills that the inhabitants used to grind flour.
History
Its history officially began in 1423 when the Bishop of Brescia, Francesco Marerio, invested iure feudi of the rights to a tithe in the territories of Monno, Cevo, Andrista, Paisco Loveno, Saviore dell'Adamello, Cemmo, Ono San Pietro, Sonico (Italy), Astrio, Malegno, Cortenedolo, Vione, Incudine (Italy) and Berzo Demo to Bertolino della Torre di Cemmo. The name Andrista conveys a meaning linked to the characteristic "colli degli Androla" – the adjective 'andritto' from the Latin 'adritus' indicates a place well-exposed to sunlight.
Celebrations
One of the most famous traditional events in Andrista is the celebration of Badalisc, a mythological creature believed to live in the surrounding woods. This event takes place every year on 5th and 6th January. The creature does not approach the village, so the custodians of the festival have the task of capturing it with the help of a maiden, always impersonated by a boy dressed as a woman. The Badalisc is treated with respect and is not considered a hostile being by the population of Andrista. During the celebration, the so-called Badalisc speech stands out, shedding light on internal differences within the community. At the end of the festival, the creature is released with the promise of more peaceful events the following year.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious Architecture
Andrista is famous for its churches; the church of Saints Nazario and Celso is from the eighteenth century and contains frescoes by Giovanni Pietro da Cemmo, with the portal displaying the date 1653. The Parish Church of Madonna del Carmelo, on the other hand, has a late baroque style.
Society
The inhabitants of Andrista are identified by a characteristic name – "Gach" (Cats) – which, in Camuni dialects, are the nicknames given to people to identify characteristic traits of the community.
Andrista is a wonderful village, a hidden gem in the beautiful landscape of Val Camonica. If you are lucky enough to visit this unique area, you will not only admire the extraordinary beauty of its landscape but also the uniqueness of its history and inhabitants.
