Clusone
Discovering Clusone
Hello everyone! Today we're talking about Clusone, a small town of about 8,500 inhabitants in the province of Bergamo, in Lombardy. Clusone is the capital of the Mountain Community of Valle Seriana and is located in the upper Seriana valley, on the left bank of the Serio River.
Physical geography
Territory
The territory of Clusone extends on the left side of the Seriana valley, at an altitude ranging from about 480 metres above sea level in the valley floor, to 1,636 metres at the Pizzo Formico. Although it's part of the Seriana valley, a part of the territory belongs to the Borlezza valley, which flows into Lake Iseo and therefore falls within the Oglio basin. The administrative boundaries coincide largely with natural boundaries, such as the course of the Serio River, the slopes of the Cucco and Sapèl Né mountains, and the Bielone valley.
Hydrography
The hydrography of Clusone is characterised by the Serio River and the Bielone stream that flow through the municipal territory. The Bielone originates between the Crapet and Blum mountains and flows into the valley that bears its name, then enters the municipality of Rovetta.
Culture and tourism
Clusone is a town rich in history and culture, with numerous monuments and places of interest. The symbol of Clusone is the famous astronomical clock, located in the historic centre of the town. This clock dates back to the 16th century and is considered one of the largest medieval clocks in the world.
Other tourist attractions include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, the former Church of San Bernardino and its bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the valley. For nature lovers, Clusone offers many beautiful natural sites, such as the Orobie Bergamasche Nature Reserve, Mount Farno, and Lake Endine.
Local cuisine
The local cuisine of Clusone reflects the mountain and Lombard traditions. Among the typical dishes are the casoncelli alla bergamasca, a pasta filled with meat, breadcrumbs, and grana cheese, gnocchi alla borga, prepared with potatoes and buckwheat flour, and chicken alla cacciatora. For dessert, in addition to the Lombard tradition classics, you can also find the famous "Biscie", a snake-shaped sweet typical of Clusone.
Events
Clusone is also well-known for the events it hosts. One of the most important is the Sant'Orsola Show-Market, held at the end of May, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. During this event, stalls, shows, and local specialities are organised. Other important events are the Casoncelli Festival, in September, and the San Faustino Fair, in February.
Conclusion
In general, Clusone is a town worth visiting. Thanks to its strategic location, it's easy to reach other places in Lombardy, such as Bergamo and Milan. I hope this brief guide has been useful in discovering the beauties of Clusone. Remember to taste the delicious local dishes and participate in the most important events!
