Comun Nuovo

Comun Nuovo, a small town in the province of Bergamo

Comun Nuovo, or Cümü Növ in the local dialect, is a small town in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy, with a population of around 4,367 people. It is located in the lower Bergamo plain, crossed by the Morla stream, less than 10 km south of the city of Bergamo. Despite the name of the municipality, which might suggest a recent foundation, the origins of the territory date back to the Roman civilization.

The origins of the municipality: a medieval settlement

There are several hypotheses about the origins of Comun Nuovo. It is believed that the territory may have been affected by settlements in medieval times, when the inhabitants of the village built fortifications to protect themselves from possible attacks. However, the power of the most influential families also contaminated Comun Nuovo, which found itself under the jurisdiction of the Suardi family, a Ghibelline faction. This led to years of bloody fighting against the Guelfs, who sought dominance over the area.

Comun Nuovo: history and tradition among the Bergamo hills.

The rule of the Suardi and the conflicts with the Guelfs

Chronicles tell of attacks on the castle by the Guelfs, who sought control of the territory. In 1379, an attack resulted in the death of 19 people and the burning of many houses. In 1404, the kidnapping of two Ghibellines led to a change in faction, and the Ghibellines continued to attack Comun Nuovo with the help of Jacopo Dal Verme, a condottiero in the service of the Visconti of Milan.

The present of Comun Nuovo

Today, Comun Nuovo is a picturesque town with its parish church dedicated to St. John the Baptist and its 42-meter-high bell tower. The church dates back to the 14th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century. The bell tower is more recent, having been built in 1882. In the historic center of the town, there are also the Tower of the Vecchi and the Villa Suardi, which dates back to the 15th century and has undergone several reconstructions and expansions over the centuries.

Comun Nuovo also hosts numerous commercial and artisanal activities, including the production of shoes, clothing, and local agricultural products. The municipality is also known for its culinary tradition, which features typical dishes such as pumpkin tortelli and polenta taragna.

Furthermore, Comun Nuovo has an active social organization, with various associations that organize cultural, sports, and recreational events. The town also has a recreational center, a senior center, and a municipal library, which offer opportunities for leisure and education for all residents.

Conclusions

Comun Nuovo is a municipality with a particular history that is reflected in its architectural and cultural heritage. Despite years of conflict and Ghibelline rule, the town has managed to develop and become a welcoming and peaceful place, where people meet and have fun together. The town represents an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the hectic city life and want to relax in the tranquility of the Bergamo countryside.

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Thursday, Jul 21, 2022