Costa Valle Imagna
Costa Valle Imagna: a historic and scenic commune
Costa Valle Imagna, or "Costa Imagna" in Bergamo dialect, is a commune in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy, with a population of around 547 inhabitants. The village's history dates back to the 1300s, when it appears to have been inhabited year-round only from that period. Costa was probably just a grazing land for livestock during the summer months. The winter climate in Costa is harsh, as the village faces the northeast side of the Valley, leading to its nickname as the "nevera" (icebox) of Valle Imagna.
History
For communication reasons, the village was long more connected with the San Martino valley, Almenno San Salvatore, and the plain than with the rest of Valle Imagna. With the annexation of Bergamo to the Republic of Venice in 1428, the village found itself at the borders between the Serenissima and the Duchy of Milan. As proof of this, the foreigner is called "bir" (policeman) in Costa's dialect, likely in reference to the customs officers sent by Venice to patrol the border. A bishop's report from the Counter-Reformation era deplored the poor state of the parish church due to the poverty of the village. Costa was also struck by the Manzonian plague of 1630, as evidenced by the discovery of a mass grave. Until 1864, the commune was called "Costa" before changing its name to "Costa Valle Imagna."
Monuments and places of interest
Since the early 20th century, Costa Valle Imagna has also been known as a holiday resort. The village is located on the high right side of the Valle Imagna, offering a wide panorama, particularly with a view of the imposing Mount Resegone to the north. Reaching the hamlet of Forcella and Passo del Pertüs (1186 m), one can see the entire Brianza region and, on clear days, as far as Milan. Some still remember that during World War II, from Pertüs, one could see the fires caused by Allied bombings on the Lombard capital at night.
There is a 17th-century parish church dedicated to Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Costa Valle Imagna.
Culture
Events
The village's festival is on July 2nd for the Visitation of Mary. Additionally, the village is "famous" for the festival of San Rocco ("San Ròch"), celebrated on August 16 with a procession, fireworks, and dances in the town square.
Society
The demographic evolution of the commune has always been constant and negative in recent years.
Administration
Image gallery
The image gallery includes some photos of the parish church, the landscape of Costa, and the houses.
Notes
There are no notes in the text.
Bibliography
- Costantino Locatelli, Costa Imagna e il Pertüs, Saluti dalla Valle Imagna series, Valle Imagna study center, Almeno San Bartolomeo, June 2000
Other projects
The text has no other projects.
In conclusion, Costa Valle Imagna is a historic and scenic commune that boasts many tourist and cultural attractions, such as the 17th-century parish church, the village festival on July 2nd, and the San Rocco festival on August 16th. The village's location offers incredible views of Valle Imagna and the entire Brianza region, and the village is rich in history, as evidenced by its past ties to the Republic of Venice.
