Fara Olivana con Sola
Discover Fara Olivana con Sola with Sola
Hello! If you are looking for a tranquil place with rural charm, Fara Olivana con Sola is the perfect destination for you. Located in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy, this municipality of just over 1,200 inhabitants extends for about 5 km² and offers a breathtaking view of the Serio river. Here, I will tell you about this charming location and its rich history.
Physical geography
Fara Olivana con Sola is located in the Bassa Bergamasca, on the left bank of the Serio river, on the border with the province of Cremona. The territory is entirely flat, with altitudes ranging from 107 meters in Fara to 105 in Sola. If you want to reach Fara Olivana, it is about 29 km south of Bergamo, 2 km from Covo and 3.5 km from Romano di Lombardia.
The municipality consists of two urban centers: Fara Olivana, where the ancient Archpriest Church of Santo Stefano is located, and Sola, which boasts the presence of the parish of the Church of San Lorenzo Martire. Along the former state road 11, two kilometers south of Fara Olivana, it is possible to visit some large farmhouses that have given their name to the places, such as the Superba, Fara Nuova, Pomi, San Vito, and Bettola. A stretch of the municipal territory along the river is part of the Serio Regional Park.
History
The origins of Fara Olivana date back to the 6th or 7th century, during the Lombard Kingdom era. In fact, the name seems to indicate a Lombard tribe linked by kinship bonds, descended from Olivano. In the Lombard period, there was also a cult of Santa Fara. An important Roman road, the Mediolanum-Brixia, passed through the territory of Fara Olivana, connecting Milan to Brescia and also passing through Cassano d'Adda.
The first written document attesting to the existence of the village dates back to 915, during the feudal period when the village was included in the Holy Roman Empire. Later, the management of the territory passed to the diocese of Cremona, which was replaced by the Da Rudiano family. In those times, numerous fortifications were built to protect the territory and the inhabitants from fratricidal struggles between the Guelfs and the Ghibellines, which caused the destruction of the village in the 14th and 15th centuries.
The reconstruction was slow and laborious, but in the 15th century, power passed into the hands of the Republic of Venice, which carried out numerous interventions to improve social and working conditions, clearing the land and building canals for irrigation, including the Bergamasco ditch, which delimited the territories of the Serenissima. Since then, agriculture has been the predominant activity of the village, which was the first to adopt the cultivation of Zea mays.
What to see in Fara Olivana con Sola
If you decide to visit Fara Olivana con Sola, besides the wonderful countryside, you will find various cultural and naturalistic attractions. Firstly, the Archpriest Church of Santo Stefano, located in Fara Olivana, dates back to the 16th century and features Baroque style. The bell tower, 56 meters high, was built in 1857 with local stone.
Moreover, a few kilometers from the center of Fara Olivana, you can visit the Castle of Fara Olivana, built in the feudal period to protect the territory and the inhabitants from the struggles between the Guelfs and Ghibellines. Recently restored, the castle is open to visitors and hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
If you love nature, you can take a walk along the banks of the Serio or immerse yourself in the Serio Regional Park, where you can admire local fauna and flora and perhaps spot some rare birds.
Typical products and gastronomy
Fara Olivana con Sola is famous for its wine production, especially the Moscato di Scanzo, a sweet red wine with an intense and persistent flavor. The cultivation of vines dates back to the Roman period, but it was during the Renaissance that Moscato became a precious product recognized at the national level. Moreover, the territory is renowned for the production of fruits and vegetables, especially apples, pears, and melons.
How to reach Fara Olivana con Sola
To reach Fara Olivana con Sola, you can take the A4 Turin-Venice highway, exit at Dalmine, and then follow the signs for Fara Olivana con Sola. If you prefer the train, you can get off at the Romano di Lombardia station and then take a bus to Fara Olivana.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Fara Olivana con Sola is a charming place that offers visitors history, nature, and typical products. If you love the countryside and rural life, or if you are looking for a peaceful destination for a day trip, this municipality of the Bassa Bergamasca is the ideal choice. All you have to do is take a map and set off to discover this hidden treasure of Lombardy!
