Fontanella
Welcome to Fontanella, a small but historic Lombard town!
Fontanella is a small town in Lombardy, located in the eastern plain of Bergamo, not far from the border with the province of Cremona. The town has 4804 inhabitants and is the southernmost town in the province of Bergamo.
The name Fontanella derives from the word "Fontenhell" which means "clear fountain". This refers to the numerous springs in the vicinity of the village.
History of Fontanella
The area where Fontanella stands has been inhabited since ancient times. It is presumed that the first permanent settlements date back to the Roman Empire, but the first written evidence dates back to the medieval period.
In the twelfth century, the village was given to the Bishop of Bergamo, who ordered the construction of a castle to defend the territory from the expansionist ambitions of neighboring powers. The village was conquered by the Milanese in 1266 and the castle was destroyed shortly thereafter.
Fontanella was tied to the rulers of the Lombard capital until the fifteenth century, when Filippo Maria Visconti, Duke of Milan, granted the privilege to the village of being considered a "separate land", that is a town not subject in administrative, judicial and fiscal matters to another city, but directly to the Duke.
What to visit in Fontanella
Fontanella is a town rich in history and traditions. If you visit the town, you cannot miss the church of Santa Maria Assunta, whose construction dates back to the sixteenth century, and the civic tower, which represents the symbol of the medieval village.
Furthermore, you can walk along the ring road and admire the traces of ancient walls and moats.
But the real treasure of Fontanella is represented by the surrounding landscape, characterized by unspoiled and lush nature. The town is surrounded by numerous springs and the Lombard countryside, where you can admire ancient farmhouses and historic farms.
Events and traditions
In Fontanella, numerous events and festivities are held every year, attracting thousands of visitors.
One of the most anticipated moments is the Festival of Polenta and Sausage, which is held in the summer and is the perfect time to taste the typical dishes of Lombard tradition.
During Carnival, on the other hand, numerous parades and mask celebrations take place, which involve the whole community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fontanella is a small town that encloses a great historical and natural heritage. If you are looking for a quiet place to relax and taste the true essence of Lombardy, this is the right place for you.
