Fornovo San Giovanni
Welcome to Fornovo San Giovanni
Hello everyone, today I want to talk about Fornovo San Giovanni, a small town in the province of Bergamo located in the Gera d'Adda. With its 3364 inhabitants, Fornovo San Giovanni is a place rich in history and traditions that has always fascinated me.
History
The territory of Fornovo San Giovanni has a very ancient history. Even in pre-Roman times, the area was a safe place for inhabitants seeking refuge from the floods of the Serio river and its tributaries. Today, many of the finds from that era can be found preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Bergamo and in the Civic Archaeological Museum of Fornovo.
During the Roman Empire, the village became important thanks to the presence of a road that connected it to Crema and Bergamo. Numerous artefacts dating back to this period have been found, including coins from the imperial age, funeral and votive inscriptions, tools and even a marble sculpture.
With the end of Roman rule came the arrival of the Lombards, who chose Fornovo San Giovanni as an important center of the plain. Many remains from this historic period have also been found (weapons and a small necropolis), which help us understand life back then.
In medieval times, the village was ruled by feudal lords, the first of which was the bishop of the diocese of Cremona. Episcopal supremacy was challenged by the Gisalbertini counts of Bergamo who were defeated during the year 1019.
The Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Church of San Giovanni Battista is one of the most important places in Fornovo San Giovanni. Built on an ancient pagan place of worship dedicated to the god Jupiter, it was expanded several times in the following centuries, becoming the parish church of the municipality. The current facade, in exposed brick, is attributed to the architect Pellegrino Tibaldi.
Art and Culture
Fornovo San Giovanni is a municipality rich in art and culture. Among the various works of art present in the area, one can admire the painting "Madonna with Child and Saints Anthony Abbot and Bernardino of Siena" painted by Lorenzo Lotto, preserved in the Church of Santa Maria in Selva.
Economy and Territory
The economy of Fornovo San Giovanni is mainly based on agriculture and the production of electricity thanks to the hydroelectric power plant located on the Serio River. The territory is crossed by the path of the Bassa Via della Gera, a hiking trail that allows you to discover the natural beauty of the area.
Events
There are numerous events held in Fornovo San Giovanni throughout the year. Among the most important are the Fiera di San Rocco, patron saint of the municipality, held in August and gathering vendors from all over Italy, and the food festival of Risotto alla Pilota, an event dedicated to the typical dish of Fornovo San Giovanni.
In conclusion, Fornovo San Giovanni is a municipality to discover and admire, encapsulating the history, art, and traditions of Lombardy. If you have the chance to visit it, you won't regret it!
