Gromo San Marino
Gromo San Marino, a wonderful village in Alta Val Seriana
Gromo San Marino, or Gromo San Martino as it was once called, is a hamlet of the municipality of Gandellino in the province of Bergamo. Located in Alta Val Seriana, the village is crossed by the Serio river and covers over 4 km². It is divided into several localities: Bocchetta, Bondo, Grabiasca, Legnaro, Pietra and Ronchello. This area is famous for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and tranquility.
The etymology of the name
The village was known as Gromo San Martino, in honor of the patron saint of the capital Gandellino, as also evidenced in the sale of weapons documents from the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1798 the name changed to Gromo San Marino. There is no cult of San Marino in Val Seriana, but it is believed that the name was changed due to a transcription error. The Val Seriana was subject to the Monastery of San Martino a Tours, famous for the cult to which it was dedicated, and Carlo Magno also gave the territories of the high valley, including Gromo San Martino, to the monastery.
Monuments and places of interest
Gromo San Marino is a village rich in history and places of interest. The Church of Santa Maria Nascente is a religious building well visible from the valley, dating back to 1350 and featuring a porch on the north and west sides. The interior of the church has three naves, decorated with frescoes attributed to the primary church then expanded, some of them are linked to Giacomo Borlone de Buschis known as il Borlone, while others are from the fifteenth century. The central nave and the presbytery are decorated with medals and stucco frames from the Baroque period. Behind the altar is a Resurrected Christ, a work attributed to the workshop of sculptor Pietro Bussolo, dating back to approximately 1510. The church was restored three times and the body of Alessandro Dordi is buried in the nearby small cemetery.
Conclusions
Gromo San Marino is a wonderful place, a little hidden gem in Alta Val Seriana. Visiting it is like taking a trip back in time, thanks to its natural beauty and historic monuments. The Church of Santa Maria Nascente is a particularly fascinating place of worship, with frescoes and decorations of great artistic value. If you are a lover of nature and history, Gromo San Marino is definitely a must-visit.
