Gorlago

Welcome to Gorlago: the story of a Bergamo municipality

Hello everyone and welcome to Gorlago, an Italian municipality in the province of Bergamo in Lombardy! This small village, with a population of about 5100, is located on the right bank of the Cherio river, at the entrance of the Cavallina valley and only 13 kilometers east of the city of Bergamo.

History

The history of Gorlago is very ancient and dates back to the Neolithic and late Iron Age. Numerous bone, stone and ceramic objects belonging to the civilizations that inhabited it over the centuries have been found on this territory. During the Roman Empire period, Gorlago was also a very important area from a strategic point of view, thanks to its geographical location.

In the eleventh century, the village freed itself from its feudal power and established an autonomous decision-making body still linked to the nobility. However, peace and tranquility were often interrupted by struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines factions, who aspired to take control of the village.

Gorlago: history and fortifications of a town in the province of Bergamo.

Fortifications

To protect Gorlago and its inhabitants from frequent raids, numerous fortifications were built, including a castle. This construction proved fundamental to protect the village from the attacks that struck it over the centuries.

Peace only returned with the advent of the Republic of Venice, which marked the end of factional fights. But at the beginning of the nineteenth century, Gorlago was struck by a terrible famine that caused numerous deaths among the population.

Symbols of Gorlago

The emblem of Gorlago, granted in 1949, represents a commemoration of the Roman origins of the village and the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines that characterized it in the past. It is a very evocative symbol loaded with significance for the inhabitants of the municipality.

Conclusion

Gorlago is a village rich in history and traditions that reminds us of how important it is to enhance our past to understand the present and build the future. If you are passionate about history or simply curious to discover new places, you cannot miss Gorlago. We are waiting for you!

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Thursday, Mar 10, 2022