Imbersago

A trip to Imbersago, between history and nature

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk about Imbersago, a small town in the province of Lecco that deserves to be visited. Imbersago is surrounded by the greenery of the Adda Nord Park and is bathed by the Adda river, creating a perfect setting for nature lovers.

Physical geography

Imbersago is located in the Meratese area of Brianza and is part of the Lombard pre-alps. Its hilly position makes it a panoramic and suggestive place. The Adda river, which runs through it, separates it from the province of Bergamo.

Immersed in the history and nature of Imbersago.

Origins of the name

The original name of Imbersago was "Ambreciacus", but its evolution in the local dialect transformed it into "Imbersàch". There has long been discussion about the origin of the name, but it is now certain that it derives from the Celtic noun "ambersāk(on)", which means "place or habitation of the river", as it is surrounded by the Adda river.

History

No archaeological finds have been found for the territory of Imbersago, but it is known that the area was inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic. In the medieval period, Imbersago sided with the Guelphs and was a point of contact between Milan and the Republic of Venice.

Monuments and places of interest

Let's now talk about the monuments and places of interest that Imbersago has to offer.

Religious architecture

Among the religious buildings, we find the Church of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, built in 1608 but with a millennial history dating back to the second half of the first millennium. The Church of San Paolo, dedicated to Paul of Tarsus and dating back to the early centuries of the second millennium, represents the oldest religious building in Imbersago.

Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace

But the real gem of Imbersago is Leonardo da Vinci's birthplace, located in the hamlet of Anchiano. Here the great Renaissance genius spent the first years of his life, and today the house has been transformed into a museum displaying some of his most important inventions. A recommended visit for anyone passionate about history and technology.

The locks of the Adda

Finally, you cannot leave Imbersago without visiting the locks of the Adda: a system of eight locks that in recent centuries allowed boats to overcome the rapids of the river. Today the locks are out of use, but they are still a very suggestive attraction not to be missed.

Conclusions

In short, as I have had the opportunity to tell you, Imbersago is a town rich in history and natural beauty. It is worth visiting, perhaps dedicating a weekend or a day trip. I am sure you will not regret it!

Chiara Russo
Wrote by Chiara Russo
Updated Monday, May 9, 2022