Locatello
Locatello: history and culture
Hello friends, today we will talk about Locatello, a small town of 818 inhabitants located in the Imagna valley, in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy. The history of this place is ancient: there have been traces of settlements since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the caves in the "Corna Coègia" locality where human and animal remains have been found. The first written document dates back to 975, which reaffirms the feudal concession in favor of the bishop of Bergamo. The town boasts numerous districts and a name that derives from the word "leukos", which in Celtic indicates a field surrounded by woods.
Conflicts during the Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, the Imagna valley was the scene of bloody clashes between Guelphs and Ghibellines. Locatello sided with the Guelphs and won the first battles, but the Ghibellines asked for help from the Visconti, lords of Milan, who attacked their opponents. After continuous reversals of fortune, in 1428, the area came under the control of the Republic of Venice which supported the Guelph party. There were destructions towards the Ghibelline possessions, while the Guelph towns, including Locatello, received favorable treatment. The area remained under Venetian rule until the fall of the Republic in 1797.
Monuments and places of interest
Locatello is set in a very characteristic mountain context and has places of particular charm in rustic style. Buildings with stone walls and "piöde" roofs (local stone slabs) are very suggestive and are found in several districts such as Ca' Felice, Disdiroli, Bustoseta, Vaio, and Ca' Prospero. In the town, there are also several churches of notable interest, such as the church of San Giuseppe, erected in 1717, and the church of the Madonna del Rosario, with its exposed brick bell tower.
Events and traditions
Locatello is a town that preserves the traditions of the territory, such as the processing of wool and stone, which was widespread in the past. The patron saint festival of San Giuseppe, held on March 19th, is one of the most anticipated events in the town. During the festival, you can admire the parade of districts in costume and the blessing of horses. There are also local holidays related to religious traditions such as the procession on Good Friday.
Local cuisine
The local cuisine of Locatello is based on simple but very tasty dishes, such as "polenta and braised meat" and "casoncelli", a kind of handmade ravioli filled with local cold cuts and cheeses. The cheese, obtained from the pastures of the area, is among the most prized in Lombardy, so much so that it has been included in the list of traditional Italian agri-food products.
In conclusion, Locatello is a town that preserves its history and traditions intact. Its monuments and its cuisine are examples of how this small community is rich in culture and natural beauty. Anyone who wants to spend a few days in this enchanting place will be welcomed with typical hospitality from Bergamo.
