Mezzoldo
Welcome to Mezzoldo, a jewel of Val Brembana
Hello everyone! Are you ready to explore one of the most charming villages in Lombardy? Welcome to Mezzoldo, a municipality of only 164 inhabitants located in the beautiful Val Brembana, in the province of Bergamo.
History of Mezzoldo
Like many other villages in the area, it is believed that the first stable settlements in Mezzoldo date back to the time of the barbarian invasions, when populations subjected to raids took refuge in remote places. It was probably the nearby Valsassina that was colonized first, around the 6th century, and several common place names between the two areas testify to it.
The name Mezzoldo seems to indicate a high place in the midst of the surrounding mountains, but the first documents in which it appears date back to 1472, when the Republic of Venice dominated the area. Thanks to the high iron way, already in use in the Middle Ages, trade was one of the main sources of income for the town.
But the main event in Mezzoldo's history was the construction of the Via Priula in 1592, which allowed the passage of direct trade to Valtellina through the Passo di San Marco. The Via Priula fell into disuse with the end of Venetian domination, and the town found itself isolated again. Only recently has the economy recovered thanks to tourism, which has not, however, detracted from the authentic soul of the village.
Symbols of Mezzoldo
The coat of arms of Mezzoldo, granted by a presidential decree in 1962, is divided into two parts. The upper part, red, features three six-pointed golden stars representing the three fundamental nuclei of the town: the center, the southern and northern hamlets. The lower part, blue, bears three golden bees symbolizing industriousness.
What to see in Mezzoldo
Despite its small size, Mezzoldo offers many opportunities for leisure and discovery. The parish church of Madonna del Carmine, rebuilt in the 18th century on the basis of a previous building, preserves numerous frescoes and paintings inside. The Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino, located outside the town, is worth a visit for the magnificent panorama you can enjoy from the hill on which it stands.
For nature lovers, Mezzoldo offers numerous hiking trails to discover the scenic beauty of Val Brembana. In winter, you can ski on the slopes of the nearby ski resort of Foppolo or cross-country ski on the Mezzoldo loop trail.
Mezzoldo's gastronomy
It is impossible to talk about Mezzoldo without mentioning its genuine and tasty cuisine. Among the typical dishes, you absolutely have to try the casonsei, agnolotti stuffed with bread, cheese, bacon and chard, seasoned with butter and sage; the taragna polenta, a typical mountain dish made from buckwheat and cornmeal, cooked in a pot with cheese and butter; and bresaola, the famous charcuterie from Valtellina that is selected just a few kilometers from Mezzoldo.
Conclusion
In summary, Mezzoldo truly represents a jewel of Val Brembana, a charming village with a long history behind it and many beauties to discover. Come and visit us, we will be happy to welcome you to our hidden treasure among the Lombard mountains!
