Montello
Montello: a small medieval town in Bergamo
Montello, also known as Montèl in the Bergamo dialect, is a municipality in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy, with a population of approximately 3,164 residents. Despite being one of the smallest in Italy, with an area of only 1.74 km², Montello has a rich cultural and historical heritage that dates back centuries.
Origin of the name
The name of the town derives from the small hill, called "monticello" in the local dialect, located behind the village.
History
Numerous archaeological finds have been discovered in Montello, including a prehistoric bronze axe. However, the most significant historical period for the town is undoubtedly the Middle Ages. Among the buildings that date back to those centuries are the historic core, consisting of stone houses and narrow streets, and numerous ruins, including those of the castle of the Suardi family, located in the locality of Monticelli-Brusati.
In the past, the town was known as Monticelli di Borgogna, but with its merger with the municipality of Costa di Mezzate in 1927, the name became Costa di Monticelli. It was only in 1955 that Montello regained its municipal autonomy and took the current name. The territory is crossed by the Zerra stream and the Borgogna canal, which play an important role in the water supply of the western plain of Bergamo.
Symbols
Montello's symbols are the coat of arms and the flag, recognized by the President of the Republic in 1998. The coat of arms represents the walls of the Suardi castle, the three surrounding mountains, including Monte Tomenone, and the bridge with three arches that crosses the Borgogna canal.
Monuments and places of interest
One of the most historically and culturally significant places is represented by the ruins of the Suardi castle, located in Monticelli-Brusati. Of great importance is also the Baizini-Rumi Palace, with a large internal garden, which now houses a Franciscan enclosed monastery of the third order. The parish church dedicated to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, recently restored and equipped with new lighting systems, should not be forgotten.
Society
Montello has a population of approximately 3,164 inhabitants, with a constant and growing demographic evolution. Regarding the economy of the municipality, it is impossible not to mention Montello SpA, a company that deals with plastic recovery and composting of solid urban waste. This activity, which produces biogas for the production of thermal and electrical energy, employs over 200 workers and generates an annual turnover of approximately 35 million euros.
In conclusion, despite its small size, Montello is a municipality that manages to synthesize history, culture, and economic progress, becoming a place where nature and development are perfectly combined.
