Mozzanica
The territory of the Province of Bergamo: between mountains, hills, and plains
Introduction
The Province of Bergamo, located in central Lombardy, is the third Italian province by number of municipalities and the eighth by population. In this text, we will explore its territory, which extends over 2722.86 square kilometers and includes a variety of landscapes: from high mountains to hills, and to the plain.
Physical Geography
The Province of Bergamo is bordered to the north by the province of Sondrio, to the west by the metropolitan city of Milan and the provinces of Lecco and Monza-Brianza, to the south by the province of Cremona, and to the east by the province of Brescia. The provincial territory is characterized by remarkable geographical diversity, which makes it very interesting from a naturalistic point of view.
Territory
The province is located in the central-eastern part of Lombardy and covers an area of over 2700 square kilometers. The northern part of the territory is mountainous and covers 64% of the provincial area, with an altitude ranging from 3050 meters of Pizzo Coca to 82 meters of the plain. Here you can find the main Bergamo valleys, such as Val Seriana, Val Brembana, Valle Imagna, Valle di Scalve, Val San Martino, and Val Cavallina. These valleys are characterized by their unique landscapes and the presence of important watercourses, such as Serio, Brembo, Imagna, and Cherio.
Going south, you will find a hilly area that includes the northern portion of the Bergamasca Island, the Park of the Bergamo Hills, and Valcalepio, known for its excellent wines. Finally, the southern part of the province is in the Po Valley, which covers 24% of the provincial area. This area is commonly called Bassa Bergamasca and is divided into three parts: the Bergamo Island, Gera d'Adda, and Calciana.
Relief
The Orobie Alps represent the most important mountain range in the Province of Bergamo. Here you can find the highest peaks, like Pizzo Coca, which reaches an altitude of 3050 meters. Among the other mountains in the province, we can mention Resegone, mount Alben, and mount Colombine. It is interesting to note that the Bergamo Alps are renowned for the numerous sports activities that can be practiced locally, such as trekking, climbing, skiing, and paragliding.
Main Municipalities
The Province of Bergamo is composed of 243 municipalities, each with its own characteristics and traditions. The capital city of Bergamo is undoubtedly the most important, with its medieval historic center and numerous museums and monuments. Other important urban centers in the province are Curno, Dalmine, Treviolo, and Bratto, the latter known for hosting one of the main ski resorts in the province.
Economy and Tourism
The economy of the Province of Bergamo is mainly based on activities related to the industrial sector: the production of metallic products, shipbuilding, and machine production. But the province is also a highly sought-after tourist destination, thanks to the beauty of its landscapes and the presence of many cultural attractions. Among the main tourist destinations in the area, we want to mention the historic village of Clusone, the Rocca of Urgnano, the Sanctuary of Caravaggio, the San Pellegrino Thermal Baths, and the Fairy Tales Museum. In addition, there are numerous activities related to the food and wine culture, including tastings of local cheeses and wines.
Conclusion
The Province of Bergamo is characterized by its great geographical diversity, which makes it a very interesting territory from a naturalistic, cultural, and economic point of view. The mountains of Alta Bergamasca, the hills of Valcalepio, and the landscapes of the low plain are just some of the surprises that the province reserves for its visitors.
