Rovetta

Rovetta, the town of oak trees

If you're looking for a corner of Lombardy immersed in nature, I recommend taking a trip to Rovetta! This charming bergamasque town, also known as Roèta or Ruèta in the local dialect, extends over an plateau at 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by imposing mountains such as Presolana, Mount Pora and Pizzo Formico.

Physical Geography Territory The territory of Rovetta is located on the Clusone plateau and opens up towards Val Borlezza. The municipality is about 38 kilometers from the capital of Bergamo. The habitat of the town is predominantly forested, rich in oaks and beeches.

Origins of the name The original name of the municipality was Roèta, due to the presence of numerous Quercus petraea, the common oak trees.

History If you're passionate about history, I recommend visiting Rovetta, which boasts an interesting past dating back to the time of the Orobi tribes, passing to the Cenomani Gauls and finally to the Romans. The first written documents, dating back to 1080, show that the village belonged to the bishops of Bergamo.

In the succeeding centuries, Rovetta was at the center of the disputes between the Guelfs and Ghibellines. In 1378, the village was burned down along with the San Lorenzo hamlet, during a clash that saw the victory of the Ghibellines. The Republic of Venice brought social and political tranquility in the 15th century, and in 1409 Rovetta became an autonomous parish.

The following years were marked by famine and plague epidemics that decimated the population. In 1734, a severe drought was overcome thanks to a water source near Casa Fantoni, which saved the inhabitants of Rovetta and the neighboring towns.

The town has experienced all the events of the city of Bergamo, suffering the French occupation and finally entering the Kingdom of Italy. However, the most tragic historical event of Rovetta was the massacre of April 28th, 1945, when 43 fascists of the Tagliamento legion were shot by the partisans. The episode was the subject of a judicial procedure from 1946 to 1951, but was archived.

The symbols of the municipality The coat of arms and the banner of Rovetta were granted by decree of the President of the Republic.

Rovetta, a natural treasure In 1967, the entire municipal territory of Rovetta was placed under constraint for the naturalistic and architectural value of the landscape. This decision aroused some perplexity among the inhabitants, but contributed to the enhancement of the naturalistic treasures of the area. Today, Rovetta is considered "a natural painting of singular beauty".

The beauty of Rovetta If you visit Rovetta, you can admire the intact natural landscape, which represents one of the treasures of the municipality.

Art and culture In the village there are several churches of artistic interest, such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Villanuova, the Church of San Rocco, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, the Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, and the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Grace.

The historic center also boasts the presence of very beautiful fountains, arcades, and historic buildings.

Outdoor activities If you feel like outdoor activities, Rovetta is the right place! You can follow the numerous trails to reach the peaks of the surrounding mountains or make panoramic excursions in unspoiled nature. Bicycle lovers can try out the Val Seriana cycle-tourist route.

If you want to relax, you can visit the Orobie Bergamasche Park, where you can observe the local fauna in addition to waterfalls and natural caves.

Events and traditions Throughout the year, there are several traditional festivals and events that allow you to immerse yourself in local culture. One of the most famous is the Feast of the Ascension, during which Lake Blum becomes the arena for fish racing.

Typical products If you want to taste the typical products of Rovetta, you cannot miss the cheeses, such as caprino and Grana Padano, cold cuts, such as coppa di testa and salama da sugo, and sweets like Camilla Cake and plum cake.

Rovetta: nature, history and tradition in Lombardy.

Rovetta, a hidden treasure in the Bergamo Alps, is the ideal destination for lovers of nature and traditional culture. Visit this enchanted town and explore its natural landscapes, its historical attractions and its local traditions. We guarantee you won't regret it!

Simone Costa
Wrote by Simone Costa
Updated Wednesday, Dec 28, 2022