Seriate
Welcome to Seriate, a historic town in Lombardy
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a town in Lombardy, specifically Seriate, a town with 24,718 inhabitants. The town is located east of Bergamo and is crossed by the Serio river. This city is part of the Bergamo hinterland and is surrounded by numerous green hills.
In this article we will talk about the origins of the name Seriate, its history and the key moments that have made it what it is today.
Origins of the name
The name Seriate first appeared in ancient maps in AD 949. There are different theories regarding the origin of the name: some claim that it derives from the Latin name of the Serio river, "Sarius", while others believe that it derives from the Gallo-Ligurian dialect typical of the areas near the rivers, with the ending "-ate."
History
Seriate has ancient origins dating back to the late Roman domination. Some artifacts from the 3rd and 4th centuries AD have been found on the right bank of the river in Paderno. The "pagus" of Seriate was important for controlling access to the Roman road "Bergomum-Brixia" and the crossing of the Serio river.
In 986, the town was mentioned as a fortified place to defend against Hungarians. In the 14th and 15th centuries, Seriate underwent a series of looting and destruction due to the struggles between the Guelph and Ghibelline factions. In 1455, a plague epidemic hit the town, leaving it deserted for six months.
As a result of these events, the town around the church of San Crisogono almost disappeared entirely, giving rise to a new nucleus on the left bank of the river, around the Church of San Cristoforo.
The rule of the Republic of Venice, starting in 1428, marked the end of a period of instability for Seriate. The Serenissima favored the town, exempting it from taxes and duties for 10 years.
In 1630, another plague epidemic reduced the population from 968 to 376 inhabitants. Seriate recovered thanks to the development of the textile industry, the reorganization of the countryside and the peace guaranteed by Venice. In 1778, the new parish church was inaugurated, dedicated to the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer.
Subsequently, the town underwent several urban planning interventions that changed its appearance.
What to see in Seriate today
Today, Seriate is a peaceful and welcoming town where you can visit several historic sites. The old town, around the Church of San Cristoforo, is very suggestive and allows you to breathe the atmosphere of another time.
The Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, on the other hand, is an example of 18th-century religious architecture. Art lovers cannot miss the paintings by Angelo Inganni, a famous painter from Seriate, on display in the church.
For those who love nature, the Serio Park is a perfect place for walks and hikes. The park is crossed by the Serio River and is home to numerous animal and plant species.
Finally, Seriate is famous for its cuisine: "casoncelli", a type of stuffed pasta typical of the area, is a must-try for those who want to taste the flavors of Lombard tradition.
Conclusions
There you have it, we took a trip into the past and present of Seriate! This town is a fascinating place, full of history and natural beauty. I hope this article has piqued your curiosity and that you are ready to discover more about Lombardy and its wonders. See you next time!
