Sernio
Welcome to Sernio
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about a small town that has a lot to offer from a cultural and historical point of view: Sernio. Located in the province of Sondrio in Lombardy, this town has only 482 inhabitants but has monuments and places of interest worth visiting. Come with me to discover Sernio!
Monuments and places of interest
The Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano (Sernio)
Sernio has a beautiful church, dedicated to Saints Cosma and Damiano. Even though the ancient church that stood in the current area no longer exists, we can admire its replacement, which was built in the 17th century. The new church was a bold work for those times, but it demonstrates the faith and determination of the population of Sernio. Unfortunately, we do not have much information about the construction, but we know that the Bishop of Como, Filippo Archinti, ordered the community of Sernio to build a building capable of accommodating the entire parish in 1614. Thus, in 1620 the church began to take shape. The construction required many resources, but the population of Sernio was very generous and donated large sums to finance the project. In 1681, the church was consecrated by the Bishop of Como Carlo Ciceri and we can admire many works of art inside, including oil paintings depicting the Passion of the Lord, a processional cross in silver, and an impressive main altar.
Curiosities about the church
Did you know that even the Parish Priest of Sernio needed a new house? In 1682, Bishop Ciceri called on the parishioners to provide a decent new parish house for the priest. In addition, the church organ was commissioned in 1790 and its case is the work of the carver Carlo Venosta of Grosotto. Not only that, but inside, we can also admire chalices, ostensories, thuribles, and precious fabric decorations, all made in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The beauty of Sernio
Nature
But Sernio is not only its church. The surrounding nature offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts: from hiking to cycling trails, you can enjoy the beauty of the mountain landscape. The town, in fact, is part of the Stelvio National Park, which ensures the protection of the environment and the conservation of local flora and fauna.
Traditions and culture
Sernio also has its own traditional festival, the Witches' Festival, which takes place every year on the third weekend of August. During the festival, the town turns into a large open-air theater with performances, music and dancing. But the culture of the town goes beyond this festival: the town has a municipal library, which offers access to many books and works, and the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, which is located in the main square of Sernio, testifies to the historical connection of the town with Italian history.
Gastronomy
And then, how could I forget about gastronomy? Sernio is famous for its typical products, such as Bitto DOP cheese, Valtellina bresaola, and local wines. In addition, the town is famous for its production of honey and forest fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The restaurants in the town offer typical menus of Valtellina cuisine, with first courses like pizzoccheri and second courses like stew with polenta.
Conclusions
In summary, Sernio is a town that does not need large numbers to amaze. Its imposing church and local traditions, combined with the beauty of the surrounding nature and the goodness of the cuisine, make Sernio a unique place. If you are in the area, take a trip to Sernio: it will definitely be worth it!
