Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII
A guide to the enchanting Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII
Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII is a municipality located in the province of Bergamo, Lombardy, which boasts a fascinating history and a charming natural landscape. In this text, we will explore the physical geography, history, and origin of the town's name, as well as the influence that Pope John XXIII had on the town.
Physical geography
Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII is located at the northern end of the Bergamo island and bordered by the mountain range of Monte Canto. The town enjoys a temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and pleasantly cool summers.
History
From medieval origins to modern times
The first settlements on the territory of Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII date back to the 9th century when the entire province of Bergamo was under the rule of the Franks and feudalism was established. These territories, located in a sunny position on the slopes of Monte Canto, were enfeoffed to the bishop of Bergamo, who put them under the management of Benedictine monks who founded the abbey of Sant'Egidio in Fontanella. The tower of San Giovanni, located on the summit of the mountain, was used as a bell tower in the 14th century.
Contemporary age
During the contemporary age, the citizens of Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII lived in poverty, depending solely on fieldwork to survive. However, in the mid-20th century, the town underwent a transformation thanks to industrialization. In addition, a citizen of the town, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who became Pope under the name John XXIII, breathed new life into the town and changed its reputation worldwide.
Pope John XXIII
Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII on November 25, 1881. After climbing the ranks of the ecclesiastical hierarchy over the years, he was elected Pope on October 28, 1958. After his death in 1963, the town, in his honor, took the current official name of ''Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII''.
Pope John XXIII often recalled his humble origins, and the town paid tribute to him in various ways. The Pontiff was notoriously humble, very close to ordinary people, and his words and gestures made the town famous worldwide.
Conclusions
Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII is a municipality with an important history and a fascinating natural landscape. The town is known worldwide mainly thanks to Pope John XXIII, a simple man who left an indelible mark not only on the Catholic Church but also on the town's history. If you are looking for an authentic and characteristic place, Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII is definitely a destination to consider.
