Valleve
Discovering Valleve: a small gem in Bergamo
Valleve is a small town in the province of Bergamo, located in Lombardy, which is home to a community of only 131 inhabitants. Despite its small size, the history of this place is very rich and fascinating.
Origins and first mention
The name Valleve may derive from the Gallic term "Valley of Lefe", from the name Leufo, which in Bergamo dialect then became "Vallev'", until it reached its final form of "Valleve". The first documented mention of the center dates back to the distant 1181, when the inhabitants were dedicated to pastoralism and the care of herds during the summer months.
Medieval history of Valleve
During the Middle Ages, the Valleve area was under the control of the monasteries of Astino and Pontida, to which the inhabitants had to pay an annual tribute derived from the local mines, where iron, copper and silver were extracted.
Tragedies of 1780 and 1815
Two significant dates in Valleve's past are 1780 and 1815, both linked to tragic avalanches that hit the town. In 1780, a snow and earth avalanche fell on the Church of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles, causing many casualties. In 1815, the avalanche invaded the Brembo riverbed, causing it to overflow and causing damage and casualties.
Contemporary history and tourism
In 1874, the parish church became a refuge against the smallpox plague that struck the area. Over the years, in the 1960s, there were numerous interventions that modified the morphology of the medieval village in order to accommodate tourists heading to nearby ski resorts of Foppolo, San Simone and Carona. San Simone, located in the municipality of Valleve, had 20 km of slopes and ski facilities, but unfortunately, due to the bankruptcy of the company that managed the Bremboski resort, the San Simone facilities were closed in 2017.
Symbols of Valleve
The coat of arms and flag of the municipality of Valleve were validated by a decree of the President of the Republic on November 7, 2005. Since there was no ancient municipal coat of arms, the coat of arms of the noble family of Cattaneo was chosen, present in the "Stemmario Camozzi" of 1888 preserved at the Civic Library of Bergamo. A golden V, the initial of the town's name, and a blue bar on a green background, representing the Brembo river, were added to it.
Conclusions
Valleve, more than a municipality, is a place that contains the history and tradition of a very interesting geographic area. Despite its small size, this municipality is able to offer visitors the opportunity to relive the traditions and life of a bygone time. Visiting it means taking a dip in the past and present at the same time, enjoying the warm welcome of the local community, which is always ready to share its cultural heritage and hospitality with anyone who decides to visit Valleve.
