Miragolo San Marco
Miragolo San Marco: a treasure in the high Brembana Valley
Miragolo San Marco, a village in the municipality of Zogno, in the province of Bergamo, is a place that represents one of the many gems that the Brembana Valley offers. Rich in enchanting panoramas, the village is inhabited by about 111 people, but during vacation periods this figure increases considerably, with about 500 holidaymakers in high season. In this article, we will explore the wonders of this place from a geographical, historical and tourist point of view.
Physical geography
Located 27 km from Bergamo and 9 km from the capital of the municipality to which it belongs, Miragolo San Marco is situated on the left side of the Brembana Valley on the hill of Monte Castello, in the Orobie. The beauty of the territory is enhanced by the panoramas that dominate the entire lower valley, offering a breathtaking view.
The meaning of the name
The toponym "Miragol" derives from the Celtic term "mor, mawe, mir", which means "mountain", and from the suffix "-agol", a diminutive. Thus the name of the village, Miragolo, means "little mountain".
The mountain "called Miragolo"
The mountain "called Miragolo" was part of the possessions of the Diocese of Bergamo, which rented it to user companies from the towns of Poscante, Endenna, Sambusita and neighboring localities. This particular historical connotation of the place makes it a very interesting tourist attraction.
The "opus Miragoli" clocks
Miragolo San Marco also owes much of its fame to the Gritti family, which in the mid-seventeenth century produced high-precision pendulum clocks, the famous "opus Miragoli". These clocks became symbols of status and beauty in the homes of the local inhabitants. The peculiarity of these clocks consisted in the golden dial and the tall case that made them well visible, with a bell that struck clear chimes every hour of the day. The family name was displayed on the dial of the clocks, making them identifiable characters. All that remains of the ancient production of the Gritti family (gear wheels, clock frames, dials, clock skeletons, tower spheres) is preserved in the Valley Museum in Zogno.
Places to visit
The sanctuary of the Madonna del Perello
The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Perello is certainly a very interesting destination for the faithful, but also for anyone who wants to visit a place where history and spirituality come together. Built on the road from Miragolo San Marco to Selvino, the sanctuary was built on the spot where it is said that the Madonna appeared four times to a farmer in 1413. The current structure dates back to the sixteenth century and inside there are frescoes of notable artistic interest. Popular faith and spirituality merge with art and beauty, offering a unique visit in its beauty and great cultural value.
Conclusions
Miragolo San Marco is a place that certainly deserves to be visited. The beauty of its physical geography, history, from the mountain of Miragolo to the "opus Miragoli" clocks, and the religious spirituality of the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Perello, are just some of the things that make Miragolo an ideal destination for those who want to spend a day in nature, history, and spirituality. With its breathtaking panoramas, Miragolo San Marco is truly a treasure in the high Brembana Valley.
