Averara between the Via Mercatorum and chestnut groves

Averara combines historic paths, a rural cultural landscape and mountain destinations into a travel destination with several clearly distinct facets. Buildings dating from the 15th century stand along the Via Porticata di Averara, while hiking trails lead to rock formations, lakes and high-altitude mountain huts. Those who enjoy combining Italian history with physical activity and everyday regional life will find concrete starting points here for days of varying lengths.

Via Porticata and the traces of the Via Mercatorum

The Via Porticata di Averara is a section of the ancient Via Mercatorum. Before the construction of the Via Priula, this historic route connected Bergamo with the Grisons and Central Europe. It can be reached on foot or by bicycle via a paved road, allowing visitors to explore the historic surroundings without undertaking a long mountain hike.

The history of the old routes also includes Casa Bottagisi, an old, characteristic building on the Via Mercatorum. Casa Bottagisi can be entered freely at no charge. Guided tours are available by prior reservation and for a fee. One of Averara’s medieval towers stands along the Via Mercatorum near the former fortification in the Contrada Castello. The second medieval tower stood on a rocky outcrop from which the valley and the road to Santa Brigida could be controlled.

Chestnut Groves and Local Traditions

The chestnut groves of Averara extend across almost the entire municipal area and reach an altitude of 900 metres. In the Castagneto, old chestnut trees grow among rural buildings that were recently restored by the local Castanicoltori association. The landscape is therefore not only a natural attraction but is also connected with a regional working and cultural tradition.

This tradition is also reflected in the Sagra della Castagna in Redivo, a hamlet of Averara. The cultural gathering has taken place since 1974 and brings together the community, associations and local traditions. If, alongside trails and buildings, you would also like to experience the social character of a place during your trip, this chestnut festival is one of Averara’s distinctive themes.

Hikes among Villages, Rocks and Mountain Passes

The CAI hiking trail Sentiero 105B leads from the outskirts of Olmo al Brembo to Redivo in Averara and is classified as E, meaning Escursionistico. Along this trail lies the arched rock formation Corna or Büsa della Pizzarèla, through which Sentiero 105B passes. Another walk of about three hours connects Valmoresca, Caprile Inferiore, Losc and Caprile Superiore in the Averara area, following traces of local history. These varying trail lengths make it easier to plan your day between village visits and physical activity.

Considerably more extensive is the themed trail “Averara, la Via Mercatorum e il Passo San Marco”. It has a difficulty rating of E, takes approximately 7 to 7.5 hours, involves about 1,190 metres of ascent and reaches a maximum altitude of 1,985 metres at the Passo di San Marco. Sentiero 110, by contrast, leads to the dam at 1,546 metres, runs along the lake, climbs to Casera Ancogno at 1,759 metres and then continues via a road and sections of the Via Priula to Rifugio Ca' San Marco at 1,830 metres.

Below the Passo San Marco, the historic Casa Cantoniera now serves as a mountain hut with rooms in an Alpine style. It is an important starting point for hikes of varying difficulty. When choosing your accommodation, therefore, the planned pace of your trip is particularly important: the routes range from a loop trail that can be walked independently to a long tour with a significant difference in elevation, while historic roads and churches also allow for shorter cultural excursions.

Towers and Churches in Averara

The Torre della Sapienza conveys basic religious and moral principles through short Latin maxims and admonitions written on its bricks. It is considered a rare medieval instrument of education and instruction for the local communities. The Torre della Sapienza can be reached on foot or by bicycle via a paved road. The parish church of San Giacomo in Averara contains an organ from the workshop of the Serassi family. The church of Madonna della Neve is a characteristic church in the village of Valmoresca.

The “Dall’alto delle Torri” loop trail can be walked independently. The small churches, by contrast, are open only for religious services or organised visits. This makes it possible to experience Averara both through freely accessible trails and through specially planned cultural visits.

Other places in the same region: Almenno San Bartolomeo, Foppolo, Bianzano, Spinone Al Lago, Ponteranica, Serina, Monasterolo del Castello, Villa Dʼalmè.

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