Bianzano: Castello Suardi, ancient paths and sacred features

Bianzano reveals itself through fortified history, sacred features and ancient paths. Castello Suardi, the churches in the village and the historic Via degli Asini offer different perspectives on your stay: you can explore architectural history, plan a route or get to know local traditions and products. This combination of culture, activity and regional everyday life gives you several starting points for a trip that you can shape according to your own rhythm.

Castello Suardi and sacred features

At Castello Suardi, interior visits are possible only by prior registration, with a guided tour and in accordance with the scheduled openings published by the Municipality of Bianzano. The remains of a double curtain wall, a powerful main tower and a second tower on the outer fortified wall ring have survived at Castello Suardi.

The Santuario di Santa Maria Assunta houses the large wooden statue of the Deposed Christ, known as “Signorù”. Every year on the third Sunday in July, it is carried in a procession through Bianzano from the Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta to the Chiesa di San Rocco. A statue of Saint Roch on the bell tower of the parish church of San Rocco also turns according to the direction of the wind. Together, these details give the sacred history of the village a concrete form that can be recognized in the townscape.

Ancient paths between Bianzano and the mountains

Bianzano has various trails with coordinated signage for trekking and cycling tours. They follow ancient paths to the alpine pastures at the mountain passes of Crocione and Pler. The CAI trail marked with number 602 leads from Bianzano to Ranzanico and takes about 30 minutes. The trail begins near the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Rocco and runs along the Via degli Asini in the direction of Castello Suardi.

The Via degli Asini itself is a historic paved mule track and the old connecting route between Bianzano and Spinone. The summit of Monte Torrezzo is located in the vicinity of Bianzano. Castello Carmagnola is also in the surrounding area. Those who want to combine natural and cultural aspects will find different themes here that can be taken into account when planning their day.

Local specialties and recurring traditions

The typical cheese of Valle Rossa is available along the Strada della Valle Rossa. The culinary tradition also includes the Sagra del Tartufo bergamasco in Bianzano. It is a recurring event and has already been held for the 14th time. A regional specialty thus complements the village’s historical and scenic points of interest.

If you are looking for a hotel or other accommodation in Bianzano, you can first decide whether Castello Suardi and the churches, the historic paths, the surrounding area or regional products are the main factor for you. These focal points can help you align the location of your overnight stay with your own daily plans.

Other places for planning your trip

Foresto Sparso, Brembate, Almenno San Salvatore, Carobbio, Spinone Al Lago, Medolago, Scano Al Brembo and Albino

For the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.