Bonate Sotto – Churches, Canals and the Prati Aridi

Bonate Sotto offers several clearly distinct points of interest for planning your trip: religious buildings with historical connections, a crossing over a hydroelectric canal, and landscapes and paths along the water.

Churches with different historical connections

The Chiesa di San Giorgio is specifically connected to the history of the area. It was built by the local community of Bonate Sotto to fulfill a vow made during the 1630 plague epidemic, in which more than half of the area's population died. For those interested in culture, the building is therefore connected to a specific event in the area's history and should not be viewed solely through its religious function.

The Basilica di Santa Giulia is a Romanesque church dating from the period between the 11th and 13th centuries; today, its three apses, the first bay and parts of the surrounding walls remain. For those interested in culture, the focus here is on its Romanesque dating and the specific parts that have been preserved. The basilica therefore offers a different historical perspective from the Chiesa di San Giorgio.

The Prati Aridi along the Brembo

The Prati Aridi lie along the banks of the Brembo River. The Prati Aridi are home to vegetation featuring numerous species of natural interest. The Prati Aridi are freely accessible to the entire community. Those interested in natural history can view the location along the Brembo and the vegetation with its numerous species as a cohesive landscape feature. Free access for the entire community is a separate practical aspect of planning a visit to the area.

Waterways and a freely accessible crossing

Tre Ponti is a crossing over the Roggia Masnada hydroelectric canal. Tre Ponti is accessible every day around the clock. Anyone wishing to include a technical waterway in their day's plans can consider the crossing as a separate section.

“Tra Romanico e Prati Aridi” in three lengths

The permanent walking routes “Tra Romanico e Prati Aridi” are among the FIAPS routes. The trail system comprises three routes of 7, 10 and 13 km. At 7, 10 or 13 km, the trail system offers three different distances for an outing without assuming a walking time. For individual trip planning, the number of kilometers is the clear basis for comparison; no walking time or specific pace is implied.

Mezzovate and the path to the Fontanile

Mezzovate is a medieval village near the Lesina stream. A footpath follows the canal bank to the Fontanile di San Quirico. For those interested in culture, the focus at Mezzovate is on the history of the medieval village; the footpath leads to a specific destination by the water. This route description does not specify a walking time.

Other places to include in your trip planning

If you would like to include other places in addition to Bonate Sotto, you can also add Verdello, Seriate, Capriate San Gervasio, Oneta, Canonica D'adda, Vall'alta, Cavernago and Riva Di Solto to your trip plans.

For the broader travel overview: Bergamo.