Calusco D'adda: History, the Adda and Ponte San Michele

Historical traces along the Adda

Historical traces and the Adda River shape the themes you can discover in Calusco d’Adda. Calusco Castle has been documented since 1127. A tower from the former castle has been preserved near the public gardens. A tower structure incorporated into today’s Villa Colleoni in the Torre district is mentioned as a local landmark for the years 1161 and 1255.

Churches and monasteries with a long history

Different periods of history stand side by side among the religious buildings. The former Church of San Fedele has been documented since 1125 and still preserves the base of its medieval bell tower. The new Church of San Fedele was consecrated on 7 December 1886. The Church of San Michele di Verghi was founded more than a thousand years ago near the Adda River.

In Baccanello, the monastery contains traces from the Middle Ages. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Baccanello has been documented since the 16th century. Construction of the Franciscan monastery of Baccanello began in 1605 and was completed in 1609. Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who later became Pope John XXIII, was associated with the monastery. The Church of Santa Maria Bambina in Vanzone has been documented since around 1260.

Verghi between panoramic views and places of remembrance

Verghi is located on a natural balcony overlooking the Adda River and towards the Poiret weir. The site preserves the foundations of a small apsidal church measuring approximately 12.5 × 8 metres, as well as traces of monastery walls. The Chapel of the Plague Victims of Verghi was built in 1836. Frescoes of Saint Roch and Saint Fedele can be seen in the Chiesa dei Morti di Vergo.

Paths, bridge and transport history

A path through the forest leads to an extensive green area equipped for breaks below Ponte San Michele. The Sentiero Segré leads from Calusco towards Villa d’Adda. A side path on the steep route to Verghi leads to the valley’s rock faces equipped for sport climbing.

Ponte San Michele connects Paderno and Calusco across the Adda River and, as a combined railway and road bridge, serves both rail and road traffic. Calusco’s transport history also includes the railway station, which opened on 1 July 1889 on the Bergamo–Seregno railway line.

Hydropower and activities on the river

The Semenza hydroelectric power plant is located in Calusco d’Adda on the left bank of the Adda River near the Robbiate weir. Its building is clad in Ceppo dell’Adda stone and was inaugurated in 1920. Edison offers a virtual visit to the power plant with Google Street View in a 360-degree view.

The Canoa Kayak Club Calusco d'Adda offers trekking and cycling excursions. The club also organises trips on the Adda River by boat, canoe and kayak.

More destinations for trip planning

More destinations: Fuipiano Valle Imagna, Stalettì, Endine, Bianzano, Seriate, Bariano, Verdello, Brembate.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.