Discover Oneta: Churches, Foghera Mine and Trails in the Valle del Riso

Oneta lies in the upper Valle del Riso and combines religious heritage, traces of historic mining and trails with a focus on natural history.

Sanctuary and churches in Oneta

The Santuario della Madonna del Frassino is located in the Frassino district. The sanctuary was built at the site of a Marian apparition in 1512 and completed in 1520. It stands at an elevation of 954 metres on a hill at the foot of Monte Alben. The sanctuary includes a large churchyard with panoramic views over the Valle del Riso. Guided tours can be arranged on request.

The church of Santa Maria Assunta is located in the centre of Oneta and can be reached on foot from anywhere in the village. Its original construction is dated to 1015. Inside, there is a single altar dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The portico features two slender sandstone columns from the 15th century. Santa Maria Assunta is considered to have a 15th-century portal, whose lunette contains a fresco of the Pietà. At Santa Maria Assunta, the original construction dated to 1015 meets architectural elements from the 15th century.

In Plazza stands the Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1704. The Church of San Bartolomeo in Chignolo is dated to 1575 and belongs to the parish church of Oneta.

Foghera Mine and practical information

Foghera Mine preserves evidence of historic mining techniques that are no longer in use today. It lies at around 900 metres above sea level above Oneta, near the Plazza district. The mine has been restored and redeveloped for tourism. It can be reached via a road suitable for coaches. The associated car park is about 200 metres away and has toilets and a refreshment point. The distance between the car park and the mine is approximately 200 metres, so this section can be taken into account when planning the route on site.

Along CAI Trail 239, information panels describe the mine, the pond ecosystem, the forest and the alpine pasture; historical traces and natural-history topics are found along the same section of trail. For this trail, Plazza di Oneta, at 923 metres above sea level, is designated as the car park.

Trails on Monte Grem

The Valle Giulia–Monte Grem trail is approximately 1,500 metres long and runs between elevations of 760 and 1,050 metres. Its themes are natural history, geology, history and religion. The trail leads to the pastures of Monte Grem. When planning your day, both the distance and the elevation figures should therefore be taken into account, especially if you plan to schedule breaks specifically for this trail.

Museum in the Villa district

The Museo etnografico di Oneta is housed in a historic building in the Villa district.

Other places in the same area

Other destinations in the same area: Stezzano, Paladina, Brusaporto, Vall'alta, San Pellegrino Terme, Brembate, Alzano Lombardo, Villongo.

For the overarching travel guide: Bergamo.