Ponteranica between Maresana, Churches and Trails

Ponteranica reveals both a landscape-shaped side and a historical-cultural one. At Maresana and in the basin of the Torrente Morla, trails, woodland, ponds and meadows take center stage; at the same time, churches and historic sites shape the area. You can therefore explore the town through activity in the hills, sacred art and local rural products.

Landscape between Maresana and the Morla

Since 1977, Ponteranica has been part of the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo. Maresana Hill lies within the municipality of Ponteranica and reaches a maximum elevation of 546 m. On Colle Maresana there is a wooded area with several ponds and a large meadow. Particularly noteworthy in the municipality of Ponteranica is the renaturalization of the basin of the Torrente Morla. In this way, the landscape is connected with specific features such as elevation, woodland, open spaces and the development of a water basin.

Hiking and Cycling

Trail 316 from Maresana to Castello della Moretta is an easy 1.5 km hike with an elevation gain of 20 m and a walking time of 30 minutes. For a family-oriented form of exercise, there are the Greenways of Bergamo: 95% of their routes run along cycle paths, and they are suitable for adults and children. The Greenway of Bergamo is directly connected with Ponteranica and its trail network. In addition, the Castello–Luvrida section is maintained to preserve and promote the trail network in the hills.

Churches, Art and Historic Sites

The Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Vincenzo e Alessandro has origins dating back to the 15th century. It houses the Polittico di Ponteranica, dating from 1522. The altarpiece consists of six oil paintings on wood and includes, among others, the Angelo Annunciante.

San Pantaleone was formerly the Oratorio dei Disciplini; it contains numerous ex voto offerings as well as four paintings by Antonio Cifrondi from the years 1687 to 1690. The Chiesa di San Rocco in the Castello district dates from the 15th century and preserves remnants of medieval frescoes. Castello della Moretta is a historic site built in the 15th century and connected with the Chiesa di San Rocco; traces of old fortifications have been preserved in the Castello.

The small Croce dei Morti chapel lies at an elevation of 677 m. It was built in 1930 by the Ponteranica Alpini group in memory of the victims of the plague of 1630. In Ramera stands the small Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova, built in 1656. In the small historic center of Rosciano there is a frescoed church, while in the village of Petos stands the old rural church Chiesa agreste di San Giorgio.

Local Flavors

The Val del Fich farm keeps goats and produces goat cheese as well as preserves according to traditional recipes. This direct connection with agriculture adds a culinary aspect to the churches, chapels and trails, without limiting Ponteranica to a single travel theme.

When choosing a hotel in Ponteranica, you can tailor the focus of your trip to your interests: The short hike and the trail network are ideal for active days, while the churches, frescoes, the Polittico and the historic traces provide opportunities to explore cultural history. The landscape around Maresana and the products of Val del Fich round out this selection with nature and rural flavors.

More Destinations

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Sarnico, Rota D'imagna, Almenno San Bartolomeo, Branzi, Villa Dʼalmè, Bonate Sotto, Treviglio and Endine for more travel ideas.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.