Sotto Il Monte Giovanni Xxiii: Churches, Roncalli and Pilgrimage Routes

Churches, Art and Remembrance

Sotto Il Monte Giovanni Xxiii is a destination where sacred art, the memory of Pope John XXIII and routes for pilgrims provide important points of reference for planning your trip. The churches, religious institutions and scenic routes give your stay a variety of possible focuses.

The Abbazia di S. Egidio was founded in 1080 by the Bergamasque nobleman Alberto da Prezzate. In the abbey, you can admire Renaissance frescoes in the apse vault; at the centre, Christ Pantocrator is depicted in a mandorla.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria in Brusicco dates from 1450. On 25 November 1881, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was baptised there.

The Santuario della Madonna delle Caneve was built in 1727 in the Canève district. Above the altar is an old fresco that was rediscovered only in recent years.

The Casa Natale, which is managed by the PIME Fathers, is currently a museum dedicated to the memory of Pope Roncalli. The PIME Seminary is currently a place for retreats and prayer for groups from Italy and abroad.

Camaitino is considered Pope Roncalli’s first home. The complex houses a Casa delle Memorie dedicated to Pope John XXIII.

Pilgrimage Sites and Routes

The Casa del Pellegrino has a large reception hall and two video rooms. A short introductory film about the pilgrimage can be shown there. The secretariat helps organise visiting routes and prepares customised offers for parishes, tour operators and groups.

The Giardino della Pace is a place for reflection, spending time and preparing to visit the Obedentia et Pax crypt and the statue of Saint John XXIII, which welcomes pilgrims. A circular path in the Giardino della Pace leads to the new entrance to the Obedentia et Pax crypt.

The Via Giovannea is marked with red-and-white trail signs bearing the designation JXXIII and a depiction of the Pope. Its route from Sotto il Monte via Celana to San Gregorio was recently restored and repaired for hikers and pilgrims.

Tower and Landscape

A fortification stood at the site of the Torre di San Giovanni in 964; it was later converted into a bell tower. The square tower is 17 metres high and is considered a noteworthy example of Romanesque art. On Monte Canto, there are hiking and cycling routes that pass through chestnut woods and vineyards.

When choosing a hotel, you can therefore first decide whether churches, places commemorating Roncalli and pilgrimage routes, or hiking and cycling routes on Monte Canto should be the focus of your trip.

Other destinations for planning your trip to Italy: Averara, Sorisole, Almenno San Bartolomeo, Orio Al Serio, Bordogna, Capriate San Gervasio, Selino Basso and Telgate.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.