Gambara between Churches, Festivals and Shared Tables

Historic Buildings and Sacred Spaces

Gambara’s architectural history is visible in its religious buildings and the Castello Gambara-Calini. The Santuario della Madonna della Neve stands in front of the castle of the Gambara noble family.

The present-day Santuario della Madonna della Neve was built in 1504 after the previous, dilapidated building had been demolished.

Inside the Santuario are relief-decorated surfaces and wall paintings. The single-nave space ends in a rectangular presbytery, allowing the building’s character to be understood through its spatial arrangement as well.

The Castello Gambara-Calini was a fortress and the residence of the Gambara noble family. Its origins date back to the 14th or 15th century. The Castello is privately owned and is not open to visitors.

The Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo Apostoli has a single-nave layout with side chapels and a rectangular presbytery ending in an apse-like form. On November 11, 1595, it became the parish church of Gambara after the baptistery and chapter of Santa Maria della Neve had been transferred there.

Festivals, Music and Shared Meals

The Festa della Madonna della Neve includes concerts, among other events. The celebrations can last up to five days. The traditional Cena della Neve also takes place as part of these celebrations.

For the Cena della Neve, participants bring their own tables, chairs, food and drinks. Tablecloths, napkins and cutlery are also part of their individual preparations. The shared meal is therefore closely connected with the participants’ personal contributions.

Gambara celebrates San Gottardo Day on May 4. At the Festa patronale di San Gottardo, families and friends gather in the fields next to the church of the same name for shared meals, singing and games of Briscola. Tents, motorhomes, tractors and caravans are also set up there.

The traditional picnic at the Festa patronale di San Gottardo includes salami, sausages, Bisolà, savory pies, eggs, cheese, grilled food and wine.

Other Local Events and Specialties

During the traditional Falò di Sant'Antonio, a fire is lit in Gambara on January 17 in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot. Doughnuts, other traditional sweets and mulled wine are enjoyed together around the fire.

The Fiera di San Giuseppe offers tastings of peasant cuisine and specialties from various regions of Italy. The fair also features concerts with traditional music, bringing regional cuisine and musical tradition together.

The Incanto di San Rocco is a traditional charity auction that can be traced back almost 180 years. Donated items such as sweets and flowers are offered at this auction.

For additional places in the same higher-level region, you can complement your trip with Toscolano Maderno, Vallio Terme, Palazzolo Sull'oglio, Azzano Mella, Roncadelle, Trenzano, Raffa and Voiandes.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brescia.