From Pontida to Sotto il Monte via Monte Canto.

Riding the friars’ mount

DEPARTURE:
Pontida Cemetery

ARRIVAL:
Shrine of St. John XXIII, Sotto il Monte John XXIII

REACHABLE IN:
car SS342 direction Pontida

BUS DIRECTIONS:
line C 46

Welcome to a journey of discovery of the Romanesque abbeys of the Bergamo area, an evocative journey that will take you back in time to the year 1000.
This itinerary will guide you from the Abbey of S. Giacomo di Pontida to the Abbey of S. Egidio di Fontanella in Sotto il Monte, passing through enchanting places full of history.
Let’s set off!

LENGTH:
8.1 km

DURATION:
2 h 45 min

LEVEL:
+340 m

DIFFICULTY:
E - Hiking

ITINERARY TYPOLOGY:
walking, linear

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DOWNLOAD THE GPX

Arrival in Pontida

Take the bus from Bergamo bound for Pontida.
The town is easily reached with a short trip that will allow you to admire the surrounding landscape.
Before embarking on the route, it is worth visiting the Abbey of S. Giacomo di Pontida.
Founded by Alberto da Prezzate in the 11th century, it has been remodeled several times over the centuries.
According to tradition in 1166 it was the seat where the Lombard League was formed against Frederick Barbarossa.
At the exit, take the left on Via Edmondo Paolazzi until beyond the cemetery, from where you follow the path marked number 897.
Be prepared to overcome several steep sections, so good hiking skills are necessary.

The Vallette and "The Song"

Along the way, you will begin to see two small valleys with streams.
Pass them keeping to the left and follow the direction indicated by the wooden signs for “Il Canto.”
This path winds through forests of chestnut, ash and wild cherry trees, creating an enchanting natural environment.
Continue until you reach the high voltage pylon, a key landmark.
Here turn right to reach the S. Bartolomeo farmstead, dating back to the 1500s.
Today you can see the remains of the farmstead, including a large bell tower that testifies to its religious past.
Enjoy the view of the peaks to the north before turning onto trail number 891.
Continue straight ahead and pass a spring with a spigot, a great place for a restorative break.
A little further on, you’ll find a plateau near the small church of Santa Barbara, the only remaining building of an ancient hamlet.

Descent to the Abbey of St. Egidio

Begin your descent on a cobblestone path that will lead you to the Abbey of S. Egidio in Fontanella in Sotto il Monte.
This structure is a magnificent example of perfectly preserved Romanesque architecture.
Inside, you can admire frescoes dating back to the 12th century and, nearby, the rows of vines that produce the renowned local wine.
Also founded by Albert of Prezzate in the 11th century, the complex contains the sarcophagus of Teoperga, considered the repudiated wife of Frankish King Lothair II and venerated as a saint in antiquity.

Sanctuary of Sotto il Monte

Continue on the path, which comes out at the Torre San Giovanni, a pulpit over the town of Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII and towards Brianza, and, through Via degli Alpini, a historic stairway recently renovated by the Alpini of Sotto il Monte, descend to Cà Maitino, now a museum that preserves and enhances an important collection of testimonies and memorabilia that belonged to Pope John, and then reach, very briefly, the nearby Sanctuary of Sotto il Monte.
This town is very dear to the people of Bergamo as the birthplace of St. John XXIII.
The shrine represents a spiritual and evocative conclusion to your journey.
Here you can also visit the farmstead where Angelo Roncalli was born and grew up before becoming the “Good Pope.”
At the end of your visit, you can take the bus back to Bergamo, taking with you indelible memories of this fascinating journey.

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