The historic route twists and turns nearby Concesa (MI), where the Santuario della Divina Maternità is located, along the stream of the Adda and towards Bergamo, and presents wonderful cultural attractions as the Mill Village of Crespi d’Adda (an UNESCO heritage), Leonardo’ places and those dedicated to the devotion of Saint John XXIII.
Proceeding along the Adda river, it is possible to reach other places of worship in the province of Lecco, like the Santuari della Rocchetta and the Madonna del Bosco shrine.
Getting back towards Bergamo, the route ends with a visit to the cultural and worship buildings in the Seriana Valley, a network of Marian Shrines which dates back to different ages, linked to the cycle path which crosses the whole valley: Santuario Madonna delle Grazie in Ardesio, Santuario della Santissima Trinità e della Madonna d’Erbia in Casnigo, the Convento della Ripa and the Santuario della Beata Vergine del Miracolo in Albino.
The visit is completed by other attractions like the Sacred Art Museum of San Martino in Alzano Lombardo and the unique piece of sacred art entitled “Trionfo della morte” (“Triumph of Death”) in Clusone.
The route underlines the deep sacred bond between the provinces of Bergamo, Milan and Lecco, where places of worship link together with the natural environment and the historical, artistic and cultural presences, developing and area powerfully fascinating not only for pilgrims, but also for tourists.
The religious/cultural visit is then enriched by the opportunity to taste the local products, offered by the local professionals of hospitality and gastronomy: first of all, the Sapori e i profumi dell’Isola Bergamasca, with a large range of products and foods derived from the Isola Bergamasca corn (polenta’s fluor, beer, pastries), cured meats and cheeses, high quality wines, honey, jams and the Seriana’s Tastes, a complete offer of the Valle Seriana products which includes stuffed pasta, meats, cheese and desserts.
Another main traditional product joins the Lombardy cuisine: the corn and its varieties Nostrano dell’Isola, Rostrato Rosso di Rovetta and Spinato della Val Gandino.
This project is part of the Bando Turismo Religioso in Lombardia, realized in partnership with Promoisola and Promoserio.
In the Milanese area of Martesana, in a small votive chapel between the citadel of Trezzo and that of Vaprio, on the right bank of river Adda, nearby a spring called “Acqua della Madonna”, the miraculous painting of the “Madonna di Concesa” was venerated …
One of the most famous centres of the Isola bergamasca is Sotto il Monte, birth place of John XXIII. This is a destination for thousands pilgrims that wish to visit the native place of Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli …
The shrine is located in a green and quiet area just a few steps far from the centre of Imbersago, on the eastern slopes of a hill. From this point, it is possible to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view on the landscape of the Adda’s Valley, Mount Resegone and Mount Grigna …
Builted during the second half of the 15th century in Desenzano di Albino, the Convento della Ripa is a fascinating and evocative place from an architectural and historic point of view …
The Santuario della Santissima Trinità is located 25 km far from Bergamo. With an elevation of 690 m it overlooks the upland of Casnigo and the Seriana Valley …
The Shrine of Ardesio was built in the same place where, according to the local tradition, Virgin Mary appeared to the sisters Maria and Caterina Salera during a storm on 23rd June, 1607 …