Summer 2018 opens with a rich calendar of events, shows, guided tours and culinary appointments in the beautiful Astino Valley.
Bergamo summer: the origins of the Astino Monastery
Events in Bergamo Summer - Founded in 1107 by Vallombrosian monks, a community of Benedictine monks from the Florentine town of Vallombrosa, the monastery of Astino is located in the lush setting of the Parco dei Colli di Bergamo. This green area shone again in 2007 thanks to the intervention of the Mia Foundation.
The recovery of the monastery and the Church of the Holy Sepulchreas well as the landed estates surrounding the architectural complex, has managed to do justice to the charm of this place. The buildings, today open to the publichave become a perfect destination for a pleasant outing.
Bergamo summer: flax cultivation
The Astino area focuses on theorganic farming and every year gives tasty local products including:
- extra virgin olive oil extracted from Sbresa, an ancient variety of olive tree from Bergamo
- gooseberries
- maize
- aromatic and medicinal plants
- berries and ancient grains.
As of 2018, this verdant zero-kilometre reality also welcomes a beautiful initiative called 'Flax in Astino: tradition, culture and innovation'. To realise the project, it was decided to sow one hectare of land and bring back to life an agricultural tradition that was widespread in the Bergamo province during the Middle Ages: flax cultivation.
Bergamo summer in Astino: Bergamo food and wine
The summer events calendar aims to introduce tourists to the beauty of Astino, a place full of charm and magic. The former Vallombrosian monastery will host several events dedicated to music, art, crafts and cuisineoffering local delicacies to be savoured in front of a breathtaking view.
The monastery complex is in fact located in the beautiful Astino Valley: here are hops, fruit trees and a lush botanical garden. This is the branch of the Lorenzo Rota Botanical Garden in the Upper Town.
Bergamo summer aperitifs
Among the shows scheduled for the summer we would like to mention lunches, aperitifs and dinners on the terrace organised by some of the most important restaurateurs of Bergamo including Da Mimmo and the independent Elav brewery. There will also be summer theatre schools, children's workshops and art exhibitions.
The monastery is also Slow Food Presidium and embraces its philosophy and key principles. For years, it has been committed to restoring value to food preserving biodiversity, promoting good, sustainable food and respecting both the environment and producers.
Spa Hotel Parigi 2: oasis in the Astino Valley
If you want to visit the natural and architectural beauty of Bergamo and the surrounding area, then our hotel could be right for you! The Spa Hotel Paris 2 is in fact located in Dalmine, a few kilometres from the centre of Bergamo and the Astino Valley.
The hotel is easily accessible by car or public transport. In addition, it is equipped with all modern comforts and a cosy wellness centre La Cascade offers its guests a peaceful and relaxing stay to recharge your energy after a long day of sightseeing, hiking and walking.
If you want to find out all the new 2018 offerings from the monastery of Astinowe recommend you visit the official Mia Foundation page
And if you feel like reading some more information, take a look at this article: Stairs of Bergamo
