Holiday apartment in Averara: towers, chestnut groves and mountain trails

Averara combines a distinctive mountain landscape with historic paths and unusual evidence of local culture. The chestnut groves extend across almost the entire municipal area and reach elevations of up to 900 metres. The Via Porticata di Averara is lined with buildings dating from the 15th century and is also part of the ancient Via Mercatorum, which connected Bergamo with the Grisons and Central Europe before the construction of the Via Priula. The Via Porticata can be reached on foot or by bicycle via a paved road.

Towers, churches and houses steeped in history

The Torre della Sapienza conveys religious and moral principles through short Latin maxims and admonitions written on its bricks. It is considered a rare medieval instrument of education and instruction for local communities. Averara’s second medieval tower stood on a rocky outcrop from which the valley and the road to Santa Brigida could be controlled. One of the medieval towers stands along the Via Mercatorum near the former fortification in Contrada Castello.

Casa Bottagisi is also one of the characteristic historic sites along the Via Mercatorum. Casa Bottagisi can be entered freely and free of charge. Guided tours are available by prior reservation and for a fee. The parish church of San Giacomo in Averara houses an organ from the workshop of the Serassi family. The characteristic Madonna della Neve church also stands in the hamlet of Valmoresca.

The “Dall’alto delle Torri” circular route can be completed independently. The small churches, however, are open only for services or organised tours. This combines historical discoveries with clear practical guidance for planning your day.

Hiking among valleys, lakes and mountain passes

The CAI hiking trail Sentiero 105B leads from the edge of Olmo al Brembo to Redivo in Averara and is classified as E (Hiking). It passes through the arched rock formation Corna, or Büsa della Pizzarèla. More demanding is the themed trail “Averara, la Via Mercatorum e il Passo San Marco”, rated E (Experienced hikers). It takes approximately 7 to 7.5 hours, involves around 1,190 metres of ascent and reaches a maximum elevation of 1,985 metres at Passo di San Marco.

A walk of around three hours connects Valmoresca, Caprile Inferiore, Losc and Caprile Superiore in the Averara area, following traces of local history along the way. Sentiero 110 leads to the dam at an elevation of 1,546 metres, runs along the lake, climbs to Casera Ancogno at 1,759 metres and then continues via a road and sections of the Via Priula to Rifugio Ca' San Marco at 1,830 metres. The different route lengths and elevation profiles help you plan activities to suit the time available and the type of activity you prefer.

A holiday apartment in Averara to suit your travel plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Averara, the experiences you have planned can help determine the right focus for your trip. The independently accessible circular route, the approximately three-hour walk and the longer mountain trails represent different daily rhythms. Those interested in culture will find independent destinations along the Via Porticata, at the towers, Casa Bottagisi and the churches, while the routes to Passo San Marco and Rifugio Ca' San Marco clearly showcase the area’s alpine character.

Below Passo San Marco, the historic Casa Cantoniera now serves as a mountain lodge with alpine-style rooms and as an important starting point for hikes of varying difficulty. The Castagneto in Averara includes old chestnut trees and rural buildings recently restored by the local Castanicoltori association. In Redivo, the Sagra della Castagna has been documented since 1974. The cultural gathering brings together the community, associations and local traditions.

More destinations for your travel plans

San Paolo D'argon, Fonteno, Villassio, Roncobello, Cavernago, Verdello, Torre Boldone, Cene

To the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.