The best cycling routes around Lago del Barbellino artificiale

The Ginami castle or Buccelleni castle is located in the ancient market square then Piazza Dante in Gromo in the upper Seriana valley, it was built in the 13th century by the Buccelleni family for military use as evidenced by the armigerous tower, a symbol of the town. Built on a spur, height or grumo of rock, it will probably be this position that gives the name to the village, which in fact is not mentioned in official documents until the dawn of the 13th century.

Gromo, which is part of the circuit of “The most beautiful villages in Italy” and has obtained the “Orange Flag” from the Touring Club Italiano, rises on a rocky promontory, surrounded by meadows and fir forests. The town, famous in antiquity for its iron and silver mines and for its white weapon factories, maintains the compact medieval fabric in the upper part of the inhabited area.

In the 1950s, the painting of Saint Christopher was created to cover new modifications.

Built in 1226 by the eldest son of the Ginami dei Licini family on a rocky spur overlooking the Serio river, an obligatory transit point. The complex, built as a refuge and family residence, consists of a rectangular central body, two wings, and the central tower that stands out over the square. An elegant courtyard has been created in the space between the two wings; the garden has been laid out on several levels, separated by stone walls and connected by staircases. The masonry of large, roughly squared blocks remained unchanged until the 16th century when the Venetian Republic imposed the replacement of the small drawbridge with a larger one; the entrance door was also enlarged and now the large round arch portal, which leads into the central courtyard, is clearly visible. There were then further changes that altered the medieval character even inside the building.

Fondi di Schilpario is an Alpine village located at approximately 1,250 meters above sea level in the municipality of Schilpario (BG), in the Scalve Valley. It is a strategic starting point for numerous hikes and snowshoeing excursions, immersed in a spectacular mountain landscape. 🏞️ Main Features Altitude: 1,250 m Access: Via Provincial Road 294 towards the Vivione Pass Services: Parking, votive church (Maria Ausiliatrice and Santa Barbara), picnic tables Ambience: Fir forests, alpine pastures, views of the Presolana and Cimon della Bagozza peaks 🥾 Excursions from Fondi Campione Refuge (1,900 m) – 1.5 hours Monte Campioncino (2,102 m) – 2.5 hours Don Giulio Corini Bivouac (2,016 m) – 2.45 hours Madonnina dei Campelli – 1.5 hours Malga Campelli Bassa and Alta – 1.15–1.45 hours ❄️ In winter Starting point for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering Groomed and marked trails, including Snow Spectacular snow-covered landscape, ideal for nature photography 🙏 Interesting Facts The votive church is dedicated to Mary Help of Christians and Saint Barbara, protectors of mountaineers and miners. Nearby is a memorial to the victims of the 1944 massacre.

August 10, 2025 - Easy to reach, the climb from the road is a bit steep but doable even with strollers. I don't recall a proper bridge to cross the stream. On the side of the cabin, there's space to set up picnic blankets near the stream, allowing even children to easily reach the stream.

Ancient well-renovated and well-kept hut, one of the many that can be seen along the road and that tell the story of the area

Beautiful village nestled in the coniferous forest. The small houses present are really well cared for, all with stone walls. Some at the time of writing are also being renovated, essential to not lose the historical traces of our territory