• Art & Culture
    • Religious Tourism

Legend of the Seven Brothers

An evocative tale of eight brothers, linked to each other, who lived in the Lecco area

Every territory has its own legends, tales that go deep into the centuries-old roots of its people's cultural heritage. They were created to celebrate events or figures that were fundamental for local history or in order to explain certain features that distinguished the Region's natural environment. They are told by the members of the community with the purpose of strengthening people's bonds with their native land.

One of the best known legends in the territory of Lecco, specially in the mountain area, is that of the seven hermit brothers, hailing from the late Middle Ages..

This suggestive tale tells the story of eight brothers who were very close and lived in the area of the Valsassina. When one of them died tagically in an act of unbelief and mockery towards God. The surviving siblings, shocked by the tragedy, chose to become hermits and live alone in the neighboring mountains.

A series of temples built in these localities take their name from each hermit who settled there: Saint Sfirio, the eldest brother, chose the summit of the Legnoncino at a1714 meters altitude, in an exceptional panoramic view of the lake and the area of Valvarrone.  Saint Calimero went above Pasturo; Sant'Ulderico in the northern slopes of Mount Muggio, at a 1392 meters altitude (its XIth century parish has been cited in Goffredo da Bussero's Liber Notitiae Sanctorum Mediolani); Saint Grato in Val Muggisca; Saint Fedele in a forest called La Foppa not far from Casargo; and Saint Defendente in the zone between Esino Lario and Perledo.

Only Saint Margherita, the only sister (who some believe to be the maiden rescued from a dragon by Saint George), stayed at a level ground within the valley (in Somadino's Casargo) in order to be able to visit each of her brothers in their respective localities.

The saints were able to communicate with each other from their single hermitages by lighting bonfires. They used to burn shrubs every evening in order to protect the residents of these valleys and to greet their siblings, it was also a way of praying and a good omen to plead for Grace and Forgiveness.

Some of the seven churches, like that of Saint Margherita, are still well maintained and are open to the public, while others are unfortunately lost in time.

This legend has been interpreted as the transformation of an ancient local context that relied on these small churches with the task of spotting and reporting incoming hostile forces due to their particular panoramic position.

The memory of these seven hermit brothers lives on the customs of local populace and the churches that bear their names.

On the same topic

Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages

A route in three stages to discover the Terre del Vescovado, amidst picturesque villages, charming hills and famous vineyards
  • Art & Culture
Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages - credits: terredelvescovado.it

Lombardy, land of science and engineering

A journey of discovery through the history of technology in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Lombardy, land of science and engineering - Diga del Panperduto

San Pietro a Gemonio

This church is one of the points that remain more etched in the memory of the travelers who travel the Varese-Laveno
  • Art & Culture
San Pietro a Gemonio and the Salvini Museum in Cocquio Trevisago

Theaters Pavia

Opera, prose, dance and theatrical review .... the theater in Pavia and the province is staged
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Pavia, cultural vacations in Lombardy

Contemporary Varese

Una guida alle architetture e nuovi spazi dedicati all'arte contemporanea: i percorsi del contemporaneo tra Varese, Laveno, Maccagno.
  • Art & Culture
Contemporary Varese

Following Leonardo's footsteps in Milan

  • Art & Culture
Following Leonardo's footsteps in Milan

The Longobard heritage of Pavia

A journey of discovery to uncover the ancient civilisation of the Longobards through the history of the city of Pavia.
  • Art & Culture
The Longobard heritage of Pavia

Pavia Photo Gallery

An area full of attractions and experiences to experience
  • Art & Culture
Pavia from A to Z, art and culinary traditions

Brescia, a Theatre City

From the Teatro Grande to the Brescia Opera Festival, to the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone. Discover a stage city
  • Art & Culture
Brescia, a Theatre City

A visit to Cerreto Abbey

Cerreto Abbey: a Cistercian jewel of the province of Lodi 
  • Art & Culture
Una visita all’Abbazia del Cerreto

Castles Brescia

From Sirmione to Breno, from Desenzano to Padernello, a journey through the fortified manors to the discovery of local history
  • Art & Culture
Castles Brescia, discovering Lombardy

Bergamo Upper City

Medieval atmosphere on the top of a hill
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo Upper Town

Open museums in Lombardy: an ode to female talent 

Lombardy’s museums are once again welcoming the public, art lovers, and other visitors with a wealth of exhibitions dedicated to women: artists, works of art, and mythological figures who have inspired exhibitions and shows
  • Art & Culture
Open museums in Lombardy: an ode to female talent 

Monument Sondrio

Historical, artistic, traditional Sondrio in its many monuments ... and a railway station from which a special train departs
  • Art & Culture
Monument Sondrio, what to see

Theaters Lodi

Lodi is famous not only for its monumental beauties, but also for the lively cultural activity in its theaters
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Lodi, culture trips in Lombardy

Lomello and its Christian buildings

Village of strategical importance since ancient times, here you can discover the great Romanesque Lombard architecture
  • Art & Culture
Lomello and its Christian buildings

Three Days in Milan: A Cultural Journey Through Time, Art, and Innovation

Plan the perfect 3-day trip to Milan with the YesMilano City Pass. Visit top attractions like the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Skip lines and enjoy free audioguides!
  • Art & Culture
discovering milano

Visiting the Castle in the night

  • Art & Culture
Visiting the Castle in the night

Bergamo Brescia: Italian capital of culture 2023

Discover the schedule of events, new museums, projects and exhibitions that promise to take you off the beaten track.
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo Brescia: Italian capital of culture 2023 - Teatro Grande Brescia - inLombardia

11 addresses for villas and parks

Relive the charm of the past between villas, parks and castles in Lombardy
  • Art & Culture
Magical places in Lombardy