• Religious Tourism
    • Art & Culture

Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII

It is located in the area called Isola Bergamasca and is now a destination for pilgrimages linked to the figure of Angelo GIuseppe Roncalli

Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII is situated in an area known as Isola Bergamasca, an area whose shape resembles an upside down triangle, where the base to the north consists of the Monte Canto and the two sides are represented by the rivers Brembo and Adda.

Sotto il Monte is today a place of pilgrimage associated with the figure of Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, who was born in the village in 1881 and on 28 October 1958 became Pope John XXIII, also known as the "Good Pope" (Papa buono).

Most of the places of interest in Sotto il Monte relate to the places where Pope John XXIII was born and spent his life.

Cascina Palazzo, with simple rooms reached by a wooden staircase, was his birthplace, and Ca' Maitino, a fifteenth century villa and the Pope's holiday destination, is now a museum that houses many relics belonging to Pope John XXIII, including the bed on which he died and the altar of the private chapel.

A place of strong involvement is the Oboedentia et pax crypt, dedicated to the memory of the Pope where pilgrims are invited to reflect and pray. On the walls inside, pilgrims can read words taken from his thoughts and prayers.

The crypt is located beneath the parish church consecrated by Pope John XXIII in 1929 and the Cappella di Maria Regina della pace, which contains a precious altar from the Old St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican and a polychrome inlay depicting Pope John XXIII.

One element that characterises the area of Sotto il Monte is the Abbazia Rettoria di Sant'Egidio. The abbey was built in the hamlet of Fontanella  in Romanesque style in the tenth century and the current tabernacle was used to as a bread oven for the poor of a village of Val Imagna.

In Sotto il Monte, as well as visiting its historical and religious attractions, you can relax and recharge your batteries in a natural environment with walks and cycling trips on Monte Canto. The mountain is dotted with numerous itineraries that depart from the surrounding villages and wind through chestnut woods and vineyards.

Take me here: Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII

On the same topic

From Ca' de Mazzi to Corte Sant'Andrea

Stage 5 of the Monk’s trail
  • Religious Tourism
From Ca' de Mazzi to Corte Sant'Andrea

Churches Mantua

Discovering the places of worship of the Mantuan area. To fill the spirit between faith and religious art
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Mantua, spiritual journeys in Lombardy

The monk’s pantry: where to indulge your tastebuds

Guide for gourmands in the monasteries of Lombardy
  • Religious Tourism
A gluttonous guide to the monasteries of Lombardy

The herbalist traditions of Lombardy’s monasteries

In the monasteries and abbeys of Lombardy, knowledge and flavors translate into high quality herbal products
  • Religious Tourism
Herbal products: where to buy them from Lombard monks

Churches Bergamo

Bergamo: a city with more beauties than you think. They are silent behind centuries-old facades of churches
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Bergamo, religious tourism

Coira and the Historic Spluga Trail

Un percorso tutto da scoprire
  • Religious Tourism
Discover Coira and the historic Spluga Trail

Holy honey

A centuries-old tradition still alive in the abbeys
  • Religious Tourism
Where to buy honey made by monks in Lombardy

Medieval cookery at the Abbazia di Morimondo

Gastronomic experiences at the Abbey of Morimondo
  • Religious Tourism
Gastronomic experiences at the Abbazia di Morimondo

Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

Follow the Via Francigena through Lodi to discover a world of history and tradition
  • Religious Tourism
Corte Sant'Andrea and the Via Francigena

Lecco: Places and Streets of Faith

The province of Lecco, a treasure trove of faith and culture
  • Religious Tourism
Lecco: Luoghi e Vie della Fede

A tour of the colours in art locations

A colour itinerary to rediscover some of Lombardy’s most fascinating locations for art and culture.
  • Religious Tourism
Tour luoghi d'arte

The Saint Columbanus way

The Saint Columbanus way is the route that,crossing the entire area of Eastern Lombardy, once led to Bobbio
  • Religious Tourism
The Saint Columbanus way

Monks and beer cross paths in Monza and Buccinasco

Craft breweries in the monasteries of Lombardy
  • Religious Tourism
Craft beer brewing in the monasteries of Lombardy

The Via Spluga

The wonderful wilderness of the Spluga “sublime pass” and its route are in enclosed within a rugged and historically rich valley
  • Religious Tourism
The Via Spluga

Il Cammin Breve

A "brief" guide to 7 churches in the heart of Milan
  • Religious Tourism
Il Cammin Breve

Via Francigena Renana

A Roman road between Reno and Po
  • Religious Tourism
Via Francigena renana, a roman way between the Rhine and the Po

From Maiano Sant'Angelo Lodigiano to Ca' de Mazzi

An alternative route for the Fourth Stage of the Monk’s Trail
  • Religious Tourism
From Maiano Sant'Angelo Lodigiano to Ca' de Mazzi

Candle production in Lombardy’s monasteries

Laboratories and purchases of candles in the Lombardy monasteries
  • Religious Tourism
The monasteries of Lombardy are producing and selling their own candles

Churches Cremona

Religious tourism is an important attraction of Italian tourism. Cremona does not miss the appeal with basilicas and sanctuaries
  • Religious Tourism
Churches Cremona, discovering Lombardy

Visit the mill at the Abbazia di Chiaravalle

Gita fuoriporta alla scoperta dell’Abbazia di Chiaravalle
  • Religious Tourism
Head out of the city and discover the Abbazia di Chiaravalle