Secret nature in Bergamo and Brescia

In Bergamo and Brescia, rediscover authentic green havens in the heart of the city. Hidden cloisters, terraced gardens, historical vegetable gardens and silent parks, narrating the deep link shared by nature, architecture and memory.

These venues - often outside the most popular tourist trails - preserve ancient stories and charming atmospheres, and open up beautiful and calm havens within the urban fabric.

From palaces to monasteries and mysterious sanctuaries nestled between the mountains, each of these 6 destinations is an invitation to explore an old yet alive cultural heritage, where art’s historical legacy meets a wealth of floral and botanical species and unexpected panoramas. Here, time seems to slow down, and the urban landscape is transformed into a new discovery.

Astino Monastery (BG) — Approximately 10 minutes from the city centre, and reachable also by foot, a monastery with thousands years of history is nestled among the green Parco dei Colli Bergamaschi. We are talking about the Astino Monastery, a gem that is finally shining again, after being left in ruins for more than a century. This perfect out-of-town destination will take you back in time. Built around the 12th century, it was managed for a very long time by the Comunità dei Monaci Vallombrosani, highly regarded by the locals.

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Sanctuary of San Patrizio (Colzate, BG) — This mysterious place of workshop, named after the Saint patron of Ireland, looks like a fortress, perched on a scenic spur overlooking the Seriana Valley. Solitary, remote and surrounded by the woods and meadows of Mount Cavlera, the Sanctuary of San Patrizio is an artistic and spiritual complex with very mysterious beginnings. Why the homage to Saint Patrick, so unusual in Italy? .

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Convent of San Francesco (Bergamo Alta) — In the heart of the Upper Town, cross Piazza Mercato del Fieno to find a marvellous example of Medieval conventual architecture, filled with hidden treasures: the arch cloister, the well cloister and the capitol room will unveil, with their cycle of wall paintings completed between the 14th and the 17th century, the long history of this amazing building.Located in the heart of Bergamo Alta, the Convent of San Francesco is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in the city, built around its cloisters. The building features amazing views and charming atmospheres, from the Well Cloister’s panoramic view, to the unmissable landscape of the Bergamo valleys .

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Palazzo Moroni (Bergamo Alta) — We are in the heart of Bergamo Upper City, in a 17th building preserving all its splendour, and an Italian-style garden that became a charming park: this is Palazzo Moroni. The Moroni family owns and lives in this building, which still retains the original structure. Inside it, you can observe the family’s great passion for art, with frescoes halls and 17th-19th century furniture, still preserving the Moroni Collection - a wide selection of paintings by Albino Giovanni Battista Moroni and by other important artists. .

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Domus dell’Ortaglia (BS) — In the heart of Brescia, hidden between the walls of the Monastery of Santa Giulia, the Domus dell’Ortaglia unfolds. In this secret garden, time stands still, and ancient art is still visible between its mosaics and frescoes. These ancient Roman houses, emerged from the monastery vegetable gardens (hence the name ‘Ortaglia’) are one of the best-preserved residential complexed in Northern Italy. .

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Gardens of the Quistini Castle (Rovato, BS) — The enchanting Gardens of Quistini Castello - a 16th century building among the Franciacorta hills - bloom in spring, offering a unique occasion for artistic and cultural exploration.During the month of May and June, the Quistini Castle opens the doors of its elegant gardens, and offers visitors a unique experience of nature, history and well-being. This engaging trail includes the rose labyrinth, which has three concentric circles housing over 1,500 varieties of ancient, modern and English roses, and culminates in a central pergola adorned with climbing Banksiae Alba and Banksiae Alba Plena roses. .

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