Ponteranica: Trails, Churches and Landscapes on Colle Maresana

Ponteranica in the Hills

Maresana Hill lies within the municipality of Ponteranica and reaches a maximum altitude of 546 metres. Colle Maresana also contains a wooded area with several ponds and a large meadow. This combination of wooded areas, open spaces and small bodies of water gives the landscape a distinctive character of its own.

The basin of the Torrente Morla is also one of the municipality’s defining natural features: in Ponteranica, it has been restored to a more natural state. Together with Colle Maresana, it creates a landscape that is particularly interesting for visitors who want to focus their stay not only on individual buildings, but also on trails, landforms and protected open spaces.

Hiking and Cycling

One specifically described short hike is Route 316 from Maresana to Castello della Moretta. The route is classified as an easy hike, covers 1.5 kilometres, has an elevation gain of 20 metres and is listed as taking 30 minutes to walk.

For cycling and connections to the trail network, the Greenways of Bergamo are relevant. They run 95 percent along cycle paths and are suitable for adults and children. The Greenway of Bergamo is directly connected to Ponteranica and its trail network. For mixed groups, this difference between a short hike and a route running predominantly along cycle paths can provide useful guidance when planning the day.

The Castello–Luvrida section is maintained to preserve and promote the trail network in the hills. Anyone exploring the trails around Castello will therefore find not only individual destinations, but also a section whose function is explicitly connected with maintaining the trail network.

Churches, Art and Historic Sites

The Chiesa Parrocchiale dei Santi Vincenzo e Alessandro dates back to the 15th century. It houses the Polittico di Ponteranica, dating from 1522. The work is an altarpiece consisting of six oil paintings on wood and includes, among other figures, the Angelo Annunciante.

San Pantaleone was formerly the Oratorio dei Disciplini. It contains numerous ex voto offerings and four paintings by Antonio Cifrondi dating from 1687 to 1690. The building’s historic status and the clearly dated paintings make the site particularly interesting for visitors who want to consider sacred art and local history together.

The small Croce dei Morti chapel stands at an altitude of 677 metres. It was built in 1930 by the Ponteranica Alpini group in memory of the victims of the plague of 1630.

In the Castello district, the Chiesa di San Rocco dates back to the 15th century and preserves remnants of medieval frescoes. Castello della Moretta is a historic site built in the 15th century and connected with the Chiesa di San Rocco. Traces of old fortifications have also been preserved in the Castello.

Further religious points of interest are spread across smaller districts and settlements: the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova in Ramera was built in 1656. In the small centre of Rosciano, there is a church decorated with frescoes. In Petos stands the old rural church, Chiesa agreste di San Giorgio. These places complement the larger churches and historic complexes with smaller, independent examples of local heritage.

Local Flavours

The local character also includes the Val del Fich farm. Goats are kept there, and goat cheese and preserves are produced according to traditional recipes. This aspect offers you an additional way to experience Ponteranica: alongside trails, hills and churches, the area’s agricultural character can also be included in your travel experience.

Further Destinations

Further destinations: Fino Del Monte, Castro, Valbondione, Piazzatorre, Foppolo, Lovere, Costa Volpino, Sorisole

For the main travel overview: Bergamo.