Selvino, Italy

At an altitude of 1000 meters and in the heart of the Orobic Alps, is the Plateau of Selvino and Aviatico. Its fame stems from the wonderful natural landscape, its tradition of hospitality, the efficiency of its services and its modern sporting venues, not to mention the huge range of events which light up every period of the year. Selvino and Aviatico have all one would wish for a complete holiday or a unique weekend break.

Located just 20 km from Bergamo, the closest large city, the Plateau is only a short car or bus ride away.  Bergamo not only has train and bus stations, but also the A4 freeway and the Caravaggio(aka Orio al Serio) International Airport. There is also a direct link from the bottom of the valley through a panoramic cableway which takes just 8 minutes.  What a wonderful way to begin your Selvino experience.

Located just 20 km from Bergamo, the closest large city, the Plateau is only a short car or bus ride away.  Bergamo not only has train and bus stations, but also the A4 freeway and the Caravaggio(aka Orio al Serio) International Airport. There is also a direct link from the bottom of the valley through a panoramic cableway which takes just 8 minutes.  What a wonderful way to begin your Selvino experience.

The Plateau tales are of ancient footpaths trodden by fighters and men of peace.  Historians tell us how the village of Selvino was founded. Around the year 1000, Salvino Grittis fled from Bergamo, which was rocked by civil discord. He reached the Plateau and built a village which took his name. Over the years, the population of the village grew and the economy flourished. In particular, during the last century, our citizens began to use their initiative to promote the beauty of the area carving out a future in the field of tourism. This gave rise to the long tradition of hospitality which today makes Selvino one of the most-loved localities in the Orobic Alps.

Mt. Puritowhich touches the village centre of Selvino is an immense green park in the summer, and a spectacular stadium of snow throughout the winter.

Mt. Poietodominates the village of Aviatico, to which it is also linked via an enjoyable cableway. It offers wide-open spaces, playgrounds for children, a deer reserve and a restaurant of great panoramic effects.

The Cornagera, with its gullies and cliffs, offers an important rock climbing wall and incredible panoramic views, which sweep from Bergamo’s highest peaks to the Alps and from the valley to the plain.

The gems of Selvino. Perfect, shining crystals that look like diamonds. Here’s a surprise. By simply turning over the soil that covers the territory’s rocks, it is possible to unearth these tiny gems, which were first discovered several centuries ago.

The old bird snares. These structures are dotted around the Plateau’s open spaces. The characteristic bird snares date back to times when hunting was a necessity more than a luxury. Today, they are valuable observation points for ornithological studies.

The mysteries of the sky. The Orobic Alps Astronomical Observatory, at an altitude of 1200 m on the slopes of Monte Poieto, has a powerful telescope that, by night, magnifies the stars 350 million light years away and, by day, allows the observation of the sun in white light.

There are many historical facts, events and important people which have contributed to the history and culture of our community. From the art of the great painter Enea Gherardi, known as “il Talpino” or the “Raphael of Bergamo”, a native of the area, to the history of the heroic follower of Garibaldi, Daniele Piccinini (who had a house here). Another part of this culture is the hope that The house of Sciesopoli was able to give safety to thousands of orphaned Jewish children, survivors of the concentration camps. Then we have the places of faith: the churches and sanctuaries of the Plateau narrate the essence of a territory rich in spirituality and of a love for art. The churches, abounding in works by excellent artists, like the medieval chapels, are the natural result of one of the oldest sanctuaries in the province, the one dedicated to the Madonna del Perello.

A major strength of the Plateau of Selvino and Aviatico is its ability to provide constant and up-to-date information about what it has to offer. Participation in fairs and exhibitions and the coverage that both local and national media dedicate to our events are just some of the elements which help make informed guests satisfied guests.

 

The Plateau’s tourist reception and information desk is the second most important one of its kind in the entire Seriana Valley. The websites are www.comunediselvino.it and www.comunediaviatico.it.