In the valley’s smallest hamlet, in Upper Val Cavallina, you can enjoy the typical peace and quiet of historic villages, amidst cobbled alleys, medieval walls and charming hidden courtyards.
Situated 600 metres above sea level, the village of Bianzano is best known for its castle. The Suardi Castle, in fact, though unfamiliar, is a fine example of strikingly beautiful culture and history. This well-preserved building is located on the slopes of the hill, and from its walls you can admire Lake Endine and the unspoilt nature around it.
Visiting the castle and the village of Bianzano enables you to feel the magic of past centuries, with various pagan and religious symbols carved in the walls and in the stone portals, evoking the mysterious legends that endure in the history of this castle.
What’s more, in summer, every two years, the courtyards, loggias and streets of the village are brought to life by many characters in period costume, during an exciting medieval historical re-enactment that has become a tradition since 1997.
In the village’s surroundings
On the hill opposite the village of Bianzano is the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Assunta: a small country church in a natural setting, dating back to the 13th century. Here mystery and legend are intertwined, particularly in the ancient cemetery area alongside.
Weather permitting, around Bianzano there are some beautiful walks along clearly-marked and easily-accessible paths connecting the village with neighbouring municipalities. For example, Strada degli Asini (Donkey Way) and Via Ludù lead to Spinone; the walk along the old Valle Rossa road, on the line of separation with the Seriana Valley, has a wealth of native medicinal herbs and crystal-clear pools of water.
We also recommend the walk that leads to the Cross at the summit of Mount Crocione overlooking the town, with breathtaking views of Val Cavallina and the lake.
Lastly, walking along Via Toreto, it is worth stopping at the wonderful Roccolo di Torè (a bird-trapping structure), and then continuing on to reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Altino, if you are sufficiently fit.
