Ireland in Bergamo! Discover the itinerary to the Sanctuary of St. Patrick in Colzate with us.

The Sanctuary of St. Patrick is one of the few places of worship dedicated to the famous Saint, the patron of Ireland, present in Italy. Built starting from the 14th century and completed only a few centuries later, it stands on a rocky spur overlooking the middle Val Seriana. Surrounded by the woods and meadows of Monte Cavlera. a short route on roads and trails, starting from Vertova, allows you to reach the building.

TRIP SUMMARY

DIFFICULTY: easy

MAX ALTITUDE: about 620 meters

ELEVATION GAIN: about 170 meters

Type: A/R

DURATION: 0.50h Outbound / 0.50h Return

START: Vertova (BG)

The worship of St. Patrick in Val Seriana is ancient and deeply rooted The origins are not clear; some stories connect to the presence of Irish merchants in textiles and wool, for which Val Seriana was known. They escaped the persecution of Emperor Barbarossa in Colzate. Others link back to the presence of a well, an element associated with the Saint, which descended from Monte Cavlera deep into the earth to collect the waters of the Serio River.

The itinerary starts from the parking area near the Vertova Cemetery on Via Moracchio, where you can leave your car. We walk along Via Moracchio until the junction where we turn left onto Via Testa. We continue, and soon the road becomes unpaved and connects to Via San Patrizio. Continuing along this road, through a steep trail immersed in the woods, you will soon reach the Sanctuary dedicated to the Irish saint.

The foundations of the building merge with the rock on which it is built. Inside, the frescoes, the altar containing fragments of bones and cloth probably belonging to the Saint, and the wooden statue dedicated to him hold considerable value. Externally, there is also a well called “Tamböra de San Patrésse,” from which it is said that you can hear the gurgling of the Serio River.

For the return, you follow the same path taken on the way there.

The itinerary is not difficult and is suitable for everyone. For those less fit, it is also possible to drive up the road to the Sanctuary.

You can find the interactive map of the route, complete with elevation profile and downloadable GPS track, at this link.

For all our organized trips and events, check this page.

Always organize your trips with care, choose appropriate equipment, and verify the itinerary before embarking on it.