Franciacorta is synonymous with wine. That is why many visit this beautiful area of ​​northern Italy, between Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, whose terroir has produced one of the best wines in the world.
However, there is another Franciacorta, less known, which borders the less touristy - but no less interesting - Val Trompia, beyond Forcella, at the point where the Po Valley ends and the Prealps begin, which offers, in addition to visits to the wineries where the bubbles are produced and to the excellent gastronomy, other decidedly unexpected experiences.
On the edge of this renowned territory there are charming places, rich in history and traditions that deserve to be discovered. In the center of the hills on this border with Franciacorta lies the town of Gussago.
Gussago, gateway to Franciacorta
It is the undisputed icon of Gussago. The Most Holy, which overlooks the city from above, an ancient Dominican complex dating back to the 15th century in on the hill of Barbisone, with a monumental and imposing appearance. A suggestive place that can be reached on foot with an easy walk, perhaps at sunset, to enjoy a panoramic view of the vineyards. From here you can admire the plain on one side and Monte Guglielmo and Monte Rosa on the other.
this sanctuary It was built by the population, outside of monastic positions and without any mandate from the Church. For this reason, even today, the church is considered the pure prerogative of ordinary people, of those who consider themselves humble sinners and faithful, of those who want to go to pray without having to enter the circuit of the official church. Tradition dictates that one go to the Blessed Sacrament to pray to obtain small help for daily life.
The convent is one of the numerous monastic buildings that exist in Franciacorta, a place where travelers and pilgrims pass through. HE DominicansIn fact, they had large possessions and carried out land clearing and sanitation work before dedicating themselves to cultivation. The cultivation of the vine itself dates back to ancient times, as demonstrated by the discovery of prehistoric grape seeds and archaeological material found throughout the territory.
The building is in the process of restoration, to visit the interior it is necessary to have a guide, who also has the keys to access the chapel still decorated with frescoes from the 15th-16th centuries.
The religious who had moved to the Blessed Virgin also fought against heresy and right here a witch was executed. But there are other disturbing stories floating around this place. The history tells a dragon lived here, but perhaps it only served to keep the pagans away. Another, much more credible one, however, claims that he grew up on the hill. a miraculous herb.
Since the Middle Ages, the ancient Dominican complex of La SantĂsima has characterized the landscape of this extreme strip of Franciacorta. A place of devotion and elevation of the spirit, in the 19th century the SantĂsima was also an important cultural cenacle, hosting artists such as the painter Angelo Inganni.
The villas of delight
The town of Gussago also has interesting private and still inhabited buildings that can be visited upon request. There is one of the most beautiful. Villa Averoldi Togni, a 13th century building surrounded by three hectares of park where, at the end of the 18th century, a splendid English garden was created, adorned with neoclassical statues, one French, with fountains and trompe l'oeil, reminiscent of a small Versailles and a large olive grove .
A truly unexpected oasis in the hamlet of Piazza, enclosed within the walls of the palace, open to the public on the occasion of special events, such as the "Sundays of villas, palaces and castles" organized by the group of historic residences of Bergamo (upcoming dates are on September 18 and 25) or early music concerts.
Also worth a visit Palacio Grasso Caprioli, a 16th-century villa with a beautiful garden of roses and magnolias, which has a private collection of contemporary works of art, a legacy of artists from all over the world who periodically stay at the residence where they are free to express all their creativity and talent.
The villa is today a 360-degree artistic center, where dance and oriental disciplines are favored, from yoga to meditation, with courses, workshops and events, including concerts and contemporary dance festival.
Food and wine
In Gussago there is a true culture of one of the typical dishes of Brescia: the grill. In almost all the trattorias and restaurants in the area it is possible to taste the authentic spit of Brescia, which also obtained the municipal designation of origin. Every year, in September, the Spiedo Grand Gala (this year it is scheduled for Thursday, September 8) in which the entire population and numerous tourists participate. This is not a party, but an elegant candlelit dinner that aims to celebrate the main dish of Gussago cuisine and which has made Gussago the Italian capital of steakhouses. The grill is naturally accompanied by local bubbles.
The Grand Gala is just the beginning of a season dedicated to gastronomy. From September 22 to December 8, Lo Spiedo Scoppiettando takes place, a food and wine event that, every Thursday, will bring the area's autumnal aromas and flavors to the table through a special menu based on spits and local ingredients in numerous restaurants. by Gussago.
But let's not forget that we are in the Franciacorta area and bubbles here are essential. Different wineries, such as The choirs, offer wine tours and tastings of local wines (Franciacorta Docg Saten, Rosé, Pas Dosè Riserva, but also reds, such as Cellatica Superiore Doc and Sebino Riserva), accompanied by typical products and sausages. This particular winery, surrounded by vineyards, has a panoramic garden that, from the top of the Casaglio hill, offers a spectacular view of the mountainous landscape of Franciacorta and the terraced vineyards.
You should also not miss a visit to the local distilleries, such as the award-winning Peroni Maddalena Distillery, where it has been produced for more than forty years. an excellent staple – but also liqueurs, vermouth, gin, beer brandy and 15 reserves – which, together with the Spiedo di Gussago, are the two De.Co products. (Municipal Name) of the Municipality of Gussago.
Cultural events
In addition to gastronomy and wine, there is also space for cultural events, starting with the festival. Cultural renaissance Now in its ninth edition, organized with the sponsorship of the province of Brescia and eleven municipalities, including Gussago.
Every year, the event features speakers from music, art, literature, philosophy, history, science, journalism, medicine and theater.
For those from the area, this border with Franciacorta is an excellent idea for a trip out of the city, but for those coming from afar there is no shortage of ideas for a weekend full of history, culture, outdoor activities and lots of excellent food and wine.
