Albareti
Albareti is a small district located at 840 m. which, unlike others, has been unusually and sufficiently preserved in its ancient structures.
Ave
Ancient and beautiful mountain homes create the enchantment of Ave, where St. Rocco is celebrated on August 16th. The statue of the patron saint travels, carried in procession, along the mule track and paths before returning to the church.
Bani
Bani (bà, in Bergamo dialect) is reached by a road that branches off from the main road connecting the capital and Valcanale, and stands at 1,025 m. of altitude. Located on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, it enjoys an enchanting landscape position. It is famous for having had as parish priest, from the end of the 19th century to 1934, Don Francesco Brignoli, known as “ol Pret di Bà” to whom the museum of the same name is dedicated. Much loved by the people who also called him “holy priest”, even if the church distanced itself from this fame, according to popular devotion it is said that the priest performed miracles. Among the anniversaries, in Bani every second Sunday of August, the anniversary of the Madonna della Cintura is celebrated. Fireworks take place on the eve. On June 24th the feast of the patron saint of the parish, St. John the Baptist, is held. Equally famous is the “Carneal dol magnà”: a dramatic representation of the last Sunday of Carnival. With the “Testament of Burtulì” on this occasion we want to represent the redemption of the poor people over the usurping authorities.
Botto
It is a small hamlet that dominates the historic center of Ardesio from above, it can be reached with a pleasant walk by taking the road that goes up towards Piazzolo and turning left at the crossroads at the first hairpin bend. The view over the town of Ardesio is enchanting. The church is dedicated to S. Lucia.
Cacciamali
The Cacciamali district was once lively and prosperous, the fiefdom of a noble and ancient Ardesian family (from which it took its name). There is a beautiful 16th century church dedicated to the Nativity, with frescoes dating back to the same period.
Cerete
Cerete faces and dominates the capital from the slopes of Monte Secco, at 800 m. in height. Nearby are the hamlets of Pizzol and Staletti, where several families still live. In the town there is the church of the Madonna della Mercede.
Ludrigno
Historically Ludrigno is among the most famous districts of the Municipality. It is one of the oldest nuclei: its interesting architectural structure is still very visible, which well justifies the interest and study of enthusiasts of minor Bergamo architecture. The church is dedicated to St. Elizabeth.
Ludrigno is also known for its position, located under Monte Secco and exposed to the risk of avalanches which in particularly snowy winters can detach themselves from Monte Secco and descend into the valley: it is the Vendöl. History reports some episodes such as the avalanches of 30 March 1626 when thirty people were buried under the snow (all extracted unharmed) and then on 4 April 1746, 19 March 1901 and 13 March 1916 when 9 people from the district died. From the avalanches of 1601, 1746 and 1901, three of the most beautiful ex-votos have reached the present day as thanks to the Blessed Virgin for the grace received.
Marinoni
Marinoni is the first district you come across as you go up the Acqualina Valley along the municipal road to Valcanale. It has always remained sufficiently alive thanks to the easy road connection, the limited altitude (760 m) and its happy landscape position on the valley below. Of particular interest is the town called Marinoni Vecchio. The solemnity in honor of the Madonna del Carmine is very popular in the Marinoni district. The church is dedicated to the SS. Trinity.
Piazzolo
The architectural beauty of Piazzolo and the nearby villages of Ruch and Botto Alto is known to many experts.
Even today, much remains of that minor rustic art in many 14th and 15th century homes, only slightly modified by recent renovations.
Here on August 22nd the holiday dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene is celebrated. Once upon a time it was tradition to auction off local cheeses with the proceeds going to the church.
Rizzoli
The Rizzoli district is typically of agricultural origin. Located at an altitude of 820 m., it rises along the road to Valcanale and enjoys a favorable landscape position. The church, built towards the end of the seventeenth century by the Reverend Don Giacomo Verzeroli, is dedicated to S. Giacomo Maggiore and S. Antonio Abate.
Valzella
The Valzella district is on the provincial road at the bottom of the valley and borders the municipality of Villa d’Ogna. It experienced a phase of expansion, because several artisanal and industrial buildings were built here. It is the urban area of Ardesio at the lowest altitude (530 m).
Zanetti
Zanetti is the ancient outpost of the agricultural and residential settlement of the last part of Acqualina, at 970 m. in height. Very interesting is the sundial located on the south-east wall of the church dedicated to S. Rocco.
Valcanale
Located at the height of 987 m. the hamlet of Valcanale is the most important in the municipality both in terms of inhabitants (approximately 244, 2019 data) and for its territorial conformation. Breathtaking paths and landscapes overlook the hamlet, one of the pearls of the Orobic scenery, which is still today a popular destination for tourists in summer and winter. Paradise for trekking enthusiasts who here find mountaineering routes for the more experienced with climbs towards Pizzo Arera, the top of Corna Piana, the top of Valmora and Monte Corte; but also just for simple walks with the children or for a family day and a picnic or barbecue by the pond.
In winter the steep ice-covered Dolomite walls of Valcanale are very popular among ice climbers; while the soft blanket of snow that covers the valley offers multiple possibilities for ski mountaineering enthusiasts but also for snowshoeers.
On its territory there is Alpe Corte, one of the refuges located at the lowest altitude (1,410 m) and the first refuge you come across along the Orobie ring which starts and ends in Ardesio.
In the hamlet of Valcanale, the feast of the patron saint, Santa Maria Assunta, on 15 August is particularly heartfelt.