Access to the borough is free
Charming village in Seriana Valley, awarded the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag since June 2025
Located in Seriana Valley, on the left bank of the Serio River, Ardesio is an authentic mountain village strongly tied to its traditions. It is surrounded by the Orobie Prealps: a stunning natural landscape, perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities in close contact with the local flora and fauna.
To fully experience the area, you can choose from routes of varying difficulty. If you love mountain huts, we recommend the Orobie Ring Trail, a fascinating multi-stage high-altitude trail of approx. 80 km, for which a special Passport is also available. For a religious pilgrimage, there is the Alta Via delle Grazie, which can also be completed over several days or in stages. There are also itineraries to explore by bike, which you can rent locally, such as the High Seriana Valley cycle path.
During your exploration, don’t miss a stop in the picturesque hamlet of Valcanale, an alpine gem nestled in greenery, among streams and pine forests.
If you’re looking for history and culture, Ardesio also offers four major places of faith. The Baroque Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie dominates the town centre: built where the Blessed Virgin is said to have appeared to two girls in the 17th century, it hosts guided tours, concerts, and exhibitions throughout the year. Also worth visiting are the parish church of San Giorgio, the church of San Pietro, and the church of the Disciplini.
In town, you’ll also find the High Seriana Valley Ethnografic Museum, a tribute to the deep bond between locals and the land where they’ve lived and worked for generations.
From a food and wine perspective, Ardesio is known for Crudo del Botto, a superior quality prosciutto still produced by hand and characterized by a unique flavour due to ideal curing conditions.
Another key product is the local cheese, including Formai de Mut, one of the 9 PDO cheeses of the province, which reflects the rich cheesemaking tradition of the Val Seriana.
Ardesio has held the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag since June 2025, alongside three other villages in the Bergamo area that received the recognition before it.
Why Orange Flag?
“In a valuable natural setting, the village stands out for its good maintenance and accessibility of historical and cultural attractions and for its well-preserved, typical and lively historic centre. The promotion of natural resources and tourist services—such as bike rental and camper services—is effective. The tourist information service is efficient, thanks to the dedicated office, outside which visitors can also find brochures about the area.”
— Paolo, TCI ghost visitor
Access to the borough is free
