Bagolino, a mountain treasure in the Valle Sabbia

Bagolino, a mountain village in the Valle Sabbia, traces its origins back to 16 BC, when Augustus had the road built that connected Brescia, Trento, and Breno through the Crocedomìni Pass. Here arose a Roman mansio, a small settlement with lodgings and stables, called Pagolus or Pagolinus, from which the current name derives. In the 7th century it entered the Lombard kingdom and became part of the Duchy of Trento.

Autonomous thanks to its Statutes (1473), Bagolino remained loyal to the Serenissima, which guaranteed it privileges until its decline with the arrival of the French (1797). In 1779 a devastating fire destroyed much of the village, which was then rebuilt while maintaining its medieval character. Passed under Austrian rule in 1815, it saw the construction of the Prada bridge in 1823 and, from 1859, became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

During the First World War it was a border area with Austria, assuming a strategic role. Today Bagolino preserves the memory of an ancient village, marked by history, autonomy, and resilience.

Places to visit in Bagolino

Bagolino, a mountain village with a medieval soul, preserves artistic, historical, and natural treasures. The heart of the town is the majestic Church of San Giorgio, known as the “cathedral in the mountains,” designed by Giovan Battista Lantana and frescoed by great masters such as Palma il Giovane, Sandrini, and Viviani; it houses wooden altars and paintings by prestigious artists, including Titian. Also of great importance is the Church of San Rocco, with fifteenth‑century frescoes by the Da Cemmo, depicting unique scenes such as the Twelve Sibyls.

The area is home to the Chiodo d’Oro of Romanterra, a geosite recognized worldwide, and the evocative Old Cemetery, with nineteenth‑century chapels and wrought‑iron crosses. Walking through the center, one encounters Via dei Portici, an ancient medieval commercial artery, and the historic squares: Marconi, overlooking the cathedral; Mercato, the site of the weekly market; and Consiglio, with its octagonal Botticino marble fountain.

Not to be missed are the small church of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, once guarded by a hermit; the Church of the Adamino (1614); the medieval Casa Torre, which preserves the historical archive; and the elegant Procuratie, a palace intended to host bishops and ambassadors. A village that intertwines faith, art, and history, framed by mountains and breathtaking views.

Events not to be missed in Bagolino

Of particular note is the Carnival of Bagolino, a tradition that has remained intact for centuries, originating in the sixteenth century. The festival is distinguished by two souls: the Balarì, elegant dancers in richly decorated traditional costumes who dance in pairs to 24 tunes handed down for centuries, and the Màscär, grotesque and playful figures who enliven the streets of the village with jokes and disguises.

Alongside the Carnival, another much‑loved event is the Canti d’Osteria festival in October, which brings groups of folk singers from all over Italy into the historic streets of the village.

Leisure around the village

In Bagolino one cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities. As one can easily imagine, the territory of Bagolino is very diverse, allowing visitors to practice all kinds of sports. There are many trails and mountains surrounding the village, suitable for hiking. Ski resorts are available for winter sports enthusiasts, while for those who prefer sport fishing, mountain streams and lakes are excellent options. Particularly noteworthy are nearby Lake Idro and Lake Valvestino.

If these words have convinced you, all that remains is to discover Bagolino in person!

Photo credits: Pro Loco Bagolino website