Cornello dei Tasso: the isolated village where Torquato Tasso was born

Cornello dei Tasso is a medieval village in Val Brembana, accessible only on foot and preserved intact thanks to the isolation that followed the construction of the Priula road (16th century), which replaced the ancient commercial route of the Via Mercatorum.

Once a center of trade and markets under its arcades, it still preserves a unique medieval urban layout. The village is linked to the noble Tasso family, which gave birth to the writers Bernardo and Torquato Tasso, the latter author of Jerusalem Delivered.

Beyond its literary value, the Tasso family played a key role in European history as organizers of postal services: from 1460 they managed the Papal Post, while other branches handled the communications of the Habsburgs, eventually obtaining a monopoly over connections between several European states. Considered one of the first multinational postal enterprises, the Tasso family consolidated the fame of the village, today listed among The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and a custodian of history, traditions, and the spirit of travel and communication.

What to see in the village of Cornello dei Tasso

Cornello dei Tasso offers a unique journey through history and architecture. Founded along the Via Mercatorum, it was a flourishing commercial hub until the construction of the Priula road (1592), which led to its isolation but also preserved its original medieval layout.

The village is structured on four levels: at the bottom, houses perched over the Brembo River; above, the splendid arcaded street with stone arches, shops, and stables; then the dwellings, both simple and noble; and finally the church. The latter dominates the village from above and fascinates visitors with a cycle of frescoes, varied in style, that cover the walls of the noble chapel. Dating back to the 15th–16th centuries, they are attributed to Baschenis of Averara. Nearby stands Palazzo Tasso, the fortified residence of the renowned family.

Events, traditions, and typical dishes of the village

Cornello dei Tasso hosts cultural events throughout the year, including workshops and guided tours organized by the Museum of the Tasso Family and Postal History, as well as initiatives promoted by the Municipality of Camerata Cornello. In summer, highlights include the Commedia dell’Arte festival “Le vie della Commedia” and “Il Borgo dei Desideri”, which bring the streets of the village to life.

Local cuisine is simple yet flavorful: among the first courses, casonséi stand out—ravioli filled with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices, dressed with butter and sage. Among the polenta-based specialties are polenta cunsada and chisöl, a roll of polenta and taleggio cheese.

Attractions around Cornello dei Tasso

The Via Mercatorum is the ancient medieval trade route that connects this village to Oneta, another medieval gem not to be missed for its Casa di Arlecchino. Its story is fascinating: it is said to be the birthplace of the famous Bergamasque mask, since its creator, a certain Zanni, was born there.

Also unmissable is the aforementioned Museum of the Tasso Family and Postal History, which tells the story of the origins of the European postal service. Walking along the arcaded street of Cornello dei Tasso, history comes alive, while the leaning bell tower intrigues visitors with its tilt.

Finally, the Dossena Mines offer a fascinating underground adventure, also accessible via the trail to Cornello dei Tasso from the parking area on Via Cornello.

If you are passionate about the Tasso family and enchanted by the idea of visiting an isolated village, make sure to plan a stop in Cornello dei Tasso!

Cover photo credits: Alfio Finocchiaro