Overview
Vezza d’Oglio is part of the alpine valley that the Camuni populated during the prehistoric age, the Camonica Valley. The valley was conquered by the Romans only in 16 B.C. under the Emperor Augustus; traces of their presence remain in the Vicinie of Grano and Tù.
In the 6th century the Lombards descended and in 774 Charlemagne’s troops. He donated many territories in the area to the monks of Tours; in fact, in this period lies precisely the foundation of the ancient Church of St. Martin.
From around 1300 began the epic of the Federici, a powerful family that, scattered throughout the Valley, also settled in Vezza; evidence of their presence is the ancient noble palace located next to the parish church, in which are visible the red sandstone portal with the noble coat of arms, and the ancient medieval tower. The Federici dominated the entire valley until the members of the family came into conflict. In more recent history during the period of the III War of Independence, we enter the battle of Vezza d’Oglio on July 4 1866 where, a regiment of Garibaldian volunteers united with one of bersaglieri, pitted themselves countered and asserted their valour over the Austrians; a memorial monument was erected in the town’s main square, named precisely “Fourth of July 1866” and an ossuary at the cemetery. Other battles that have seen the country as a protagonist have left the marks of ancient and more recent fortifications; those of the promontory known as “the Castellino” and those of the second line of advanced defence of World War I, at Cima Rovaia.
Vezza d’Oglio today is a pleasant tourist village in the Upper Camonica Valley located in a totally enviable position, set at the confluence of two side valleys that frame the town, Val Paghera in the Adamello Regional Park and Val Grande in the Stelvio National Park. It offers an enchanting and incomparable panorama capable of surprise.
In fact, at any time of the year it is possible to mix fun and entertainment with rest and tranquillity, regenerating body and mind in contact with a still uncontaminated nature. The proximity to the well-known village of Ponte di Legno, in addition to the unmissable Alpine passes of Tonale, Gavia, Mortirolo, Aprica and Stelvio, make the town a strategic starting point for a variety of trips and excursions.
Points of Interest
- OGLIO-ADAMELLO ADVENTURE CYCLE PATH
The Oglio cycle path is a 280 km route that follows the course of the Oglio River from Passo del Tonale to the mouth of the Po River, crossing the provinces of Brescia, Bergamo, Cremona and Mantua. In 2019 It won the Italian Green Road Award as the “most beautiful cycle path in Italy“.
The Oglio Cycle Route begins its journey in Upper Camonica Valley between Ponte di Legno to Edolo via Vezza d’Oglio. The cycle path runs for about 22 km along the Oglio River, with a modest difference in altitude, making it ideal for families with children. A paved path closed to vehicular traffic, a living picture made up of mountains, streams, protected areas, woods, fields, ancient villages and settlements of men who have chosen these places as their home since time immemorial.
- Adamello Adventure a Vezza d’Oglio
The park is located in Vezza d’Oglio, within the boundaries of Adamello Park, in a characteristic spruce forest: between the trunks of the trees there are ropes, walkways, platforms and Tibetan bridges that visitors have to use to move from one tree to another. It is also lapped by the course of the Oglio River and the winding of the Cycle Route.
The Adventure Park have 9 different routes of different difficulty levels to choose from depending on age, height and … Vertigo! The easiest route has a maximum height of 1 metre while the most difficult takes those more intrepid up to a height of 18 metres above the ground. Before setting off on your adventure the instructors at the park supply all participants with a harness, a helmet and a via ferratas set; one of the carabiners in the latter will always remain attached to the main metal cable around the entire route. Given these safety precautions the adventure park in Vezza d’Oglio ensures fun and 100% safety.
Fun and adrenaline guaranteed!
- VALGRANDE -BRAMITO-RODODENDRI-TREKKING
Val Grande di Vezza d’Oglio
The Val Grande is one of the most fascinating and naturalistically rich alpine valleys in the Camonica Valley, as well as one of the largest side valleys of the Stelvio National Park.
It is a northern side valley of Camonica Valley, crossed by the Grande stream that flows into the Oglio. The entrance to the valley is at about 1100 meters above sea level, in correspondence with the village of Vezza d’Oglio, while its head is given by Punta di Pietra Rossa at 3212 m above sea level.
It is mostly flat and easily accessible. It is also possible to access the valley by car, subject to municipal authorization and since last autumn also through a shuttle bus service, especially during periods of high tourist turnout for naturalistic events such as the roar of deer.
The Val Grande is renowned for its wealth of wildlife, especially large ungulates such as deer, chamois and ibex. Almost the entire valley is part of the Stelvio National Park, guaranteeing a high level of environmental protection.
It offers numerous hiking trails and mountain bike trails, suitable for different levels of difficulty. Points of interest include the little church of Carèt (1725 m a.s.l.), the Malga Valgrande (1785 m a.s.l.) and the Bivacco Saverio Occhi (2047 m a.s.l.), which offers an arrival point for longer excursions.
The Val Grande is also one of the privileged places to witness the phenomenon of the roaring of the deer, which during the mating season, between September and October, makes the woods and slopes resound with its powerful calls.
Listening to the roaring of deer in the wild is an exciting and evocative experience.
Another natural spectacle that makes the Val Grande an enchanting place is the blossoming of rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are typical alpine flowers of the alpine and subalpine environment and can be admired along paths and in pastures. The slopes and hollows are covered with these beautiful blooms; they generally bloom between the end of May and June. This period transforms the mountains into a sea of bright colours, from deep pink to purple, creating breathtaking landscapes.
Cima Rovaia (2525 m s.l.m.)
Cima Rovaia is a peak of great historical and scenic interest located in the Adamello-Presanella Alps, in Vezza d’Oglio area. It represents an exceptional panoramic viewpoint over the Camonica Valley and the imposing surrounding peaks of the Adamello Group.
Cima Rovaia was a fundamental strategic point during the First World War. Part of the Italian defensive line against the Austro-Hungarian troops was located here, as part of what is known as the “White War“, due to the altitudes and extreme climatic conditions in which soldiers fought. For this reason, the area is scattered with war relics and artefacts that are still visible and well preserved.
From the summit there is a breathtaking view of the entire Camonica Valley, Corno Baitone, Adamello and other majestic peaks. The surrounding environment, that is part of the Adamello Natural Park, is rich in alpine flora and it is possible to spot wildlife such as marmots, chamois and even the golden eagle.
Walking along the paths of Cima Rovaia, you can discover:
Trenches: ditches dug into the ground or rock, often reinforced with dry stone walls, which provided shelter for soldiers.
Walkways: paths, sometimes paved or reinforced, that connected the various defensive positions.
Positions: emplacements for machine guns, artillery or observation points, made of stone or concrete. Around Cima Rovaia, there are twenty-two circular emplacements for riflemen and machine guns, unique in their kind for the Vezza d’Oglio defence line.
Tunnels: underground tunnels, sometimes extensive, used as shelters, depots or secret travel routes.
Barracks: ruins of the structures where the soldiers lived.
The peculiarity of these constructions is the skilful use of local, rust-coloured schist stones, which allowed a perfect integration of the human works with the surrounding environment. Many of these structures have been restored and enhanced by the Stelvio National Park, making them safe and accessible, often accompanied by information panels explaining their history and use.
- VIA CAROLINGIA-SAN CLEMENTE
The Via Carolingia is a route that retraces the footsteps of Charlemagne in the Camonica Valley.
is a 100 km route, from Lovere on Iseo Lake to Ponte di Legno, near the Tonale Pass. It connects with the Via Valeriana and the Karolingia Cycle Route.
Along the way there are churches built to celebrate Charlemagne’s victories and linked to the economy and cultural history of the area, including the church of San Clemente in Vezza d’Oglio.
The Church of San Clemente, located in a s striking and dominant position in the Municipality of Vezza d’Oglio, is a true historical and architectural jewel of the Camonica Valley.
Its origins are believed to date back to the twelfth century, although some sources suggest even older foundations, perhaps from the Lombard or even Carolingian periods, given its location along ancient communication routes. It was born as a hermitage and hospice for pilgrims. Its strategic position along the ancient Via Valeriana, the important communication artery that crossed the Camonica Valley, made it a fundamental reference point for wayfarers, traders and pilgrims heading towards the Alpine passes, such as the Tonale, or coming from them.
Although its roots are medieval, the church underwent a major renovation in 1585. This intervention gave it its current appearance, which mixes original Romanesque elements with later modifications typical of the time.
It is in an elevated and panoramic position overlooking the Camonica Valley, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the valley. This makes it not only a place of worship but also a privileged observation point.
For the community of Vezza d’Oglio, the Church of San Clemente is not only a religious building, but also a strong symbol of their history and identity. It represents a tangible link with the past, with local traditions and with deep Alpine spirituality.
On the second Sunday of August, the Alpine group of Vezza d’Oglio organises a traditional festival at the church. This event attracts many people, both residents and tourists, and usually includes an open-air mass, moments of conviviality and celebrations that strengthen the community’s bond with this sacred and historic place.
