Monastero di Astino (Astino Monastery), Bergamo

The Astino Monastery is an ancient and historically significant site. Situated at the foot of the southwest side of the hills on which the ancient core of the city stands, it holds a prominent position in the landscape.

The monastery was founded in 1070 by Vallombrosan monks under the guidance of Abbot Bertario, who was a follower of San Giovanni Gualberto Visdomini. This period marked the Christian rebirth of the 11th century, and the monastery played a crucial role in the religious and cultural development of the region. The initial structure comprised the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built in 1117, and the abbey buildings, which followed a Romanesque architectural style. Over time, the monastery underwent several expansions and renovations, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries.

In the 19th century, the abbey was repurposed as a psychiatric hospital, serving a different function. Later on, it was used for agricultural activities until it was eventually sold to private individuals in 1923. For the next 50 years, the once sacred buildings were used as agricultural warehouses and homes for farmers, losing their original spiritual purpose.

Presently, the Astino Monastery and its surrounding area are at the center of a redevelopment project that is still in progress. The aim is to restore and revitalize this historic site, bringing it back to its former glory and preserving its cultural significance for future generations.

The Astino valley, where the monastery is located, boasts breathtaking natural beauty. Bounded by the Benaglia hill to the east, the Allegrezza woods to the west, and the hills of Bastia and San Vigilio to the north, it opens up towards the Longuelo district in the south. The Benaglia hill acts as a natural barrier, separating the valley from the amphitheater upon which Bergamo Alta, the upper town, is situated, while still allowing a glimpse of the city's splendor.