The Lands of the Baschenis

The Lands of the Baschenis are a journey into the most authentic heart of the Upper Brembana Valley, discovering the extraordinary dynasty of painters and fresco painters who, between the 15th and 17th centuries, left an indelible mark on the artistic history of the area.
A route of about 100 km, to be done comfortably by car, connecting hamlets, parishes e speakers where the Baschenis' frescoes tell stories, faith and daily life in a style that is simple, vivid and deeply connected to ordinary people.

This itinerary goes through some of the places where the Baschenis worked the most: Averara, Cassiglio, Cusio, Mezzoldo, Olmo al Brembo, Ornica, Piazza Brembana, Piazzatorre, Piazzolo, Santa Brigida, and Valtorta.
A perfect trip for those who love sacred art, local history and mountain landscapes.

In addition to being a cultural route, Le Terre dei Baschenis is also a territorial project promoted by Altobrembo, carried out in collaboration with the eleven municipalities of the Averara, Olmo and Stabina Valleys and numerous cultural and museum organizations in the area.

You can access the points of interest freely with guided tours available by reservation and for a fee by contacting Altobrembo.

Morning: origins and early evidence

The day begins at Averara, one of the landmarks of the Baschenis. Here, among old houses, porticos and capitals, are some of the oldest evidence of the workshop's activities, related to Angelo Baschenis. Averara allows one to immediately enter the historical and geographical context in which this family of frescos took its first steps.

A few minutes' drive leads to Cassiglio, where the exterior of the parish church holds one of the most impressive works on the entire itinerary: the Dance Macabre, attributed to Christopher II Baschenis the Elder and dated between 1570 and 1580. It is a powerful, moralistic fresco that perfectly expresses the direct and popular language of the Baschenis.

The morning continues toward Cusio, where the Oratory of St. John preserves frescoes by Christopher the Younger. The sacred scenes, delicate and narrative, reveal an evolution in style: softer, more attentive to gesture and storytelling.

Early afternoon: the Upper Valley and its districts.

From Cusio we go up to Mezzoldo, a natural gateway to the Alpine passes. Here and in its hamlets one encounters widespread evidence, often minimal but significant, of the activities of the Baschenis along the ancient routes traveled by pilgrims.

Descending a little further, one encounters Olmo al Brembo, where frescoes and inscriptions recall the passage of artists through the village. The simple stroke, muted colors and narrative immediacy are fully recognizable.

From here we move to Ornica, one of the most surprising villages in the valley. The sacristy of the parish church contains frescoes attributed to Angelo Baschenis (1450-1490), alive and spontaneous-a stage that allows us to read the evolution of the early Baschenis and their relationship with local communities.

Late afternoon: high villages and family works

The second part of the route touches some villages in the Upper Valley:

• Piazza Brembana, a living center of the valley, where tradition and oral records recall the incessant passage of the Baschenis along trade routes.
• Piazzatorre, with oratories and contrade hosting minor but important painting cycles to understand the widespread diffusion of the workshop.
• Pitch, a tiny alpine gem where frescoes and rural architecture tell the story of the life of the communities in which the Baschenis worked.

From here we reach Saint Bridget, a key stop on the entire itinerary. The archpriesthood church, particularly in the right aisle, contains works attributed to Christopher the Elder, Simon I and perhaps to some pupils. Santa Brigida is also a key place in the family's own history.

The itinerary ends at Valtorta, in the church of Sant'Antonio Abate alla Torre. Here frescoes attributed to various members of the dynasty-including Simone II-allow us to read the evolution of the language of the Baschenis between the 15th and 16th centuries.