Argon Valleys route

Useful information before starting

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 32.55 km (from Grone)
Elevation gain: 363 m
Difficulty: Intermediate
Type of route: Ring route
Starting and ending point: Grone
Highlights: S. Paolo d’Argon Abbey, Hermitage of Argon, Moscato di Scanzo vineyards.

Cycling along the Argon Valleys

The “Argon Valleys” itinerary starts from Grone, then goes all along the Cherio river’s cycle path and through Cenate’s hills, until it reaches Convento di S. Paolo d’Argon (S. Paolo d’Argon Abbey). Here is the starting point of all the park’s pathways. You will dig into nature, arts and spirituality, between hills, chestnut trees and old little churches. The intermediate level is due to some rocky roads and a narrow path. No worries, though, on the most difficult parts you can still carry your bike by hand.

The PLIS

The italian “PLIS” means “Parco Locale d’Interesse Sovracomunale” (Local Park of Intercommunal Interest). Indeed, the park covers the territories of Albano Sant’Alessandro, San Paolo d’Argon and Torre de’ Roveri and it has been recognised by the province of Bergamo in 2006. It is comprised between the woods of Mount San Giorgio and the Argon Mountains, on one side, and by Carobbio degli Angeli’s hills, on the other. Here the Cavallina Valley meets the Padana plain. This territory has always been modified by humans for vineyards and fruit harvesting. All along the tour, you will find old rural houses and villas, that will make you feel in another epoch.

Places of spirituality

Before plunging into the woods, you cannot miss Convento di San Paolo d’Argon, a truly architectural and artistic beauty. It is an important abbey, full of history. You can have a look at its renaissance court, made of Zandobbio’s white marble.

Then, stop by the little chiesa di San Cristoforo, an ancient oratory from the 17th century, located in the middle of the woods. Even if it’s closed, you can still have a look at the insides through the windows… you will see an astonishing treasure full of frescoes, by the local painter Pietro Baschenis.

If you crave peace and rest, you can sit on the stairs of Santa Maria d’Argon, a church funded in the 11th century. By its side, you will see a recent hermitage. If you are lucky enough, you can meet the priest Mario Signorelli, who resides here. And if you love reading, you can stop by the Libreria della Pace (Library of Peace), open on Sundays only.

Not just food for the soul

At a certain point, you will be able to see the wonderful vineyards of Moscato di Scanzo, a DOCG (controlled and guaranteed denomination of origin) wine, only produced here. Have a sip of wine in one of the numerous local producers in the area (some of them also offer an aperitivo or a pic-nic).

An Unforgettable Memory

At the end of the tour, you will return to the starting point. And, after recharging your heart and mind, after the effort, it’s time to enjoy your happy hour based on Spritz! The perfect ending to a spectacular day, is there anything better?