The romantic village of Cavernago lies between the valleys of Bergamo, just 12 kilometres from Bergamo, and is embraced by the splendid Regional Park of the Serio, a protected nature reserve that stretches from Seriate along the Serio river, to its mouth in the Adda. Cavernago is a village with a unique atmosphere and is also known as "the village of two castles", the Castle of Malpaga and the Castle of Cavernago. The Castle of Malpaga is the place where Bartolomeo Colleoni decided to establish his residence once he received these Lombard territories as a feud and although the structure was born with defensive needs, it was exceptionally sweetened by works of art, frescoes and decorations to make it perfect as a noble residence. Today it is possible to visit the castle and appreciate all its views and rooms, and it is also possible to do so wearing beautiful period clothes from the Colleoni period.
These precious garments have all been handmade taking as inspiration the frescoes of the castle and allow you to live a very special experience. It is also possible to sleep inside the walls of the castle, in the Locanda dei Nobili Viaggiatori, an accommodation facility located in the courtyard and designed for lovers of history and suggestive stays, offering beds and typical dishes of the Lombard tradition. Every year in August, the historical re-enactment in Malpaga opens a breach of the past and stages characters in traditional costumes, minstrels, princesses and daring knights as well as singers and musicians, for a typically medieval atmosphere and absolutely not to be missed.
The second castle of Cavernago is also linked to the Colleoni family, and is the Castle of Cavernago, also known as Martinengo Colleoni. It was built between 1597 and 1610 by Francesco Martinengo Colleoni, descendant of the fourth generation of Colleoni. Like his predecessor, Francesco was a skillful leader but also a man of culture and managed to create a safe but incredibly rich in artistic works and delicate embellishments. During the 19th century, the branch of the Colleoni family of which Francesco was heir unfortunately died out and the fortress underwent several changes of hands, until it became part of the property of the Gonzaga Princes of Vescovato.
To this day the manor is still a private property of the family and is however made available for guided tours and important events.
