The first human settlements in Sarnico belong to the prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains of stilts found on the bottom of the lake. Some Roman findings show a settlement with roads leading to Bergamo, Brescia and Val Camonica. Medieval documents show that the town already existed at the end of 800 AD and that there was a monastery of the powerful order of Cluny. During the Middle Ages Sarnico was fortified with castles and watchtowers .
At the time of the Republic of Venice, the town was a commercial and administrative center.
It seems that the origin of the name of the town is the Lombard word Sarnon, which means “Caprioletto”; with the advent of the Latin language, Sarnon was changed first to Sarnus and then to Sarnius.
Sarnico's Tipical events
Lago diVino: it is an event organized by Sarnico’s Trade Organisation which shows the wine excellences of the area. It allows you to taste Valcalepio and Franciacorta specialities.
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Busker Festival: this festival is a four day event that brings together street artists from all over the world that perform between Sarnico and Paratico, and you can admire their performance.
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"Sarneghera": Sarneghera is a traditional non competitive run open to everybody: it is possible to choose between two courses, one 6 Km long and the other 12.
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Sport festival: it takes place at Lido Nettuno in Sarnico where around fifty local sport associations present their activity performing and allowing the public to experience new sports. There are even a lot of gastronomic stands.
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Stella Maris: “Stella Maris” is a procession of illuminated boats that starts from Stella Maris little church. The holy virgin’s statue is taken out from the church and then travels on the lake, reaches the bridge on the river Oglio and then goes back to the church . At the end of the day there are some spectacular fireworks.
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La castagna in festa: is a chestnut festival that takes place year promoted by the local association of blood donors.
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Sarnico Lovere run: : the race that starts from Sarnico and ends in Lovere, which takes place every year in spring, is 26 km long
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Sarnico Magic Christmas: during Christmas Holidays takes place “Sarnico Magic Christamas” with lights, music and street foods. Every year you can admire a different kind of wonderful coloured lights that decorates the city.
