Taking the path under the arch that leads into Cornello dei Tasso (BG) is a step back in time to the end of the Middle Ages.

From here the ancient Via Mercatorum leads through Val Brembana to the Grisons in Switzerland and Cornello was the first place where it was possible to go to market after Bergamo. For this reason the paved and covered alleys of the village - now deserted - must be imagined chaotically full of merchants and goods.

The village is so named because it was built on a hill (Corno) and there lived the Tasso family who became famous not only for the writer Torquato (who probably never lived here), but because they invented the modern postal system with relay stations along the roads that allowed one to change horses, keeping them fresh so as not to delay communication.

The family was first in service for the Republic of Venice, then for Milan, the Pope, Naples and even the Emperor, who for their precious services granted them the use of the imperial eagle in the family crest as you can still see drawn on a wall of the village. Another feature is the construction on three levels: on the lower one, as mentioned, there was a market; in the intermediate one there were houses; and at the top the church. Unfortunately, the imposing Palazzo dei Tasso, which was unsafe, was demolished some time ago.

The entire history of the family and the post office can be seen in the museum which even features one of the horns that were used to announce the arrival of couriers and prepare a change of horse. To this day, the horn it is still the symbol of the postal service!

Every stone, every arch, every house helps to depict an ancient world that seems to seep out of a fairy tale to be discovered.
 

BORGHI PIÙ BELLI D’ITALIA #INLOMBARDIA