Top 7 Lakes around Esine

Truly unexpected. The short paved road near the small lake is very steep and very narrow, but worth it.

Especially on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer period (but better always) booking is recommended as it is very popular, you feel really good about the portions, the price and the services.

Lago Lavena is a small alpine body of water located in Alta Val Brembana, in the territory of Carona, nestled among the giants of the Orobie Alps. Situated at an altitude of about 1970 meters, it lies along the popular route leading from Rifugio Calvi towards Passo di Valsecca. Its clear waters reflect the surrounding rocky walls, among which stands out the imposing silhouette of Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda. Despite its small size compared to the nearby artificial basins, the lake retains a wild and unspoiled charm, representing an ideal stop for hikers seeking silence and high-altitude panoramas in one of the most evocative corners of the province of Bergamo.

The Church of San Fiorino is one of Borno's small historical wonders, and thanks to the sources I consulted, I can give you an accurate, complete, and up-to-date overview. 🕍 Identity and location It is a subsidiary church dedicated to San Fiorino / San Floriano, the Roman legionary invoked against fires and floods. It stands northwest of Borno, along the road leading to Lake Lova, in a very quiet grassy and wooded area. 📜 Origins and history The sources agree on a long and layered history: 11th–13th century: first documented construction phases. 1410: appears in the list of ancient Camun churches subject to contribution to the Bishop of Brescia. 1456: a papal bull establishes the curatial benefit of S. Florini. 1532: cited in the Queriniano Catalogue of ecclesiastical benefices. 1567–1573: recorded in pastoral visits as a country church. Archaeological findings During restorations and excavations, artifacts have emerged that suggest the presence of an ancient Roman place of worship: a fragment of an altar dedicated to Mercury, with a Latin inscription; a Roman burial with the mark "LLAESEC"; stone elements with grooves typical of ancient thresholds. These findings strengthen the hypothesis that the church was built on a previous pagan temple. 🏛️ Architecture The church is simple and harmonious, typical of Camun rural chapels: Single nave with two bays. Rectangular presbytery with a barrel vault. Mixed masonry bell tower. Sober facade, with an off-center stone portal and traces of frescoes. Inside, you can find: 16th-century frescoes (partially mutilated), a 15th-century fresco with San Fiorino in the guise of a legionary, architectural elements from different eras. 🔧 Restorations The church, deteriorated by time, was restored in 1978 thanks to Don Costantino Ravelli.

The Church of San Fiorino is one of the small historical and spiritual pearls of the Borno plateau (Valle Camonica): a simple, intimate building, but layered with history, ancient cults, and surprising discoveries. 🕍 Identity and location The small church stands north of the inhabited area of Borno, along the road leading to Lova, in a grassy and silent area, slightly set back from the village. It is a subsidiary church dedicated to San Fiorino / San Floriano, a figure venerated as a protector against fires and floods. 📜 Origins and history The first attestations date back to the 15th century, but tradition and archaeological findings suggest an even older origin. Key points of its history: 1456: A bull of Callixtus III mentions the chapel of Sancti Florinj among the Camunican churches subject to contribution. 1532: It appears in the Queriniano Catalogue of ecclesiastical benefices. 16th century: It is registered in pastoral visits as a country church. Around 1650: Extensions and renovations that give it its current appearance. 1978–1980: Modern restorations that bring to light frescoes and Roman artifacts. 🏛️ Architecture The church is simple and harmonious, typical of Camunican rural chapels: Single nave with two bays. Rectangular presbytery with a barrel vault. Mixed masonry bell gable. Sober facade, with a decentered stone portal and traces of ancient frescoes. Inside, you can find: 16th-century frescoes, partly mutilated; a 15th-century fresco depicting San Fiorino as a Roman legionary; architectural elements from different eras. 🏺 Archaeological finds During the 1980 restorations, artifacts emerged that suggest the presence, in Roman times, of a small temple dedicated to Mercury: a fragment of a Roman altar with a dedication to Mercury; a Roman burial with the inscription “LLAESEC”; stone elements with grooves typical of ancient thresholds. These findings make the site particularly fascinating: a place where Christian worship seems to have overlapped with a previous pagan sacred site.

It is not Lake San Fiorino but Lake Lova

Lake Lova is a picturesque hiking destination located above Borno, on the Altopiano del Sole plateau in Val Camonica. It is appreciated for its alpine landscape, tranquility, and the variety of surrounding trails. The lake is located at approximately 1,392 meters above sea level and can be reached via several hiking trails, including the Sentiero della Memoria (Path of Remembrance) that starts from the church of San Fiorino in Borno. After a short paved stretch to the Trattoria Navertino, you take a dirt path that winds through larch and fir trees, with steep sections and slippery cobblestones. The hike is immersed in a natural environment typical of the Lombard Prealps, with natural fountains and good cell phone coverage. A longer alternative is the Monte Mignone – Lake Lova circular hike, approximately 11.1 km long with an elevation gain of 837 meters, to be done counterclockwise. This route offers spectacular views and passes through pastures and woods, with the lake as its focal point. Lake Lova is also a hub for other trails: from here, you can continue towards the San Fermo Refuge or the Laeng Refuge, following CAI trails 106 and 182. Parking is available near the lake, making it accessible even for less experienced hikers. Scenically, the lake is nestled in a green valley surrounded by woods and pastures, with calm waters reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains. It's an ideal destination in all seasons, but particularly captivating in autumn due to the colorful foliage.

Welcoming refuge, very good value for money. E-bike charging