Parco del Serio

Malpaga Castle is situated at 15 km from Bergamo town center and you can reach it from the exit of Seriate along the highway Milano-Venezia heading towards Brescia-Cremona and by following the indications.
The castle dates back to the 14th century and was built and placed in the middle of the plain; subsequently, the commander Bartolomeo Colleoni from Bergamo, a condottiere, purchased the fortress together with the surrounding estate, and used it as a fortified posting first and as his residence after.
The fortified complex has a square shape, built all in pebbles alternating with fired bricks; the walls, strong and solid according to the features of the period, are painted with frescoes representing scenes of battles, celebrations, ladies, knights, and sacred subjects. The loggia is decorated with frescoes by Romanino, according to some experts, by Fogolino according to others: they represent the historical struggles between the inhabitants of Bergamo and the inhabitants of Milan.
For visits and information www.castellomalpaga.it
Leaving on foot from the castle and heading towards the river, you can visit an area rich in meagre plain meadows characterized by the presence of a rich flora presenting diversified elements, with characteristic species of the east European and Asiatic dry steppes, mountain species transported downstream by the current of the river, and Mediterranean species typical of the warm environments.
The spring blooming, with the different species of the genus Sedum coloring with yellow the large meadows covering the banks of the river, are spectacular.