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Bienno, a town with the spirit of romantic medieval timesMedieval times on Myspace.com
If you believe that the romantic medieval times have ended forever, than Bienno town will show you that these times have returned again. Bienno is a small medieval town in the province of Brescia, about 23 miles from Songavazzo, known as the land of iron. Thanks to the bountiful woods that provide fuel and an abundance of water, Bienno has become a centre for producing iron goods. As early as the year 1000 an artificial canal was built that brought water to provide energy for the waterwheels to move the heavy hammers used for forging iron and crushing wheat to make flour.
Mill entrance Bienno is also known for its traditional medieval festival that brings back the real spirit of medieval period. This has taken place for the past ten years during the last week of August. During these seven days this small medieval town really looks like the “Middle Ages.” Thousands of torches guide the visitors to discover the secret angles of this medieval town making them to dip in one medieval dimension and to forget just for few hours the present time. The best period is from 18,00 to 24,00 when a lot of never-ending events start from renaissance shows, music, dances, acrobats shows, jugglers and flag-waving parades that makes everybody feel that the medieval times have returned.
Bienno’s highlights to visit:
- The famous flour mill, still active to see how the force of water moves weighty stone grinders to transform grains and maize in soft flour used to prepare the traditional polenta , once the meal of the poor. - The local blacksmiths will demonstrate all the evenings their ability in forging the iron as their grandfathers have been doing for centuries. There is the open space iron weapons centre where you can order and watch your medieval sword or knife be forged right in front of you. It is always the most crowded spot during this seven days of medieval festival.
Blacksmiths forging the iron Over the centuries Bienno has been beautified with important buildings, fine churches, narrow streets and alleys, stairs, mighty walls and imposing gates. In the meantime if you feel tired wandering around and you would like to take refreshment or to taste local specialties, you will be able to find many restaurants scattered on the every corner of the town. If I were you I would try local polenta mixed with various type of excellent cheese or the famous cansonsei ( typical ravioli stuffed with egg, cheese and vegetables ) and to drink inevitably a bottle of Franciacorta vine.
If you are interested to see the Bienno’s map you can downloaded one copy for you. You will need a free copy of Acrobat Reader.
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