A day between history and nature: the trip to Crespi Village and Astino Monastery

On Saturday, April 12, one of our most appreciated cultural outings took place, a day dedicated to discovery and beauty, between industrial history and natural landscapes. At 7:45 am, the group, consisting of 52 participants, departed from Brunello, the headquarters of our association, heading to the picturesque Villaggio Crespi d’Adda, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The journey was really smooth and pleasant, thanks also to the professionalism of Maurizio, our expert driver of the Granturismo bus from Union Bus of Caronno Varesino. For many years, this company has been a point of reference for our trips, always demonstrating punctuality, reliability, and great availability. We are proud to count them among the supporters of the Azienda Amica program of ARTandCHARITY.

We remember that Crespi d’Adda was founded in 1878 by the textile entrepreneur Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, originally from Busto Arsizio (Va). His dream was to create a true “ideal city of work”, where the workers of his cotton mill could live in dignified, orderly, and healthy conditions. Crespi d’Adda was conceived from the beginning not only as a place of production but as an organic community, where every aspect of daily life found its place: from houses with gardens and orchards, to the school, the church, and even health and recreational services. A human-scale village, with a remarkable attention to collective well-being.

Walking among the workers' houses, the school, the small theater, the washhouses with hot water, the public showers, the church, the medical clinic, and the manor house, it was easy to imagine the community life that animated the village, born from the enlightened dream of the Crespi family.

After the visit, we had time for a small snack before departing again, always by bus, to another place full of charm: the Monastery of Astino, nestled in the green hills of Bergamo. We arrived at the Monastery at 1:30 PM, welcomed by the guide Tosca Rossi, who took us on a journey through time among the naves of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, with its fascinating sacristy, and the ancient walls of the Monastery itself.

The day concluded with a pleasant walk in the adjacent Botanical Garden, a corner of tranquility and biodiversity that offered participants a moment of peace and contemplation after an intense day of culture and discovery.

The return to Brunello took place, as scheduled, at 6:30 PM. We can be truly pleased with the excellent outcome of the day: all participants expressed great appreciation, highlighting the quality of the visits, the care of the organization, and the serene and convivial atmosphere that accompanied us throughout the day.

Once again, thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this experience. The events and trips we organize are not just leisure opportunities, but true moments of collective growth, where art, culture, and solidarity intertwine in the most authentic way.