Pinnata dell'Adda — Discesa dell'Adda

On the morning of the Pinnata dell'Adda, the riverbanks at Imbersago stir with the familiar bustle of the Bergamo Diving Center team preparing the course. Swimmers gather under the shadow of the 14th-century Torre Bellavista, which has kept watch over this stretch of water for centuries. This annual event, focusing on a 5500-meter course, attracts those looking to test their endurance in a river environment where the current dictates the pace. The Adda, a name often traced back to the Celtic 'abda' describing impetuous movement, requires constant attention to water flow as participants navigate the path that links local history with the demands of the sport.

Historical waters and local lore

As you navigate the currents, the landscape evokes the atmosphere of Alessandro Manzoni's 'The Betrothed', where the Adda served as a critical crossing point for Renzo and Lucia during their flight from Milan. This river is deeply woven into the local identity, once haunted by regional tales of witchcraft and exorcists recorded by emissaries of San Carlo Borromeo in the 16th century. Beyond the race line, the nearby Lago di Sartirana remains a protected area of significant geological interest, formed by ancient glacial moraine deposits. The scenery along the banks is so distinctive that it is widely believed to have provided the backdrop for Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Virgin of the Rocks'. For those who find the rhythm of the Adda engaging, the season offers other opportunities in the region, such as the Traversata del Lago di Pusiano, which takes place on June 27, 2026, providing a different perspective on local lacustrine conditions for those who appreciate the variety of Lombardy's waters.