News regarding economy, geography and history are taken from Luciarosa Melzani’s book:
“Bagolino, a community history” edited by GM & TI from Ciliverghe, Brescia.

8.000 – 6.000 B.C. and fol.
Men leaves traces of his presence near to the lakes of Ravenole and Dasdana. On the premises of Ravenole Lake, several archaeological relics have been found: knives and blades. Microchisels and microblades near and away the occupied areas. Dasdana Lake: northern shore: stone relics, handmade with slivered flint. Bruffione Lake: Microchisels and four slivers that could be attributed to the Neolithic. Vaia Lake: two slivered flints.

6.000 – 5.000 B.C. and fol.
Graffiti found in the Valcamonica area represent only animals. It’s not possible to know whether man settled in this area or did only come randomly for hunting.

5.000 – 3.000 B.C. and fol.
From graffiti found it is evident man starts working on agriculture, settles in the Valcamonica area. This evolution process is granted, probably, by the settling of other ethnical groups: asian and north African. Emigrating from their arid lands in search of new fertile lands bring along the first agricultural rudiments. As a matter of fact, it’s from the Third Millenium B.C. that the first signs of agriculture begin, as a proven by the graffiti in Valcamonica, signing the change in the lifestyle of this alpine people. They turn from nomad to sedentary.

3.000 – 2.000 B.C. and fol. (Cooper, gold and silver Age)
Rock painting, besides man, represent concrete objects as well as abstract concepts. During the Second Millenium B.C. arrive into the province some tribes form Liguria, so called Reti or Euganei.

2.000 – 1.000 B.C. and fol. (Bronze Age)
Graffiti testimony scenes of men devoted to the agricultural chores, there are scenes of cultivated and fenced land. There are also scenes of fighting. The Brescian territories are occupied by the mysterious Etruscan people, according to scientist this people would come from Minor Asia. This way the lands occupied become of a wide heterogeneous composition.

300 – 100 B.C. and fol. (Iron Age)
Rock painting develop, turning complex. With the arrival in Italy of Greek and roman colonies the decay of the civilization in Valcamonica starts. Such decay finishes with the conquering and submission of this people in hands of the roman dominators.

Romans conquer the brescian territories. 170 B.C. and fol.
Around 170 B.C., Romans arrive into the brescian territories and submit the Galli Cenomani, probable Brescia’s foundators, that since 360 B.C. (about) have turned into lords of the place. They won over the brescian population, but not all of them, as there were rebel groups like Reti. As they were in disadvantage, decided to retire in the Alps, called by them “retiche”, where they finished by joining the people that was already living in the place. After some decades, around 89 B.C. the Galli Cenomani complete their fusion with the conquerors obtaining the roman citizenship. On the brescian territories remain mountain people, Camuni (from Valcamonica), Triumplians (from Valtrompia) and Vennoni (from Valsabbia), that are faithful to their ancient traditions and decide not to accept the roman domination. After years of hard battles and intense defence, they finish by bending the head towards the roman eagles, the generals Livio Druso and Tiberio sent by the Emperor to conquer the brescian valleys. Romans, even if winners, honour the conquered alpine populations by engraving their names on the Turbia trophy, in Monaco, erected to honour the Emperor Augusto. On this trophy, there are the 44 names of the defeated populations. Among them, the Trumplians and Camuni. Sabini are not mentioned. As Rossi seems to explain: “in the past, the communities of Valtrompia was always related to the one in Sabbio, ruled by Plinio and from the Lord of Vennoni….” This may be the reason why the name of Sabini or Vennoni was to be understood implicitly with the Triumplian people.

Bagolino, roman domain?
With roman conquest, from these three valleys it may be that even Bagolino turned into roman domain. For this hypothesis, clues are the following: On 1800 there was found a small roman sculpture. Panelli’s manuscript, local historian from XIX century, tells how a certain Lorenzi was digging on the rise of Balbane, Ponte Caffaro, to built a birdcage. Found this sculpture as well as a wonderful metal head, of such a neatness and perfect manufacture. Together with this metal head there was the helmet decorated with a sphinx. Local antiquarians have studied the sculpture and have found relation with Minerva Goddess, honoured by romans. There are also voices from local dialect that recall an ancient roman presence:
- Lèré (attic), named this way because when Christianity arrived, is in this place where sphinxs from former home protectors are placed: the roman “Lari”.
- Glesiè-gesiè, archaic local voice for Church. From Latin “ecclesia”.

Christianity appearance 300 A.C. and fol.
Among divinities worshiped in Caffaro’s Valley that are remembered: Tunol, Saturno, Tor, Bergino, Pane god (in his name, the most beautiful lambs were sacrified), Cerere goddess (to whom harvest was offered) and Termine. Mountains and peaks were consecrated to Termine, whom would protect even the properties’ border. Victims sacrified would be tied up to huge rings in high cliffs. One of these rings has been found near to Berga, top of Caldoline.
From these ancient times, there still remain some traces to name certain places in valley: Via Pagan, Pagan’s garden in Bagolino, Pagan’s Rock in Storo. Ancient ceremonies held in these places might have led, with the oblivion of years, to confussion and to mix any celebration up with devilry and sorcery.

In the meantime, Christianity makes progresses. Among the first preachers to arrive in the nears of Bagolino, Saint Vigilio is remembered. He was bishop in Trento, sent in mission by Pope Damaso to spread the evangelic message in the lands of Brescia and Verona. San Vigilio would be tortured in Val Rendena on June 26, 403.

With the establishment of the ecclesiastical power, church modifies the uses of the temples, until replacing their power over the Roman Empire, already in decadence.

Di Rosa recalls that Christianity was accepted by Emperor Costantino: “as allied to gather all power against roman aristocracy, confiscating all goods and belongings in the Temples dedicated to polytheism in favour of Bishops and popular Churches”. Ancient Roman domains turn into “Pieve”, popular church, governmental districts with the chores of supervising religious and administrative life of towns under their jurisdiction. Municipalities turn into Dioceses. Early gods worshiped in the valley are substituted by Jesus Christ and Saints turn to be the protectors of the town.

Bagolino is annexed to the Giudicarie 600 and fol.
The huge Roman municipality of Brescia, that then arrived until Arco and Riva, including Caffaro’s Valley and Sarca, with the tribe of Fabia; with the arrival of the Longobards loses Bagolino and part of its territories. The Longobards due their particular strategic needs, defence and boundary, conquer and widen this territories in the Duchy of Trento, extending their domains. Bagolino makes part of one of the seven Pieve that composed the Giudicarie, land of border, of Trentino: Pieve of Condino. This Pieve, that was first considered in the boundaries of the Duchy of Trento, with the Longobard donation of the Duchy to the Bishop in Trento, take the name of “Principality” and under their power.

Ponte Caffaro’s Origins:
Benedictine Friars begin with the reclamation of Pian d’Oneda: 1000 and fol.
First written documents regarding Bagolino are dated 1000 A.C. and recall a territory located south named Pian d’Oneda, in Ponte Caffaro. This land, that would come to be part of the territories of Bagolino, was a marsh and insalubrious land created by the Caffaro’s river delta and the waters of Idro Lake. Around year 1100, unknown the exact moment, more than one are the versions, seems these lands were donated to the Saint Peter Monastery, in Monte di Serle, from Franchi or Longobards Kings, that under their domination strengthen the Christian worship. Monks had the duty of tiding up the area, built a hostel for passers by, that were numerous in that road. Even people from Bagolino had to take that road. Before building Prada’s Bridge, only way to reach Brescia as an alternative to the Maniva Pass represented by the Romanterra Bridge; coasting Caffaro by the right hand side until the Armadure junction where by the so called “Bagozzina” road, Pian d’Oneda could be reached. Another version says these lands were entrusted to the Benedictine by the Lords of Storo, Darzo, Lodrone, Boville and Villa di Ponte, ancient towns disappeared after floodings, and that around the year 1000 they would be instructed to clear up the area and build both a hostel and a Church in honour of Saint Giacomo. This new was reported in a letter found by Panelli, written by G. Bonardelli, on March 20th, 1597 to the Manzoni’s Priest. The only passage of this invite, written around year 1000, is the one transcribed by Panelli in his manuscript: “…Rogamus vos domine Pater Abbas de Monte, ut veniatis in locus nostri de casalis et ibi edificetis ecclesia ed Monasterum in onore sti Jacopi apostolic Majori, et ibi permaneatis laborando in honore Dei…”
Another proof says the Monks took possess only around 1213, as until this date the whole land was rented to Petro de Tosino and other residents in Anfo, with a fee of 8 silver pounds in Milan’s currency (Odorici). As a matter of fact, Benedictines began the works by cleaning the area with wide plantation of alder (ones), which would later give name to this land: Pian d’Oneda. Benedictines built up a church devoted to Saint Giacomo, saint of pilgrims, a home hospice to feed and provide shelter to the several wanderers would transit the road. Peasants that helped the Monks in the land lived in dairy farms near to the Church.

Bagolino, Principality – Bishop’s feud of Trento
During these centuries, Bagolino included in the boundaries, even taking part of the Principality of Trento, goes from one dominator to the other: Franks, German Emperors, etc… Begins the “Feud Government”, created by the Emperors and ruled by “Constitutio de Feudis”, passed on 1027 from Emperor Corrado Il Salico, that rules the feud investitures. It is then used that King or aristocrats, as a sign of gratitude for particular services provided by powerful allied families, secular or religious, granted “in feudo” part of their territories.

The Guelfe and Ghibelline Fights
The Italian territories in the meantime, are divided by internal fights between Guelfi and Ghibellini. Bagolino is not outside of this situation, as it is sometime that they belong to Brescia for the civilian affairs, in spite of being under the Pieve di Condino rules for the religious administration. Decides to rebel from the ghibellini Bishop and embrace the guelfe cause. The Bagoss community fails. In those times the battles of Brescia, to defend its boundaries, declares war to Cremona and Bergamo. Bagolino, worn-out of fights and to avoid further worsening, decides to keenly subdue to the Principality – Bishop of Trento (1192). Later on, around 1200 the town is donated to the First House of Arco, the most powerful family from Trento Principality which possesses would arrive to the ones of Lodron, Metifoco di Breno and to the brescian family of De Salis (year 1212 ca.). As soon as the hate between Guelfi and Ghibellini lights up again, Bagolino regrets to be subdued to Trento, pleads the Guelfi case and joins definitely to Brescia (1313).

Bagolino and the Lords of Lodron
From a manuscript enclosed in “Codex Wangianus”, results that on the XIII century the lands of Bagolino, even if related to the Principality of Trento, is still assigned to an important brescian family: De Salis. Later on, officially only on 1366, appears the powerful House of Lodron, vassals from the Principality – Bishop of Trento. Defending the southern lands of the principality, claims for centuries feudal rights over the town.

Who are the Lords of Lodron, when and how did they took possess of Bagolino?
The ancestors of the Lodrons would be searched among thirteen men from Storo, that Ausserer points out as a kind of country nobles, belonging to the “nobilis macinata Sancti Virgili”: Noble court of Trento’s Bishop. These men, vassals of the Principality, besides their own lands received in donation from Bishop Corrado from Trento, on August 24, 1189, the castle, curia, middle ages administrative organization, and the ancient feud of Lodrone (already acquired by the House of Lodron, together with the House of Storo). Properties that would be later divided among them as the manuscript preserved in the Codex Wangianus declares. It’s also known that the formal founder of the House of Lodron was Paride, called also Parisio (1217), while the Lodron branch that calls our attention is the one of Castel Romano, that on 1366 (manuscript preserved in the Clesian Code) receives from Bishop A. di Ortenburg the investiture, besides from the Curia and the Castle of Lodrone (their property already) and also from the vassals and the tenths of Bagolino. Before this date, it is not possible to know when and how Bagolino was taken from the De Salis brescian family and given to the House of Lodron. It’s probably that a deep research in the archives could provide an answer. In the meanwhile, it is for sure that the Lodrons are a very important and powerful family around 1350-1370. It’s during this period that the House of Lodron imposes with domineering over Bagolino and also over the history of the lower boundaries. When the branch of Castel Romano extinguishes, the tenths of Bagolino and other of their properties are reintegrated, with act of 1424 Clesian Code IV, by Antonio and Paride, named “The Great”, to the Castel Lodron branch. Giorgio, founder of the Count of Lodron, and Pietro, ancestor of the Counts of Lodron of Castelnuovo from Val Lagarina, branch now extinguished, as the father Paride were brave warriors serving Serenessima, obtained in 1452 form Emperor Federico III from Asburgh, the Degree Board, awarding them the titles of Counts.

Bagolino takes possession of Piano d’Oneda 1300 and fol.
It’s decades that the Benedictines care the lands, but due unsavoury weather, the diminish of the incomes and the distance with their monastery, decide to rent the place. On April 5, 1355 Pian d’Oneda is rented for seven years, with the obligation of keeping the lands in good state, care of the church and nearby farms. The Bagolino’s community, rappresented by two of its men, pays 12 silver pounds in brescian currency. Later on, on February 11, 1451 the whole land is definitive sold to the Bagolino’s community, with a legal act written by S.Lorenzi, public notary. The monks keep only the Church and six “brazza” of the surrounding land.

Counts of Lodrone claim their rights of the possessing of Pian d’Oneda.
After the selling of Pian d’Oneda, it comes to be part of the lands of Bagolino. Counts of Lodrone, already owners of the northern lands of the Caffaro River, claim the possession of the Pian d’Oneda. Their claims are supported, according to them, by the fact that in origin the river would arrive to the feet of Mount Castegnuda, part of their boundaries. They try all means to reach their purposes. Albrigino di Lodron, decides to divert Caffaro’s watercourse (1357) by eliminating the river brakes built by the Bagolino’s people to make run the river south towards the lake. This creates serious damages, river waters wipes out more than 800 jugers of working land (juger: long 240 feet, wide 220 feet. All in: 34560 hectares). This abusive act of domineering originated by the Lord of Lodron creates in Bagolino long and sored fights. In the State Archive of Brescia letters regarding this dispute may be found by “rivers”. To understand the importance of the possession of Pian d’Oneda, it’s helpful to know that the private fights between Bagolino and Count of Lodron had taken a political value. Due the vital importance the Caffaro River had as a boundary between the brescian territories and the Principality of Trento.

The Lodron in order to obtain such property didn’t leave anything by chance. Around 1387, the brescian territory is conquered by the ghibellinean Lord of Milano, Barnabo Visconti. The House of Lodrone looked to please, doing it’s best to put Bagolino’s Municipality, guelf allied, in bad light. It’s thanks to the Visconti’s wife, Regina Della Scala, powerful political intriguing that Bagolino wins their cause. Not without first paying huge quantities of money, that the town keeps its autonomy. What’s more, the Lady of Milano, knowing about the Bagolino’s plot, fearing an attack in her properties by the Lords of Lodrone, orders in 1384 the Head of the Municipality of Brescia to build a fortress in Caffaro. This project doesn’t see the light as Regina dies the same year. The fortress would be built, but under the ruling of the Venice Republic on 1486. The place wasn’t the one chosen by Regina, across the northern shore of Riperone River but in Rocca d’Anfo town.

The Time of the Lords
Brescia city and it’s lands are conquered by the Viscount House, whose domains lasted until 1404, when the ghibellin Pandolfo Malatesta arrives to power. The conquerors, to make themselves loved in the new areas, grant special privileges obtained thanks to Galvano da Nozza, Valle Sabbia’s defender. With him, people from Bagolino lined up as well as Pietro Avogrado, Valle Trompia’s defender, fighting for its flag. These special privileges would provide more freedom and autonomy in our Valleys. Not without efforts, due defence showed from de Nozza and Avogrado, a few years later the Viscount reconquer the brescian lands with part of their own troops entrusted to Carmagnola. Brescians do not accept this government that, in the person of Filippo Maria Visconti, repealed all benefits granted to the Valley thanks to Malatesta. Agreements with the Venice Republic (declared Viscount enemy) are taken and, with the help of the Venetian troops of Carmagnola, paid by Venice, rise up against the Viscount chasing them away.

Bagolino under the Venice Republic domain. 1400 and fol.
Bagolino, that battled together with Galvano di Nozza goes after the peace of Ferrara; 1443, when Viscounts admit to Venice the brescian territories, under the Venice government. Venice Republic, grateful for the assistance provided by the Valley, restore rights and benefits obtained by Malatesta, divides the province in Squares; Bagolino belongs to the one of Valle Sabbia. Later on, when in 1438 Serenissima declares war to the Viscount, Count Paride of Lodrone, for its personal and economical reasons, takes advantage of the situation by refusing his principal House, Viscount allied, to join the Venice Republic. Count Paride fights bravely side by side with the Serenissima, first in Valcamonica and then in Val di Ledro in 1439. That same year his sons, Giorgio and Pietro, after his death, distinguish in Lodrone’s Battle.

Counts of Lodrone retake their power over Bagolino. 1441 and fol.
Even if several men from Bagolino took part in the battles on behalf of the Venice Republic, Doge F. Foscari wants to reward the Lodrons, his brave allied, donating them the Muslone Feud, Cimego county, Baremone Pass and, fulfilling Count’s expectations, the so aspired lands of Bagolino. In spite of this, Serenissima keeps sovereignty over the town and therefore, the right of an eventual revoke from the Lodron Feud. On October 1, 1441 the Lords of Lodrone promise the Bagolino Community, gathering together in public assembly held in the small square near to the cemetery, to respect uses, statutes, tax exemption and town’s autonomy, all granted by a tribute to be paid by Bagolino’s people. Not being faithful to their own promises, Lords of Lodron try to rake off and do again their best to take possession of Pian d’Oneda. Tradition mixed up with legend tells the Lodrons built on the town’s hump a castle, from where they coul command Bagolino “not with the reason, but with commanding cane”. Always following tradition, this castle was destroyed by Bagolino’s rebels on 1444. Among debris, the famous icon of the Saint Luca Virgin was found.

Bagolino returns to the Venice Republic. 1472 and fol.
As Lords of Lodron, that in the meantime are granted with the title of Counts, do not honour their duties towards Bagolino; Doge Nicolò Tron listening to the reasons offered by Bagolino revokes the Lodrons on July 1472 the town’s domain, returning independence to Bagolino. To the Lodrons as recognition for services offered receive in donation Valle Vestino.

Germans arrive in Italy through Piano d’Oneda. 1509 and fol.
Form 1509 to 1517, the Venice Republic enters in war against France and Spain, suffering defeat. Bagolino suffers the same luck, passing from the French government to the Spanish one. During the Spanish domination, Bagolino as land of boundary, is threatened by the germans. Germans, having as allied the House of Lodron, forces Bagolino to leave Pian d’Oneda. Germans arrive until the Rocca d’Anfo, where only four defenders await: Giovanni Pezzarossi from Bagolino, Mabellino, Bucella from Anfo and Tagino from Idro. Forced to surrender the four brave men are condemned to death, only Tagino from Idro succeeds to escape. Shortly after, germans are chased away by the frenchs that in the meantime have allied the Venetians. On 1517 Bagolino returns under the Serenissima’s flag. To remember these tangled historical events, two episodes are mentioned: the first one recalling that the French-venetian commander Freroso, raided the Lodron lands, due an extortion of 400 golden ducats made in Bagolino. The other fact refers an amount of 60 ducates that Counts claim to Bagolino to have permission to give a party in the name of S. Giacomo in Pian d’Oneda. Bagolino doesn’t pay and the Counts as revenge, occupy S. Giacomo and injure the wife’s landlord. The Venetian government, aware of such violence, forbids transit to and from Lodron via lake or road. This situation forces the Counts to plead for agreements and friendship to Venice, which accepts provided peace and calm would be respected.

Bagolino rebels against a new abuse by the Counts of Lodrone. 1540 and fol.
Rancour and bitter sips suffered in the years by Bagolino, joined to the prepotence of the Counts of Lodrone, leads to a bloody revolt, 1554. The abuse is made by the Counts to the merchants Battista, Bese Benini and Vincenzo Gogella, due financial affairs. Gogella, invited by the Counts, arrives alone (as the other two refuse) in the Lodron Castel and gets imprisoned. Domineering together with the fact that years before the Counts killed Camparo from Bagolino, that had denounced the Counts for cutting off some trees in Oneda, leads the town of Bagolino on 1544 to arrive in Lodrone to claim Gogella’s freedom. After senseless negotiations, as the Counts are mendacious, the population rises against them by attacking the Castle. Count Achille and Count Ottone are killed, Gogella is found alive in a bread oven. Bagolino takes prisoner the young Count Ippolito, keep him hostage for twelve days to allow all fellowship to return from Trentino. Count Ippolito is released and lead towards the Ponte Caffaro boundaries. On September 1555 a fire explodes in town, destroying 129 houses and the new oven. This disaster is attributed, without certain proof, as revenge from a Lodrone family.

Bagolino, between plague and scarcity. 1577 and fol.
During these centuries the town has no peace. Beside countless wars that lead to several political changes Bagolino is beaten by devastating epidemies (1347-1478-1577-1630) as well as big scarcity, counting deaths by thousands.

Works to built the Parish Church begin. 1624 and fol.
On 1624, Bagolino begins the works to rebuilt and extend the one that would become the biggest church in the surroundings: Saint Gorgio’s Church. Big efforts are displayed, both physical and economical, plus the division of the citizens from those who want the church to those who want the money used in a different way. Even if there were discrepancies, the Church is finished in twelve years.

Counts of Lodrone fails again to possess Bagolino. 1670 and fol.
On 1673, a new attempt of possessing Bagolino fails. Serenissima, informed by the Municipality of the new action and intrigues from the Counts of Lodrone, returns Bagolino its independence. As a reaction, the Counts forbid all Bagolino’s citizens to stay in Trentino territories with an imperial edict read in the Lodrone’s Main Square.

The Rovereto Treaty. 1752 and fol.
After the forbidding of staying in the Trentino territories, Bagolino’s people is forced to cross the boundaries with three hundred armed men, to force Ponte Caffaro to returns to their lands, as the river course have been modified again by the Counts. On August 31, 1752 the fought for Pian d’Oneda finishes. The Rovereto Treaty is signed by the Austrian regency, on behalf of Maria Teresa Empress and the Municipality of Bagolino. Pian d’Oneda will finally be recognized to Bagolino. The Municipality must pay the Counts of Lodron fourteen thousand fiorines. To set proper boundaries around Pian d’Oneda, four sections are defined: 1° at “travate”, 2° over the Ponte Caffaro square, on the right hand side of the river, 3°not so far from Chiese River and the “German” bridge and 4° on the left hand side of the Chiese River.

Bagolino’s Parish under the Brescia Diocese. 1773 and fol.
After agreements intercoursed between the Austrian Empire and the Venice Republic, Bagolino’s Parish as well as the one in Tignale goes from the Diocese of Trento to the one in Brescia. The town accepts it’s union to Brescia for the religious administration as it has been in the precedent centuries for the civil one.

Bagolino is destroyed after the fire of October, 30 1779.
After the terrible flooding in Caffaro, 1575, that carried away the old forge and several barns, chronicles recall the biggest fire ever happened in Bagolino’s history. There are several victims and the town is destroyed. Both moral en economical are the huge sacrifices this people must accomplish to get over rebuilding, that would be accomplished by 1780.

Venetian Republic decadence, arousal of the Temporary Republic of Brescia and the Cisalpina Republic: Bagolino struggled in fights. 1796 and fol.
With the dissolution of the Venetian Republic, of which the Campoformio Treaty decrees the end on October, 7 1797. The brescian territories pass under Napoleon domains, that fighting against the Austrian conquers Lombardia. On May, 26 1796 Napoleon is in Brescia. Some Brescia and Bergamo rebels, supported secretly by the French, constitute the Temporary Republic of Brescia, included on 1801 to Cisalpina. Valleys and Riviera that support the Venetian Republic are forced to submit to the troops of general Chevallier, that fires up the towns of Barghe and Vestone. People from Bagolino, afraid of having the same fate, as they had fought with the Venetian Republic as allied, send to meet the troops of Chevallier in Idro their delegates, offering the French the keys of the town as well as 500 fiorines (even to 95.500,00 euro). The Cisalpina Republic grants forgiving and the Bagolino community, after declaring obedience, is invited to erase the emblems of Serenissima: one under the windows of the Municipality’s House and the other under the porch at Saint Giacomo’s Church. The new government abolishes the nun’s convent, other confraternities and takes all silver goods from the parish donated from the Dalumi’s family. Up to these days it is unknown where the sacred goods where hidden. During alternate fights between French and Austrians, a Croatian companion stays in Bagolino for a month in the neighbours of Prada’s bridge. The Croatian joins general Wunser and together with other 30,000 soldiers get across Pian d’Oneda to fight against the French. During the battles of Lonato, Castiglione and Montichiari germans are defeated. While retreating, a German companion stays in town and fix their camp in Saint Rocco’s Church and near the Council Gardens, staying there until the arrival of French troops from Storo, that force them to retreat definitively. Once Germans leave, French arrive. Officers find accommodations among the well-off families. Troops are hosted at Stagnoli Palace (that was then property of the Municipality), in Saint Rocco’s Church, Adamino and nearby gardens.

Cisalpina’s abolition and birth of the Italic Reign. 1802 and fol.
“Cisalpina is condemned to short living and, dying leaves no good memories. Personal revenges, searches, thefts, new taxes and uncontrolled price fixing are the balance of such government, worsened with scarcity, devastating hails and forced handover of the accounting books of the public administration” U. Vaglia. Cisalpina is substituted with the Italic Reign, born on March, 7 1805, and the brescian territories breath a period of peace. During the Italic Reign, the province is divided in departments. Bagolino takes part of the Vestone’s district, part of the Mella’s department. Is in this period that elementary school are established, contributing to a better diffusion of instruction. By wish of Dr. Pietro Riccobelli, in Bagolino is founded a high school (1812) that would also host foreign students.

Germans retake power in Lombardia. 1814 and fol.
When Napoleon is forced to abdicate Lombardia, it goes under the ruling of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Bagolino is guarded by the Germans until 1815. Under the Austrian domination, provinces divided in districts and Municipalities are created. Roads that during Venetian domination where abandoned are now restored. The road that takes from Monte Suello to Bagolino is now assumed in charge of the State according to a decree from Ranieri Viceroy. On 1823, in occasion of the visit in Valle Sabbia from the archduke Ranieri, the first stone for the construction of the Prada’s Bridge in Bagolino is placed. To these years belong the original project for the widening of the mule track that takes from Bagolino to Maniva.

War between Sardinian-Piemonte Reign and the Austrian Empire.
Bagolino takes part of such events during 1821-1848 and fol. The brescian territories are spread of liberal and patriotic ideas. Patriots keep on conspiracy and to stir up population until 1848 Revolution’s. Even the people from the valley are armed, ready to defend their homeland. On April, 5 the word of “eliminate every coat of arms of signal that would refer to the tyrant” was spread. It was also commanded that the national flag should wave in every tower.

When the Sardinian-Piemonte arrived in province, Caffaro’s must protect the companies in Mincio.
Guided by colonel Allemandi, several men from Valsabbia leave on April 9. After crossing the Trentino boundary, occupy Condino and arrive to Stenico. Here troops are commanded to step back and soldiers, as Vaglia recalls: “tired and filthy, hunger, without weapons and aware to be used without organization or a plan to follow”, attack but are forced to return towards Ponte Caffaro, where a battalion guided by Beretta, occupies Prada and Bagolino. On May 22, while Germans wanted to conquer Rocca d’Anfo, passing by Montesuello, Giacomo Lombardi (called also Ciometto) from Riccomassimo distinguishes for the fact that along the Castegnuda path, keeps 600 germans at bay until the arrival of Crotti, sent for rescue along the street named “paradise” and reinforcement organized in Bagolino from Don Angelo Gatta. The enemy is turned down and the day after ours occupy Storo. After this victory, the news of armistice arrive and Beretta evacuates Bagolino, the province turns to be Austrian. On March 1849, hostility among Austria and Piemonte begins, Brescia rebels. For ten days the “Italy’s Lion” fights against Austria. Some men from Bagolino take part in these epic days.

The 1859 Counterattack
Few years later from Salasco’s armistice on August 1848 Bagolino, taking back from hostility (1859) happens to be on the demarcation line of the two army. The line goes thru the town, follows with Idro and Lavenone, across the peak that separates Valle Degana from Toscolano Valley finishing in Maderno. Valley residents, tried by hardship and economic difficulties, accepts the taking back from hostility with enthusiasm and responsibility, entrusting with their home flags better times. The “Alp hunters” guided by general Cialdini, fight to conquer Rocca d’Anfo and the ruling of the Tyroleans. A column of the Cialdini’s division, after fighting in Maniva descend thru the back of Rocca d’Anfo, joining other troops that arrive from the road of Anfo, occupying part of the fortress. On June 29, 1859 Italians and the French allied succeed in San Martino and Solferino, concluding military operations. Austrians, constricted due the presence of army national guards from Bagolino, Anfo, Idro, Vestone, Lavenone and Nozza, hand over the Rocca d’Anfo, January 29, 1860.

The 1866 Garibaldini Campaign.
After the constitution of the Reign of Italy on 1861, Veneto must be released from the Asburgic domain. Valley residents overcame discouragement, economic discomfort end up to warmly welcome garibaldini fighters. In the area of Caffaro, military operations begin on June 25 and proceed until July 4, day of the Montesuello battle. July 1: three thousand German soldiers, taking advantage of a momentaneous move from the garibaldini in Garda, ran to help general Manara, to defend Brescia, and occupy Bagolino and Montesuello. Garibaldi, informed, returns in the high valleys with his troops and held a war council at Rocca d’Anfo. At Bagolino, in the meantime, Stefano Pelizzari prepares defence of the town succeeding to drive away the enemy. Battle begins in the afternoon of July 4, Garibaldi is injured together to 266 fighters, 44 are death and 22 disappeared. Bagolino helps all wounded soldiers, for special sending daily generous quantities of ice, from which were covered the mountains in Bagolino. Garibaldi arrives as a winner to Bezzeca on July 21, where receives the order to retreat. Dishearten for such pointless battles: “head bended with the terse telegram: shall obey” (Vaglia). The armistice between Italian and Austrian governments is dated August 9. To remember such event, on 1876 by initiative of the Major Guarneri the monument – ossuary of Montesuello is built, in memory of soldiers fell on duty.

Africa’s War. 1893 and fol.
Echoes of the battles in Caffaro are not off yet when soldiers must leave for the Africa’s War, fought by Italy and Abissinia. Most men are chosen form the Alpine’s Body, instituted on October 12, 1872 that joined 15 companies enlisted in mountain areas, with the duty of watching the passes and, assigned to the fifth regiment, as battalions Vestone, Edolo, Tirano, Morbegno. During the Libyan war (1911-12) the Edolo’s battalion is distinguished, under the command of G. Treboldi from Anfo. Among the soliders: Domenico Bertoli (Belprato), Agostino Amolino (Sabbio Chiese), Giovanni Mora (Bagolino), Cesare Rossini (Vestone), Elia Vaglia (Anfo), Giovani Albertini (Vestone), Luigi Bettini (Nozza).

First World War. May 24, 1915 and fol.
The facts of the last years have discouraged Bagolino’s people, that have seen their territories, specially in Ponte Caffaro, completely devastated. But this is not enough. Italy, ongoing the Libyan conquest, comes involved in the First World War. Italians were first neutrals, but later on gave in to interventionists: Republican Party, Socialist Party, Beam of Revolutionary Action, Radical Party, Futurist movement and etcetera…
On May 23, 1915 by midnight Italy lines up against Austria. Bagolino’s mountains and the Caffaro area for being in the boundary area are the first battle’s theatre. War, mostly based in trenches, has the principle of conquering the peaks to possess the valleys. Close to the Termine Pass, border with the Trento territories, even today some remains of military constructions and trenches can be seen as silent witnesses of a long worn out war. During the night of May 24, 1915 thru Ponte Caffaro’s bridge (Austrian’s boundary) soldiers followed by the alpines (5th battalion) and fantry (62th regiment) head to conquer Trentino. Inhabitants are forced to hide and refugee, when the battles turn cruel, in the principal town. Like when were forced to head back to Bagolino to save themselves from the crossed fire between the Austrian cannons placed on Forte Corno and the Italian “pieces” that are shooted from Forte Baremone and Rocca d’Anfo. 1918 is a tragic year for Ponte Caffaro’s inhabitants, cannons are tireless to shoot over the small town designed as border. People is fast to escape an refugee in open country and cellars in Bagolino. Houses are destroyed, Church and the town are fired. By miracle there are no victims among citizens. After the “hottest” days of the summer of 1918, once the war is over people can turn back home, trespassing a bridge that now joins two areas of the same state. As Biati recalls “has demanded its boundary, but at the same time created biggest problems as well as people’s discontent”. To remember all soldiers fell on duty in Bagolino, Ugo Vaglia points “Scalvini Giovanni corporal of the 5th Alpine Regiment, bronze medal, brave and calm person, promptly assisted his commander assuming and devotedly leading his men. Monte Ortigara, June, 15 1917. Stagnoli Carlo, was Carlo field artillery sergeant. Cross to the military courage. Head of a violent beaten company, fearless assisted immediately his companions. Soglio Rotto (Pria Forà Arsiero) April 3, 1918. Zanetti Carlo Tebaldo di Stefano Giulio, second lieutenant from the 5th Alpine Regiment, war voluntary, Silver medal on field. On charge of leading a group of daring men to open a passage way with the intention of assaulting the enemy, succeeded. Fell first, injured to death when arriving to the enemy trenches. Basso Costone Vursic (Monte Nero) September, 1916. Alberti Giovanni, was Giuseppe Major corporal of the 5th Alpine Regiment. Bronze medal on field. In charge of a ray shooter company, submitted to violent enemy’s raid, was diligent when shooting rays, until a grenade bit him deadly. Trincerone di Zugna, August 23, 1917. Fusi Giovanni di Pietro, Major corporal of the 530 artillery gathering, besiege 332 battery. Bronze medal on field. Watcher in high mountain, faced volunteering all risk to achieve the best results of the lines. On May 24, 1918 after a long risky march, without resting, was proceeding to set new lines to keep the perfect timings against the enemy fire. Punta Castellaccio May 25-26, 1918.

After sixty years (1975) veterans of the Big War with the Austrian “opponents” gathered together at Ponte Caffaro in the name of peace ideals. Hereunder three memorial testimony from veterans, chosen from the book “A Bridge’s History” by Hans Biedermans, 75 years. “We have never hated Italians. It’s not our fault if we had to shoot each other. We were fourteen years when the Austrian war began. Even though I reached to fight good part of it, we fought against Italians in Carso. I do have good memories of Italians: they fought madly and shouted always. I’m happy to have come to Italy in this occasion as a friend”. Johann Virgolini, 77 years. “I keep an Italian surname, but as far as I know, my ancestors have always been Austrians. I live in Feldkirchen. Have also fought against Italians, in Mount Cimon and in Stelvio. I was a volunteer. In those times, there was a brainstorming at school about this. Have never hated Italians, now I admire them even more: I’m very glad you wanted to make peace”
“I was home on 1915, was too young: 17 years. Later on with the alpines from “Vistù” have lived the Ortigara epic. Seeing Germans after such a long time has pleased me. If we hated each other there is nobody to blame. Now we are friends and is wonderful. I’m sure even the friends that remained up there with the boots upwards are happy too.” Pietro Cominotti, resident at Odolo. Between the two wars, Italy knows the dictatorial Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini.

Second World War. 1940 and fol.
After twenty years of relative peace begins another terrible war: the Second World War, which memories still burns for the survivors. Bagolino suffers its soreness, discomfort and privations that come along such sad events.

1946: Republic’s Proclamation.