Discovering Friar Bernardo da Rategno: A Cultural Afternoon in Schignano/Retegno

Appacuvi organizes an event dedicated to the figure of the Como inquisitor, narrated by Cristina Abbate

The cultural association You are appacuring organizes a cultural afternoon for Sunday 11 August to discover the historical figure of Friar Bernardo of Rategno, a journey narrated by the doctor in Historical Sciences Christina Abbate.
The event, which is part of the mission to rediscover and enhance the history and traditions of the Intelvi Valley, will begin with a literary aperitif with Cristina Abbate at 5:00 pm in the Piazzale della Società Operaia di Retegno (in case of bad weather it will take place inside the building).
The author will present the historical figure of Friar Bernardo da Rategno, inquisitor and demonologist of the diocese
of Como, through the reading of passages from his book “Of Strigiis“; to then continue exploring the
historical and cultural aspects of the phenomenon of the “witch hunt” offering a critical view of the events.
Brother Bernardo Rategno, presumably born around the middle of the 15th century in Retegno, a hamlet of Schignano, entered the order of the Friars Preachers. Appointed inquisitor of Como in 1505, he achieved a sinister reputation as
witch persecutor, documented in his works, the “Lucerna inquisitorum haereticae pravitatis” and the “Tractate of strigii". His "Lamp“, a manual for inquisitors divided into 97 entries, introduced an alphabetical expository method that was innovative for the time.
Following this, the “Cammino di Bernardo da Rategno” will be inaugurated, a six-stage itinerary that retraces the pedestrian path from Retegno to Auvrascio, known as the “old road” alternative to the bridge. Along the
route, visitors will be able to admire six illustrated panels with works by the artist Gaia Bresciani and captions by Cristina Abbate taken from De Strigiis by Rategno.
Simona Castelli, president of Appacuvi, said: “This event represents an important opportunity to rediscover historical facts and better understand the cultural dynamics of the past, while promoting the valorization of our historical and natural heritage.”

The event is part of the broader program of the PNRR project “La cultura cheaccoglienza – Borghi comacini”, promoted by the Ministry of Culture, which focuses on the identity of the territory, its history and its legends, enhancing the cultural heritage for those born in these places and for all those who wish to learn more about the Valley.