His life - His charisma - His legacy - The tradition
St. Martin’s Fair in Alzano - Iconography

His legacy

The cult of St. Martin expanded in Europe, and in particular into the region of Lombardy, during the empire of Charlemagne. A great number of churches were dedicated in his name, among which the chapel of the Royal Palace in Paris: the so-called “Sainte Chapelle” (cloak, or “cape” → “chapel”), which was christened in honor of his mantle.

The monks of Tours present in the territory of Bergamo quickly established the worship of St. Martin in this land, to the point that it can be traced back to as early as 897 A.D.; and he was chosen as patron saint by a number of towns. Besides Alzano Maggiore, his presence can be found also in Torre Boldone, Leffe, Gorno, Nembro, Gandellino, Piazza Brembana, Lenna, Sarnico, Adrara St. Martin, Entratico, Calolzio, Carvico, Ciserano and Treviglio, with many churches dedicated in his name.