The population of Cene stands at 4,212 and it is located on the left bank of the River Serio at the outlet of the Valle Rossa and the slopes of Mount Altino. The centre, which is 15 kilometres north east of Bergamo, is formed by the fusion of two old villages called Lower Cene and Upper Cene, which have existed since 1035, and are separated by the Doppia stream. The original Latin name was Caenum meaning mud, indicating the area in which the River Serio stagnated. The name Cene appeared for the first time in a document dated 968 with the mention of Gaudeverto Capitaneus de Cene.

Cene’s strategic position ensured the village had a leading role in valley matters: in Roman times, fortifications and village walls were built, while in the medieval era no fewer than three castles with seven towers were constructed. The towers, however, were completely destroyed, but there are still some small parts of the castles visible today; they include the ruins of both the first at Castel on the slopes of Mount Bue, and the second on the side of Mount Pizzo. The third was on the site at which there is the parish church today, with its tower converted into a belfry. In this period, the village was divided into Upper Cene under the jurisdiction of the authorities of Gandino and the Ghibelline faction, and Lower Cene, which was placed under the protection of the Council Major of Albino, of the Guelph faction. The parish church was built in 1142 and is dedicated to San Zenone, later to be rebuilt in 1749 by architect Luca Lucchini di Certenago and extended in 1929.

In 1965, a landslide in Cene uncovered s small strata just a few centimetres wide packed with fossils, especially of fish and crustaceans; there were also flying reptiles called eudimorphodons and peteinosauruses. The fossilised strata dates back to the superior Triassic period and is made up of calcified rock. The abundance of marine life confirms that this area was at one time under the sea. However, the presence of the flying reptiles indicates that some sectors of land had emerged from the water. Finding the Cene fossilised strata, where a Paleontologist Park was opened, led to the discovery of more fossils similar to those of other Bergamascan and Brescian locations. As far as leisure time is concerned, it is obligatory to mention the cycle track of the Valle Seriana, which passes through municipalities along the course of the River Serio. Ideal for walks and riding bikes amid nature, far from traffic, permitting the rediscovery and enhancement of spaces once abandoned by negligence.