Discovering Lake Iseo

A pleasant car itinerary permits initial acquaintance with Lake Iseo. The route begins at Paratico, (but being a circuit, this could be any other place) at the extreme southern end of the lake and proceeds along the Brescian shore in the direction of Iseo to meet Clusane, a characteristic village known for its gastronomic speciality, baked tench.

The welcoming town of Iseo naturally merits a visit to its historical centre, (Piazza Garibaldi, the Castle, S. Andrea Parish Church, Palazzo dell’Arsenale) and for walks in the narrow streets or along the lakeside.

Continuing in a northerly direction, we reach Sulzano; here, we only have to leave the main road to find a small ancient centre where ferry boats to Monteisola are available.

After Sulzano, we come to Sale Marasino scattered in various nuclei and with a beautiful and panoramic hinterland. Next up, is Marone where we can take a deviation to the right to Zone, to admire the spectacle of the erosion pyramids or instead, on leaving the village we can descend to the left to the small centre of Vello.

The last town on the Brescian shore is Pisogne, an ancient medieval village. One visit not to be missed is to “Santa Maria della Neve” for the extraordinary fresco cycle by Romanino.

From Pisogne, turning left we reach Lovere. This is a centre of ancient origins, rich in historical medieval buildings in the innermost roads (Alghisi Tower, Söca Tower, Civica Tower, Santa Maria in Valvendra Parish Church), and beautiful “palazzi” on the lake front, such the “Accademia Tadini”, an elegant neo-classical Picture Gallery with works, among others, by Jacopo Bellini, Palma il Giovane, Tiepolo and Pitocchetto.

Immediately afterwards, we come to Castro, once “Castrum romano” where the traces of a medieval fortification are still visible. Along the road, cut into the rock from Castro to Riva di Solto, the magnificent spectacle of the “Orrido del Bögn” appears at Zorzino.

This is an impressive precipice where vertical rocks plunge straight downwards into the lake. After this, Riva di Solto deserves a brief pause to visit its historic centre, one of the most picturesque of Lake Sebino.

The next leg is to Tavernola Bergamasca with its ancient alleys and small squares. Do not miss the frescoes by Romanino in the San Pietro Parish Church. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed by branching off towards Vigolo and Parzanica. After going through the tunnel, we reach Predore, a sunny place characterised by a historic nucleus of dwellings right on the lakeside.

A visit to the “contrada” of the beautiful town of Sarnico ends the “tour”. Discovering the lake onboard a ferry boat is very pleasant and recommended in spring and summer months.

• Length: around 60 km
• Various tunnels are encountered