page iseo

Brescia
Lake Garda
Valsabbia
Lake Idro
Valtrompia
The Brescian plain
Franciacorta
Lake Iseo

Every lake is a world of its own and Lake Iseo is one of the most charming and romantic for its changing moods, its amphitheatre of surrounding mountains and for its central island, Monte Isola (the largest lake island in Europe) which rises green out of the lake's deep, blue waters.
The constant breeze which plays over the lake is perfect for lovers of sailing, windsurfing, paragliding and hang-gliding and anglers will delight in the abundance of fish in the clean waters.
Lake Iseo is ideal for people who want sport, relaxation and unspoilt nature as part of their holiday.

Iseo

Iseo town's historic centre, elegant shops, modern sporting facilities and excellent restaurants make it a popular tourist resort.
Among the monuments that are worth visiting are the parish church of Sant'Andrea dating from the 12^th century with its beautiful Romanesque bell tower, the 11^th century Oldofredi Castle which has been transformed into a cultural centre, the church of Santa Maria del Mercato with fine 14^th and 18^th century frescoes, the church of San Silvestro and the Baptistery of San Giovanni.
The remains of the original lakeside inhabitants have been preserved by the nearby peat moss. For sports and relaxation facilities, the visitor cannot do better than visit Sassabanek (the bigger leisure centre on Lombard lakes) just a few minutes from the town which offers swimming pools, tennis courts, restaurants, gymnasiums, a marina, a camp-site and a residence.
The town itself has numerous restaurants that serve fish fresh from the lake while Clusane, another lakeside little town, specialises in tench and every year has a festival dedicated to the fish.

Sulzano

Lovers of sailing will find all they need at Sulzano but the visitor can also choose to go up the mountain behind where he will see old country houses and unspoilt villages hundreds of years old, and enjoy glorious views over the lake. Another option is to take the ferry ride to Monte Isola.
In Sulzano itself a fine walk will take you to the 15^th century church of S. Maria del Giogo

Monte Isola

Monte Isola is truly a world of its own in the middle of this beautiful lake. It covers 5 km2 and in that small space rises to an altitude of 600 m. It is the largest lake island in Europe. It is easily reached by ferry from either Sulzano, Iseo or Sale Marasino. In just a few minutes the boat arrives at the pretty fishing villages of Peschiera Maraglio or Carzano which have maintained their charm just like the other villages on the island - Sensole, Siviano, Cure and Menzino: typical sights are nets left to dry along the shore and narrow roads flanked by houses with loggias and stone entrances. Of course there are restaurants offering the island's speciality, grilled sardines, which are really shad and bleak dried in the sun for ten days, soaked in oil for a few months and then grilled.
Outside the villages the visitor is struck by the quit. No four-wheeled vehicles are allowed on the island except for public services. The walks and swimming from the small beaches are superb. One can easily circle the island by bus (end of the line in Peschiera Maraglio), bike or on foot. The top of the island gives stupendous views of the lake and mountains. It is here that the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola is built and, at Menzino, the renaissance Oldofredi-Marginengo Castle.