Between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia lies the peaceful Lake Iseo. A connecting line between the vineyards of Franciacorta and the gateway to the Central Alps along the Valcamonica, this glacial lake is not as famous as its compatriots, Lake Como and Lake Garda.
Yet this body of water is nestled among mountains and green valleys of a beauty that is both gentle and wild. On its shores stand villages and towns rich with evidence of a past that has left us numerous and interesting testimonies.
The present is also particularly lively in this small corner of the world waiting to be discovered. So let's see what not to miss on a weekend at Lake Iseo!
1. Iseo
The town of Iseo, which gives its name to the lake, must be the first stop on our tour. With its medieval-style architecture, Iseo manages to strike a delicate balance between past and present. It hosts both an elegant social life on one side and historically significant monuments on the other.
The Pieve di Sant’Andrea is undoubtedly the symbol of the town, thanks to its tall bell tower and the stone façade dating back to the 1100s, immediately recognizable. Inside the church, whether you prefer trekking, cycling, or sailing, the choice is yours!
2. Montisola
Montisola or Monte Isola is one of the most visited attractions on Lake Iseo, as well as the largest lake island in Italy. A few years ago, its name became famous worldwide as the site of the artistic installation The Floating Piers by Christo, visited by over one and a half million people.
However, Montisola's history is much older. Inhabited since the 5th century AD, it was mainly the site of a Cluniac monastery. Life here has always revolved around this lake and all of Italy!