Among the views that confuse the sky and the lake on Lake Iseo stand out those of Monte Isola that, as the name suggests, consists of a mountain located on an island that divides the lake into two parts, or the Brescia shore from the Bergamo. This unique location and its flavor of the past make it one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
After becoming famous all over the world in 2016 thanks to the art installation “The Floating Piers” by Christo, Monte Isola was ranked third European Best Destination in 2019. It is an oasis of peace, where you can relax and find your inner balance. It is an enchanted place, which draws the best from the beauty of the mountain and the spectacular lake with its beautiful clear blue waters.
Composed of eleven hamlets, Monte Isola is nicknamed “the Capri of the north”, ideal destination for all those who want to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle.
What to see around Monte Isola
The corner of paradise that is Monte Isola offers visitors a large number of places to see and discover, both on foot and by bike, both among friends and family. Here are the main and unmissable:
Sivian
The capital of the island is Siviano located at 250 meters above sea level; it consists of a small town headed by the Martinengo Tower overlooking the Town Hall square, 20 meters high and square, which dates back to the era of feudalism. Together with other towers, strong walls and vaults of some palaces, it is the testimony of an ancient fortified complex. Walking inside Siviano is highly romantic and suggestive.
Siviano, Monte Isola
Masses
Along an old road composed of white pebbles, from Siviano you reach Masse, another small village located 400 meters above sea level. Characteristic is the large boulder of red sandstone and a statue dedicated to the Madonna where, according to a legend, once the witches met to perform the rite of sand.
The old town is composed of mountain houses made of stone that overlook internal courtyards and adorned with arcades, wells and tools typical of a rural civilization in danger of extinction. A must stop is in the main square, where stands the Church of San Rocco of the fifteenth century.
Noval
The hamlet of Novale, however, is located at 250 meters above sea level and was, during the mid-seventeenth century, the summer residence of Marco Morosini, bishop of Brescia. Right here, in fact, stands Casa Morosini, an ancient complex of buildings with the typical characteristics of mountain villages: very thick stone walls, faces and hallways, narrow and paved streets, wooden balconies.
Novale, Monte Isola
Carzano
A former feud of the Martinengo family, Carzano housed the local nobility to spend relaxing days overlooking the lake. Today the historic mansion is privately owned, but visitors can admire Casa Novali, a 16th century mansion, and Palazzetto Ziliani.
Carzano, Monte Isola
Peschiera Maraglio
A village once inhabited only by fishermen is Peschiera Maraglio, a few steps from the banks of the Iseo, where even today there are several characteristic boats, as well as drying fish and nets to dry in the sun.
Inside there are many buildings of very interesting architectural style, such as Casa Erba and Villa Oldofredi, a Renaissance castle; inside the latter, at the end of the fifteenth century, the homonymous family hosted the then queen of Cyprus Caterina Cornaro, sister of the mayor of Brescia. Another remarkable monument is the Church of San Michele Arcangelo.
Sensole
Its name is of Latin origin (sinus Solis) and means “gulf of the sun”; Sensole is, in fact, a village totally exposed to the sun and, for this reason, draws the attention of many visitors. It has been celebrated by poets, painters and illustrious people of all ages and is confirmed every year an ideal place to take romantic walks among the olive trees and the exceptional view of the lake.
Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola
In the most panoramic point of Monte Isola, at about 600 meters above sea level, stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola, one of the oldest Marian places of worship in Italian history. Its origins date back, in fact, to the mid-fifth century, when San Vigilio commissioned the construction as a tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary; in that period, in fact, the Christian faith was expanding and the sanctuary was taken as a symbol of purification from pagan superstitions.
Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola, Monte Isola
What to do in Monte Isola
Monte Isola is not only a beautiful lake surrounded by nature, and we invite you to discover it: wander among its paths and its hidden places
Take the tour of Monte Isola on foot
Those who love walking will be happy to know that you can make the entire tour of Monte Isola on foot, following a path along the coastal road that crosses some of the most characteristic towns of the place.
The advice is to start from Peschiera Maraglio and proceed clockwise, opting for an itinerary along about 9.4 kilometers that, if made on foot, takes about 2 and a half hours of walking. A real cure-all.
Visit Monte Isola by bike
Monte Isola can also be visited by bicycle, obviously shortening the time (an hour and a half is more than enough). Lovers of cycling can lengthen the route, starting from Siviano and going to the villages of Cure and Masse (famous for the production of the famous salami of Monte Isola), and then continue towards the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola.
Trek
A landscape characterized by the presence of highlands is right to suggest healthy trekking, especially if it leads to the discovery of beautiful places such as the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola. There are two different paths:
- the first, about 4 kilometers long, has a duration of about 80 minutes;
- the second, however, is 6.5 kilometers long and has a duration of about 110 minutes.
Whatever the choice, the breathtaking view is guaranteed!
Enjoy the local cuisine
After a walk or an excursion, stop somewhere to eat and refresh is a must, especially in a place like Monte Isola that offers its guests real local delicacies that you can not give up!
Among the typical products to try absolutely mention:
- the aforementioned salami of Monte Isola, prepared categorically with a knife and with the addition of a mixture of garlic and wine;
- the sardine of Monte Isola which, in reality, consists of an agon dried for about 30-40 days after a slight salting;
- Monte Isola oil, a niche product of the highest quality, perfect to combine with a loaf of freshly baked bread.
What to do in Monte Isola with children
How to entertain the little ones in Monte Isola? The ancient feudal village offers them beautiful beaches, in Sensole, where you can lie in the sun or play safely. Next to the Trattoria del Sole, there is also a beautiful area where you can organize picnics in the shade of olive trees.
In addition, near the Olofredi-Martinendo Fortress, a nature trail has been set up to fascinate not only the little ones.
Finally, a bike ride is definitely the best way to spend a day in the company of relaxation and fun!
How to reach Monte Isola
Being in the middle of Lake Iseo, Monte Isola can only be reached by boat. Regardless of this, depending on the time you have and the individual needs, you can evaluate several options:
- reach Iseo and disembark at Sensole, and then take a stretch of road on foot to Peschiera Maraglio;
- embark from one of the different starting points, choosing between Sulzano, Sale Marasino, Iseo, Pisogne, Lovere, Tavernola Bergamasca, Sarnico.
The shortest stretch is, however, that of Sulzano. You can also take your dog on the road.
What to see around Monte Isola
For those who have a few more days to spend in Monte Isola, here are some places to discover in the surrounding area, just to not miss anything:
- Lovere, another among the most beautiful villages in Italy, which offers enchanting walks on the lakeside and houses the Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra and the Torre Civica;
- the Torbiere del Sebino, beautiful especially in autumn and perfect for lovers of bird watching;
- the Earth Pyramids of Zones, particular formations that deserve to be discovered at any time of the year and reserve beautiful surprises for children;
- Brescia, a charming city full of museums and historic buildings.
In Monte Isola there is really a lot to see and a lot to do; so all that remains is to pack your suitcase and choose the music to listen to in the car during the trip!
Copertina: viaggiaredasoli
