Overview

A green oasis among castles, monasteries and one of Italy's best wines

Between Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia is a hilly area famous for one of the most appreciated Italian wines in the world. This is Franciacorta, an oasis of peace and tranquillity stretching 200 kilometres between green hills, fragrant vineyards and many castles, palaces and monasteries that testify to the importance of this area over the centuries.

Just a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Iseo, between the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve and the village of Provaglio d'Iseo, one can admire the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa. A few kilometres further south is the Olivetan Benedictine Abbey of San Nicola in Rodengo Saiano, built in the 15th century by the Olivetan congregation. The Castle of Bornato, in the heart of Franciacorta, is a destination not to be missed for discovering a little of the history of the area and for a tasting of wine produced on a zero kilometre basis.

To best experience this fascinating and historically rich area, one must take advantage of the many farms that are based in some of the architectural masterpieces that embellish Franciacorta. In addition to Bornato Castle, you can also indulge in a wine tasting session within the massive walls of Passirano Castle or in the elegant gardens of Quistini Castle, without forgoing a visit to the Agricultural and Wine Museum in Capriolo.

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