What to see in Franciacorta, a land that preserves vineyards, ancient villages and postcard views
Rolling hills covered with vineyards and dotted with medieval villages, ancient castles and monasteries, which extend in an area between the city of Brescia and the southern shore of Lake Iseo. We are in Franciacorta , a territory renowned for its wines, the “ bubbles ” made with the classic method, and for its postcard-like natural landscapes . A perfect destination for a trip that combines nature, food and wine, art and relaxation.
The best way to savor its many facets? Travel by bike, motorbike, horseback or quad, with the wind in your hair and your gaze lost among the vineyards. Plan to stop at some of the most beautiful wineries in Italy to taste their products and then explore the cultural and architectural heritage that tells thousands of years of history. Take a pen and paper and write down: these are the 15 things to see and do in Franciacorta for a memorable experience.
What to see in FranciacortaFrom the most prestigious wineries to the medieval villages that stand out among the hills and rows, from historical and religious sites to one of the most important natural sites in Lombardy. We reveal the unmissable places in Franciacorta.
The Cellars of FranciacortaThey are the productive and cultural soul of the Franciacorta region: the cellars are the undisputed protagonists. There are many of them and most of them are linked to the Franciacorta Consortium, with its regulations for the production of classic method sparkling wines with DOCG denomination that compete with the nearby French champagnes.
Many wineries are not just places of wine production, but real cultural temples where tradition, innovation, hospitality, design and art come together to offer immersive experiences. Perfect destinations for tastings, exploring with expert guides the ways in which Franciacorta wines are created, attending cultural and social events, but also immersing yourself in art . Yes, because some wineries seem like real museums, full of breathtaking artistic and architectural elements.
In addition to Bellavista, Guido Berlucchi, Barone Pizzini, Ferghettina, La Montina and Contadi Castaldi, which are just some of the most famous and awarded Franciacorta wineries, Ca' del Bosco (in Erbusco) also stands out, famous for the numerous works of contemporary art positioned in the internal and external spaces of the winery, offering a unique sensory experience. Sculptures by Igor Mitoraj, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Rabarama, Stefano Bombardieri and Mimmo Pladino are exhibited here, to name just a few.
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There are several villages that make up the Franciacorta territory. Of medieval origin, they are small and large treasure chests of beauty , including ancient churches, castles, palaces and noble villas, gardens and lively squares that during popular festivals bring the population together in front of traditional dishes, music and good wine.
Below are all the villages of Franciacorta:
- I have
- Roe deer
- Cazzago San Martino
- Cellatica
- Coccaglio
- Cologne
- Free Court
- Erbusco
- Gussago
- Iseo
- Bruised Monticelli
- Paderno Franciacorta
- Passirano
- Paratico
- Provaglio of Iseo
- Rodeneck Saiano
- Rovato
It is impossible to decide which is the most beautiful: each one has its own uniqueness. Like Erbusco , the “heart” of Franciacorta, home of the Consortium and cradle of the largest wineries in the area (such as Bellavista and Ca' del Bosco). Walking through its historic center, which preserves some glimpses of the ancient walls of the medieval castle, you can admire the ancient Pieve, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the wonderful noble villas (which in special events, such as Erbusco in Tavola , open their doors to the public showing themselves in all their elegance).
Also worthy of mention are Bornato , one of the most picturesque villages in Franciacorta with its castle and panoramic views; Ome , with its ancient mule tracks, paths through the woods and an ancient 15th century forge still in operation (the Antico Maglio Averoldi); Passirano with its imposing castle among the rows of vines.
Gussago , nestled on the gentle vineyard-covered hills (locally called “ronchi”), is also worth a visit: the icon of the village is the Santissima (which we see below), a monastic complex that stands out on top of a hill with a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Iseo , on the other hand, overlooks the lake and alternates the medieval-style historic centre with a lively lakeside (especially in summer) and full of events.
Gussago Castle – The Santissima of GussagoIt stands out beautifully on top of the Barbisone hill in Gussago , with slopes full of rows of vines, and it really seems to come out of a postcard: the Gussago Castle – La Santissima is a fascinating historical complex (and a top-quality winery) that combines art, spirituality, nature and winemaking tradition.
Born as a Dominican convent (16th century), the Santissima has a Romanesque structure that after the suppression of the Dominican order was transformed into a villa in Moorish neo-Gothic style , giving it its current castle-like appearance. From its natural terrace, the complex offers memorable panoramic views that on the clearest days also reveal Monte Rosa.
Bornato CastleAmong the ancient villages that dot Franciacorta, Bornato holds a rare example of a medieval castle with a splendid Renaissance villa built inside, Villa Orlando , still inhabited by the owners, with frescoed Renaissance rooms, an Italian garden, a small church and ancient cellars. Today it is also a wine cellar where you can plan a visit, but it is said that in the past Dante Alighieri also stayed there during his exile from Florence. The view from here? Of rare beauty. And on the clearest days your gaze runs along the Po Valley until you can even see the Apennines.
The Olivetan Abbey of San NicolaDuring your exploration along Franciacorta, mark this stop: the Olivetan Abbey of San Nicola , in Rodengo Saiano . It is a Renaissance architectural masterpiece, a monastic complex with a fascinating cloister, founded by the Cluniac order around the 10th century and then managed by the Olivetan Benedictines of Monte Oliveto Maggiore.
After being excellently restored, the Abbey has returned to its ancient splendor and is today one of the richest monasteries in Northern Italy , housing works by, among others, Moretto and Romanino.
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Perched on a hill with a magnificent view of the Torbiere del Sebino, there is a very fascinating ancient Benedictine monastic complex: the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa in Provaglio d'Iseo . A unique combination of history, art and nature. Worth visiting are the Romanesque church, the 15th century cloister and the Sala dei Disciplini (a baroque oratory decorated with early 16th century frescoes and a majestic crucifix), in addition to the surrounding natural landscape.
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