Iseo
Welcome to Iseo: a city between the lake, hills and nature reserve
Welcome to Iseo, a historic city located on the southeastern shore of Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia. With approximately 9,000 inhabitants, Iseo is an important tourist center due to its geographical location between the lake and the hills, which give it a very suggestive environment. The city is part of the Franciacorta wine region and is home to the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve, a place of great natural interest.
Physical geography
Iseo has a territory consisting of a mountainous, hilly, and lake region. The fractions are Clusane, Pilzone, and Cremignane, while the places of most interest are Zuccone, Covelo, Bosine, and Ciochet. The Passo dei Tre Termini, a few kilometers from the center of Iseo, marks the border between Polaveno and Valtrompia.
The history of Iseo: from Roman roads to Venetian conquest
Iseo boasts a millenary history. In Roman times, the city was crossed by an important consular road that connected Brescia with Val Camonica, running along Lake Iseo and ending in Rogno. In the ninth century, Iseo depended on the Brescia monastery of San Salvatore, while in the twelfth century, it suffered the incursion of Frederick Barbarossa, who conquered and burned the castle.
In the thirteenth century, the city passed under the lordship of the Oldofredi, a powerful local family. In 1385, Iseo became part of the Brescia territory, while in 1426, Francesco Bussone conquered the territory in the service of the Republic of Venice, which entrusted the control of the city to the Municipality of Iseo.
The history of Iseo has seen considerable economic growth thanks to the activities of local artisans and merchants, including Jewish bankers present since 1460. The city also played an important role in the development of the silk trade, which led to the establishment of a "university" of wool merchants and artisans.
Iseo also witnessed the arrival of important urban planning changes, including public lighting with the Habsburgs in 1819, the construction of the new cemetery in 1822, the opening of the hospital in 1841, the introduction of gas in 1873, and electrification in 1898.
What to see in Iseo: the monuments of the city
Iseo boasts numerous monuments of great historical and artistic interest. In the historic center of the city, we can still admire some medieval buildings, including the Clock Tower, the Town Hall, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, built on the ruins of a Roman temple.
The lakeside promenade, renovated in the nineteenth century, is enriched by the monument to Gabriele Rosa with the allegorical figures of Science, Republican Faith, and Firmness in Work, the work of the famous sculptor Ettore Ferrari.
The Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve is a place of great natural interest, where you can admire numerous animal and plant species. The hill of San Giorgio is another place to visit, where you can admire a splendid view of Lake Iseo and the vineyards of the area.
What to eat in Iseo: traditional cuisine
The cuisine of Iseo is based on Lombard culinary tradition, with the addition of elements of Franciacorta culinary culture. The specialties of Iseo's cuisine are baked tench, Franciacorta-style risotto, and polenta taragna.
We cannot forget the numerous locally produced wines, among which stand out Franciacorta DOCG (sparkling wine) and Curtefranca DOC (red wine).
How to get there
Iseo is located twenty kilometers north of the provincial capital Brescia. You can reach the city by car, exiting the A4 motorway at the Rovato exit, or by train, thanks to the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo railway line.
We have reached the end of our tour of Iseo. The city offers numerous opportunities for tourism, thanks to its geographical location, historical monuments, and natural beauty. We invite you to discover the wonders of this city rich in history and culture.
