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Brescia is the province of lakes , each different in its suggestions, colors, views, activities to practice. They are the lakes of Garda, Iseo and Idro , perfect for a trip or a spring weekend or as a holiday destination. Pearls of northern Italy, halfway between Milan and Venice, from all three you can quickly reach Brescia , a trendy and contemporary city, rich in art and history, a widespread museum to be discovered by wandering slowly in its enchanting historic center. With their different souls, the three lakes represent three different ways of understanding the holiday, perfect for recharging your energy and emotions.
Lake Garda, the Dolce Vita is here!
A sort of small and enchanting sea, nestled between the last foothills of the Alps and the plain, Garda is the largest lake in Italy and, in terms of beauty and glam, it fears no rivals. Its exceptional beauty, extraordinary panoramas, mild climate and its innate hospitality have brought to its shores, starting from the second half of the eighteenth century, poets, writers, personalities of art and culture, celebrities such as Goethe, Ugo Foscolo, Lord Byron and Henry Stendhal, Giosuè Carducci, James Joyce, David Herbert Lawrence, Ezra Pound, Franz Kafka and, recently, Leonardo DiCaprio . The case of the great poet Gabriele D'Annunzio is emblematic, who spent the last 17 years of his life at the Vittoriale degli Italiani , the extraordinary residence he had built for himself in Gardone Riviera, which has now become one of the most popular museums in Italy. Today the glamorous atmosphere of Garda, its timeless charm , its beautiful beaches , its historical and artistic treasures combined with a rich offer of sports (it is the kingdom of sailing and windsurfing and has a first-rate golf circuit ) and active life, entertainment and activities for adults and children , make it one of the most loved Italian destinations by Italian and foreign tourists . The Terme di Sirmione - SPA & Thermal Garden are an oasis of relaxation and well-being, famous internationally and excellent - and for all needs - hospitality, with charming and refined 5-star and luxury hotels, super-equipped campsites and exclusive glamping proposals , Michelin-starred restaurants and characteristic trattorias where you can enjoy the delicious lake cuisine.
Lemon groves and gardens - The Mediterranean vegetation of Garda is extraordinary, lush with olive trees, lemon trees, palm trees, cypresses, oleanders, vines, orange trees and the products that derive from them and for which Garda is known internationally, starting with oil and wine, are of the highest quality. To the suggestions of the sea, Garda combines the charm of the mountains and the unspoiled nature of its hinterland, protected for large stretches by parks and reserves. Unique in the world of their kind, are the lemon groves of Alto Garda ( the northernmost point of the globe where lemons are grown ), called "citrus gardens" for their beauty. Admired by Goethe, they are the distinctive feature of the Alto Garda landscape, from where lemons have been exported throughout Europe since 1700. The largest, still in operation and open to the public, is the Pra de la fam in Tignale . Guided tours and tastings of products made with citrus fruits are also offered at the lemon groves of Castel in Limone sul Garda and La Malora in Gargnano . Stunning parks dot the shores of Garda, such as those of Rocca di Lonato , Isola del Garda which embrace the villa in Venetian neo-Gothic style, the Italian gardens of Villa Bettoni in Gargnano with stairways, statues, fountains and the remains of the ancient lemon grove. In Gardone Riviera, a visit to the 10 hectares of the Vittoriale Park is a must (an extraordinary mix of gardens and buildings where you can find, among other things, the bow of the ship Puglia and the Mausoleum of the Poet) and the André Heller Botanical Garden , a romantic Eden created by the will of the Austrian multimedia artist Andrè Heller: among over 3000 plants and flowers that recreate different environments (from Alpine to Japanese), water features, ponds of water lilies connected to each other by a network of paths dotted with corners where you can sit and enjoy nature, there are works by great artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Erwin Novak.
Between art, history, nature - The shores of Garda, kissed by a mild Mediterranean climate , are dotted with characteristic villages, castles, Liberty villas and enchanting towns , such as Sirmione, Desenzano, Lonato del Garda, Salò, Gardone Riviera, Limone sul Garda . Its series of art and history treasures is extraordinary, from the remains of the Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione (which extend for over 2 hectares and are the most grandiose example of a Roman villa ever brought to light in Northern Italy) to those of the Roman villas of Desenzano and Toscolano , from the castles of Padenghe and Moniga to the Scaligero castle of Sirmione which seems to rise from the water, from the museums (such as the Archaeological Museum of Desenzano and the MuSa of Salò ) to the Romanesque parish churches of Maderno, Sirmione and Padenghe and to venerated places of worship such as the panoramic Sanctuary of Montecastello and the Hermitage of San Valentino in Gargnano or the Abbey of Maguzzano in Lonato . Of extraordinary charm are the House Museums that take you back in time, such as the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera (built in 1921 by the poet Gabriele d'Annunzio, an astonishing complex of buildings, streets, squares immersed in a wonderful 10-hectare park with a panoramic open-air theatre, it is a symbol and memory of the poet's "inimitable life" and his exploits during the First World War) and the Casa del Podestà in Lonato del Garda (among the most beautiful in Northern Italy, remaining intact with ancient furnishings, works of art, the exceptional library, it is part of the monumental complex of the Ugo Da Como Foundation which embraces the nearby Rocca Visconteo Veneta , one of the most imposing fortresses in Lombardy, from which you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the lake).
The romantic and discreet charm of Lake Iseo, the “Lake of Christo
Every lake is a world in itself and Iseo, embraced to the south by the vineyard-covered hills of Franciacorta, is among the most fascinating and romantic for the changeability of the landscape, for the amphitheatre of the mountains, for Monte Isola that breaks its liquid continuity and rises very green from its waters. It was Christo who made it famous throughout the world in the summer of 2016, the very famous artist who chose it for his installation “The Floating Piers” : a 3 km long floating walkway, which - thanks to 200 thousand polyethylene cubes covered in dahlia yellow fabric - allowed the public to literally walk on the water and reach it on foot from Sulzano. Thus the romantic charm of Sebino and the uniqueness of Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe , were discovered and appreciated by visitors from all over the world. Very rich in fish, confirming the purity of its waters (which reach 251 meters deep), the lake - on which a constant breeze blows - is ideal for those who love sailing and windsurfing, paragliding and hang-gliding , but also for those who want sport, relaxation and unspoiled nature from a holiday. Nature and services are complementary: charming hotels and excellent and well-equipped campsites for those who love the open air, restaurants and trattorias where you can taste genuine traditional dishes , a familiar and discreet welcome. All in the setting of towns with an ancient history and full of life, such as Iseo, Sulzano, Pisogne , rich in art and history treasures all to be discovered (such as the great cycle of frescoes created between 1532 and 1534 by Girolamo Romanino on the theme of the Passion that decorates the sanctuary of Santa Maria della Neve in Pisogne , christened "The Sistine Chapel of the Poor" ). A little further on, towards Franciacorta , there are vineyards from which the prestigious wine of the same name comes, the king of Italian wines refermented in the bottle, and golf courses .
On two wheels and on foot - There are many walking and biking trails for all needs. First of all, in the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve , which in late spring is covered in an extraordinary bloom of pink water lilies . Almost 4 km2 of water, reeds and marsh vegetation, where thousands of birds have found their ideal habitat: a unique natural oasis in Europe, easily visited on foot and on two wheels following the well-marked paths with walkways. One of the most spectacular and panoramic excursions winds through the Piramidi di Zone Nature Reserve : these majestic pinnacles topped by a boulder are the most impressive erosion pyramids in Europe. For those who love slow walking, the ancient route of the Via Valeriana leads to the discovery of unexpected historical-artistic treasures and unique scenery. For cycling enthusiasts, unforgettable rides are guaranteed on the lakeside stretch of the Ciclovia dell'Oglio (the most beautiful cycle path in Italy at the Italian Green Road Awards 2019): the stretch between Vello and Toline is particularly scenic.
Monte Isola, the largest inhabited lake island in Europe - Monte Isola is the largest inhabited lake island in Europe, a real mountain that - with 600 m of altitude and 12.8 km2 of surface - stands out very green in the center of the lake. It can be easily reached by scheduled boats from various locations (the shortest route is from Sulzano) and once you disembark you find yourself in a romantic and fascinating microcosm with 12 characteristic villages , which can only be discovered on foot, by bike or with small public buses, since cars are banned. Olive trees and oleanders along the coast, thick chestnut and oak woods as you go up, the island offers visitors splendid walks: the one that follows its perimeter is completely relaxing, where you come across small isolated beaches, ideal for sunbathing and swimming. It has two peaks, from which you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the lake: on the highest one is the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola and on the other the Renaissance Rocca Oldofredi Martinengo . On Monte Isola some traditional jobs have been maintained, such as weaving nets, building the characteristic naéc and other small boats, and fishing. The restaurants are excellent, offering local specialties mainly based on fish, first of all the traditional dried Sardines of Monte Isola, a Slow Food presidium, grilled (small agone dried in the sun for about ten days, put in oil for a few months and then cooked on the grill) and the slightly smoked salami of Monte Isola.
The Feast of the Holy Cross - Every five years in Monte Isola, in the villages of Carzano and Novale, the traditional Feast of the Holy Cross takes place, spectacular and unique, which this year will be held on Sunday 14 September . The streets of the two villages are decorated with arches of pine branches on which stand out over 200,000 magnificent paper flowers made by hand by the inhabitants (especially women) of the island. Perhaps it was the cost of fresh flowers, an unaffordable luxury for the islanders, that determined the tradition of paper flowers, which are still made in great secrecy with procedures passed down from family to family. There are thousands of them, of all types, from roses to bunches of wisteria, to orchids, imitated with such precision and skill that they are confused with the real ones. Also known as the Flower Festival , the festival celebrates the anniversary of the end of cholera: in fact, during the 19th century the inhabitants affected by the serious epidemic asked the Holy Cross for grace, promising to honor it with a grand celebration. The procession through the village with the Holy Relic of the Cross of Christ on Sunday 14th is the highlight of the event, but the celebrations last for 8 days, from 8th to 14th September.
Uncontaminated nature, sports, open air: Lake Idro
Lake Idro is loved and frequented by young people and sportsmen from Italy and abroad because it is an ideal destination for those who prefer holidays away from the crowds, en plein air in uncontaminated nature , between campsites and villages very well equipped also for glamping, walks and bike rides in the greenery, slow and extreme sports, outdoor activities . With its 368 meters above sea level, it is the highest among the Lombard pre-Alpine lakes and is tailor-made for those looking for a truly free holiday, without formalisms. With the added priceless value of the authenticity of a place that has maintained traditions, lifestyles, tasty and genuine products, which it shares with simplicity with guests, for an experience that enriches the stay. Nestled between the mountains of the Valle Sabbia and the Prealps, it is located on the border with Trentino, and is caressed by a constant wind that allows you to practice sailing, surfing and kitesurfing at their best. The mountains that surround it are also the ideal training ground for lovers of mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, canyoning and other activities that are dynamic and fun .
The Rocca d'Anfo - Among the symbolic monuments of the area, the Rocca d'Anfo undoubtedly stands out, the largest Napoleonic fortress in Italy , which dominates Lake Idro from above with an unparalleled view. Today it hosts cultural events and can be visited with a guide. Unique in its kind, it is divided into a set of fortifications that, over time, has expanded to conquer 50 hectares of mountain, on a triangular strip of land set between the shore of Lake Idro and the slope of Mount Censo, almost reaching its summit, with a difference in altitude ranging from 371 to 1050 meters . There are two main nuclei: the Venetian Rocca, the oldest, to the south and the Napoleonic one, which borders the northern part of the mountain. Visiting it is a pleasant and sporty adventure and requires trekking boots. You can choose between 2 itineraries of varying lengths, all of which can only be traveled with a guide: the Napoleonic Route and the Route from the Serenissima to the Kingdom of Italy.
Excursions between forts and nature reserves - There are many walks and excursions, of various lengths and levels of difficulty, both around the lake and in the nearby Valle Sabbia. For example, it is worth climbing from Capovalle to Monte Stino and the refuge of the same name: between Lake Idro and Lake Garda, ideal for Nordic walking, cycling, mountain biking, motorbikes, quads, paragliding, with a wonderful view and a small museum of the First World War. Another beautiful trek on the trail of history is the Alta Via dei Forti which starts from Idro and follows the fortification lines of the First World War. About sixty km, 5 stages that can be easily covered, mostly by bike, around Lake Idro, it touches the main fortified sites of the so-called "Sbarramento Giudicarie", designed since the early 1900s by the Royal Italian Army, to block the way to Val Sabbia to a possible invasion coming from the Giudicarie valleys. Among the many environments of particular naturalistic interest, an ideal destination for walks, the Baremone Natural Area stands out, an oasis of wildlife protection with particular floral and environmental interest and, in Valle Sabbia, the Cariadeghe Plateau . Fun for adults and children, the Parco delle Fucine di Casto : among streams and waterfalls with overhanging rocks, it offers itineraries with Tibetan bridges, climbing walls, equipped paths for trekking and mountain biking.
Experiences for a holiday to do (and taste) and historic shops
Many, fun, often unusual, with proposals for adults and children, are the possible experiences to dive into the essence of these territories. You can discover them on the website www.visitbrescia.it , in the MAKE and TASTE sections, where you can also find all the information to book them . Scrolling through them means getting an idea of the wealth of opportunities of a territory that allows you to discover the secrets of handmade paper on Lake Garda or to learn the technique for creating fishing nets on Lake Iseo, to immerse yourself in the cellars of Franciacorta ... The list of proposals is rich and curious and constantly updated.
Historic shops are one of the jewels in the crown of the province of Brescia, which boasts about a hundred historic and traditional businesses recognized by the Lombardy Region, a good number of which are located on the lakes. These are shops, venues and stores characterized by a continuity of at least 40 years in management, in the sign and in the type of product category, which have maintained historic furnishings and equipment and are mostly located in prestigious structures. Visiting them and making purchases there is a small journey into memory, to discover people, trades, skills handed down from generation to generation.
www.visitbrescia.it
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