Holiday apartment in Iseo – Nature, Water and History

The Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve is a wetland of glacial origin and protects 360 hectares spread across the municipalities of Provaglio D’Iseo, Corte Franca and Iseo.

Wetland, protection status and nature trails

It has the status of a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention and is part of the Natura 2000 network as both a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area.

The Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset; its paths can be accessed through the official entrances after purchasing an admission ticket. Opening from sunrise to sunset provides a broad daily timeframe for visiting the protected area. The North-Central Trail (northern loop) in the Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve begins and ends at the Iseo visitor centre and is 6.5 km long. Returning to the visitor centre keeps the trail manageable as a circuit. Those who choose this trail can plan it as a self-contained section, since the starting point at the visitor centre also marks the end.

Lakeside promenade, railway and Monte Isola

Iseo railway station is connected to Brescia by the historic Sebino railway line. Iseo’s lakeside promenade leads to the marina, from where you can take a boat to Monte Isola.

Churches, castle and other historic buildings

The Pieve di Sant’Andrea houses Francesco Hayez’s painting “Arcangelo Michele” from 1839. The 1839 painting contrasts with the founding history of the Pieve di Sant’Andrea between the late 5th and early 6th centuries, as well as the insertion of the bell tower in the 12th century. According to tradition, the Pieve di Sant’Andrea was founded between the late 5th and early 6th centuries at a site that had already been inhabited in Roman times. The central bell tower was inserted into the façade of an older church in the 12th century.

Castello Oldofredi stands on a rocky spur in the southern part of Iseo’s historic centre and is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in the Brescia area. The Museo della Guerra is located in the former San Marco church within Castello Oldofredi.

Other buildings include the Palazzo dell’Arsenale, a 14th-century building whose original function as an armoury was later replaced by its use as a warehouse. The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Mercato was commissioned in the 14th century by Giacomo Oldofredi for himself and the local population. Among Iseo’s surviving medieval walls is the still-visible Torre del Sambuco, dating from the 14th century. The Palazzo dell’Arsenale and the Torre del Sambuco are both 14th-century buildings. The Chiesa di San Silvestro o dei Disciplini is used exclusively for tourism purposes.

Other places

Gavardo, Vione, Gardoncino Di Manerba, Campione Del Garda, Torbole Casaglia, Crone, Calvagese Della Riviera, Ponte San Marco

More about Brescia.