This amazing place attracts tourists from all over the world, as well as talented people looking for inspiration. Surrounded by olive trees, the alpine lake Iseo (Italy) is compared with a precious stone, and the frame for it is enchanting mountains and picturesque hills.
In the 18th century, the English traveler M.W. Montague, who visited many exotic places, wrote that she had discovered the most romantic corner she had ever met.
Natural masterpiece
Lake Iseo (Lago d'Iseo), located in northern Italy, delights with its beauty everyone who comes to enjoy an indescribable natural masterpiece. The picturesque pond, which gave the name to the city on the south coast, differs from all the others in that its low water temperature remains even in the hot summers. And the unique phenomenon of “nutrition” due to cold sources underground is explained.
This is the smallest of the so-called great lakes of Lombardy and not very popular, but everyone who has once visited a cozy place in a hurry to repeat an exciting journey. And even ice water does not become an obstacle for tourists who come to relax in the lap of nature and explore the underwater depths.
The small lake Iseo is surrounded on all sides by colorful villages that are famous for their elegant architectural buildings. Local residents fish, make natural olive oil of excellent quality and wonderful wine, and not a single tourist leaves without shopping.
Lake Iseo: Attractions
The long and narrow lake is known for its inhabited island, which is recognized as the highest in Europe: Monte Isola is located at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level. It is inhabited by approximately 1800 people engaged in weaving networks and exporting their products. First, residents wove willow branches, and later began to use silk threads.
Thanks to the good transport links, the islanders work in other cities without changing their location.
If you sail on a boat to Monte Isola, bathed in greenery, it seems that the mountain island grows suddenly and is approaching tourists directly with its power. There is virtually no transport, and guests can rent bicycles.
The western part of the natural lake island is very picturesque - it is a gentle slope with olive trees and wonderful gardens. And in the east of natural attractions, Italian hang gliders take off from the steep banks.
Church on the mountain
An outstanding place is a small church located on the highest point of the island. From the top of the mountain, a truly magical view of Lake Iseo (Italy) opens, however, getting to the temple, which houses the wooden figure of the Madonna, is not so simple, and the walking route takes more than an hour.
The sanctuary, which symbolized the transition to a new faith and the rejection of pagan superstitions, was for a long time in a ruined state, and only at the end of the 16th century did its restoration begin. A new temple was erected, a beautiful arch instead of the usual roof, shod gates were put in place and new chapels were added, and later a bell tower appeared. In a working church, you can pray and repent.
After overcoming all the obstacles, tourists are rewarded with a wonderful landscape, which is breathtaking. It seems that the island and Lake Iseo growing directly from the water are protected from all adversities by the miraculous power of the Mother of God.
Two satellite islands
Nearby are two small islands - San Paolo and Loreto, which are privately owned and deserve to be told more about them.
The private island of Isola di Loreto changed its owners until in the XX century it was bought by Captain V. Ricieri, who built a neo-Gothic castle on the lake and created a green park of conifers. The unique beauty of the mysterious structure is perfectly complemented by the rocky shores of Iseo. Unfortunately, you can’t get to the island, but tourists are happy to sail on a sightseeing boat around fabulously beautiful places.
Small Sao Paolo is famous for the fact that in the Middle Ages it was a base for military courts, and after it was transferred to the monks, a church was erected on the island. Later there was a colony for dangerous criminals. Now thanks to the new owners, a beautiful cottage has appeared on Isola di San Paolo.
Cultural installation
More recently, Lake Iseo, formed by the ancient glacier, became known to the whole world. The bridge that appeared here is a pontoon pavement with a length of about three kilometers. From June 18 to July 3, 2016 it was possible to walk on water, along pedestrian paths consisting of plastic cubes. This world's only floating bridge has been recognized as a true work of art.
The installation of plastic cubes, packed in an orange fabric that changes color from lighting and weather, attracted a huge number of guests. Tourists who came to Lake Iseo (Italy) walked on floating piers for free. The 35-centimeter-high bridge connecting the islands of São Paulo and Monte Isola was named the loudest cultural event of the month in the world.
The American artist who created the project spent more than 15 million euros, and the authorities in the region earned three times as much.
For life and relaxation
Lake Iseo, which George Sand called "a wonderful place to live," is ideal for a relaxing holiday. A corner with a soothing atmosphere, falling in love with you at first sight, will give you unforgettable minutes and leave an indelible impression of contact with pristine nature.