Sarnico

Disembraking in Sarnico, a few hundred meters north of the pier, we can admire Villa Faccanoni, a jewel of Liberty architecture dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. 

The lakefront promenade Garibaldi is an elegant walk that, in a northerly direction, joins the cycle-pedestrian track; in the opposite direction, beyond the bridge that marks the border between Sebino and the river Oglio, the walk continues along the waterfront, which overlooks Piazza XX Settembre. 

A little further on we meet the liberty style villa Passeri. Streets and squares overlooking the lake allow a pleasant stop at the outdoor tables of bars, ice cream shops, meeting places, pizzerias and restaurants. The historic centre in a semicircle, known as "La contrada" it has stone-paved streets, alleys, stairways, portals in porphyry of Sarnico, courtyards, picturesque balconies and wrought iron gates. It is a lively place, with antique dealers, jewelers, shops, bars and pastry shops. 

The main artery is via Lantieri, but if we enter the streets we can discover the most hidden corners, such as the square with the church of St. Paul and the Clock Tower.

The Gianni Bellini Art Gallery is just a few steps away. Walking along Via Buelli you come across the twelfth-century Civic Tower and, heading towards the parish church of S. Martino (eighteenth century), it surprises us with its imposing façade. Inside we can admire a beautiful altar and interesting paintings. Next to the parish church stands the small church of S. Rocco, built in the 18th century.

HISTORY

Place of pile-dwellings and Roman settlements, in the Middle Ages it became a fortified village with a castle in the middle, now no longer existing. Once a fishing village, Sarnico owes part of its fame to the quarries from which the "pietra di Sarnico" was once used. Even the silk industry played a dominant role in the economy of the area, and reached its peak at the beginning of the 20th century. The "Cantieri Riva", a prestigious brand that produces yacht motorboats, is a source of pride for the town but also for the whole area of the lake Iseo.

Excursions and leisure

• A cycle path to the lake leads to the bathing area near the Stella Maris church. The path passes in front of Villa Surre, a fine example of Art Nouveau style and reaches the gates of Predore.
• Going along via Manzoni, along the course of the river Oglio, we arrive at Fosio, with an old village, the remains of a mill and the dam on the river, in operation since 1933
• Along the provincial road that leads to Bergamo we meet the church of saints Nazario and Rocco, relevant for its Romanesque frescoes of the XI century and "La Rocchetta", a magnificent eighteenth-century palace
• Spend a few hours immersed in nature, the hike along the Forcella-Moler Trail winds its way down the hill behind the city center and offers panoramic views of the lake.

Info Sarnico

*Iat Basso Sebino – Via Tresanda, 1 – 24067 Sarnico (BG)
Tel +39 035 91900 – Fax +39 035 4261334
info@prolocosarnico.it

Municipio

Via  Roma, 54 – 24067 Sarnico (BG)
Tel +39 035 924111 – Fax +39 035 910577

Web

www.comune.sarnico.bg.it
www.turismo.bergamo.it
www.prolocosarnico.it
www.iseolake.info