Sites of interest at Lonato del Garda

Villas, parks, a romantic lakefront and a maritime history museum. Bellagio is one of the most famous places on Lake Como

Historical itinerary along the main sites of the town

The Village of Varenna is divided into a grid of streets that steeply slope down towards Lake Como.

Manzoni mentioned the Pescarenico in his most famous work, The Betrothed, and thanks to the story this district has become famous

A quiet village on a hill overlooking the western shore of the lake, right in front of Monte Isola, Vigolo offers a variety of panoramic mountain and lake views. A natural environment still untouched, its silence and refined air are what make Vigolo a place to visit and stay, in the name of authenticity and tradition. SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONSVigolo, thanks to its enviable position, offers, above all, a large number of attractions from a naturalistic point of view. However, it is in this context that it is possible to admire some architectural works of particular importance. First and foremost, the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, patron saint of Vigolo: with paintings by A. Cifrondi (17th century), frescos by U. Mirigliani and T. Poloni as well as the black marble altar of the Bottega dei Manni in Rovio; the choir is the work of Ceretti. The church dedicated to San Rocco is particularly beautiful and of historical importance. It was built after the plague of 1630 in thanksgiving for escaping the threat of the epidemic. The church was recently restored and has a precious altar dedicated to Saint Anthony. On the outskirts of the village, there is the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Loreto, also known as Madonna del Dosso, in reference to the hill on which it was built in 1834. And last but not least, the little church on Colle del Giogo, privately owned and recently restored after a period of neglect, is also worth a visit. Adjoining there is a small house, former residence of prelates, which is now used for agricultural purposes. HOW TO GET THERE By bus - Vigolo is serviced by the Bergamo Trasporti company. Rout C40a - timetable on: www.bergamotrasporti.it

Anyone going up to Fonteno, the highest village on the "Hill", can only admire and be moved by the sublime panorama that can be enjoyed from up there, whether the lake is illuminated by the warm light of day or by the romantic evening light. SIGHTSEEING ATTRACTIONSFonteno, with its unique architecture and narrow alleys, reflects the rural soul of the past. In the centre of the hamlet stands the parish church of Saints Faustino and Giovita; the present building, in Neo-Gothic style, was built in the second half of the 1800s where once stood a chapel already standing in 1500. The sixteenth-century oratory of San Rocco is also very valuable. It was founded, according to tradition, as ex voto for the escaped threat of epidemics. Very characteristic, with its structure in exposed stone blocks, is also the oratory dedicated to San Carlo in the small village of Xino. Its interior features works with a more ancient flavour, such as the eighteenth-century altar in polychrome marble, blended with contemporary expressions such as the sculptures of Alberto Meli, showing a devotion that continues uninterruptedly over time. INTERESTING FACTSThe Bueno Fonteno Abyss, currently being explored and studied by speleologists and cave divers, is a vast and extensive complex of caves, tunnels and underground waterways. Among the first 20 in Italy for length, the cave stretches for over 19 km through tunnels and open spaces. HOW TO REACH ITBy bus - Fonteno can be reached by bus, thanks to the Bergamo Trasporti company. Timetable and routes on: www.bergamotrasporti.it

A tourist resort since the second half of the nineteenth century located at about 850 meters above sea level, between the Borlezza Valley and Lake Iseo, Bossico offers a variety of excursions all year round. In spring the first blossoms and in summer the rich flora invite you to visit this beautiful plateau, where you can relax on the meadows, admiring old farmhouses, grazing animals and the fabulous landscape. WHAT TO SEEThe Historical Villas - Built by the bourgeoisie in the nineteenth century, these villas are located on the plateau and are named after the Seven Hills of Rome and typical Garibaldian locations. Starting from the main square of the village, following a guided tour with the help of information boards, it is possible to discover its history and curiosities. Parish Church of Saints Pietro and Paolo - the church stands at the entrance of the village, opening onto the main square and presumably dates back to 1500 A.D. The high altar is of great importance for its polychrome inlaid marbles. Church of S. Rocco - dated around 1500 A.D., it is located at the end of Via Bonomelli, just after the old washhouse. NOT TO BE MISSED The Breath of the Wood - In a clearing in the woods, it has been created the Meditation Corner, a quiet place where you feel comfortable and where the mind will not be distracted. The trees, the view of the sky and the sounds of nature are of great help to get in touch with your inner self and relax. A notice board shows you the basic techniques of relaxation and hammocks welcome you in the brushwood. Some holistic events are organised during summer.Il pane di patate (potato bread) - This is a good, healthy bread that was once eaten with cheese or salami, lard or honey, jam, butter and sugar or dipped in wine. It is the bread that speaks of the past, of the people from Bossico and of their identity.Formaggella of Bossico - Cheese with a very delicate and characteristic flavour, obtained from the aromas of the forage used to feed the cows. The white and dense curds in the moulds, matured for more than six months, acquire a more robust taste. INTERESTING FACTSBossico has always been famous for two specialties: turnips and potatoes, but it is mainly turnips that have given great fame to this village, enough to give the people from Bossico (Bossichesi) the nickname “i raèi de Bösech” (turnips of Bossico).And if someone wants to sow turnips and want them to grow abundant and tasty, remember to do so before the 9th of August, St. Fermo's day. HOW TO GET THEREBy bus - From Bergamo railway station and Lake Iseo, there are regular bus services to the town of Bossico. Timetable posted on www.bergamotrasporti.it

Churches at Lonato del Garda

On the shores of Lake Como, where its pastel houses are reflected on the water, is known for its UNESCO heritage: the Sacro Monte

A town in the Cremonese area famous for the 'Palio delle Contrade', stands on a small terrace overlooking the Oglio river