Sarnico between Lake, History and Art

Sarnico lies where Lake Iseo meets the Oglio River. During your stay, the historic urban structure, art, architecture, hikes and activities on the water come together here. You can decide which accommodation suits your travel plans based on these highlights.

Contrada and Churches in the Historic Centre

The historic centre of Sarnico, the Contrada, still preserves a semicircular medieval layout. The rear side faces the mountain; the structure follows the arrangement of the ancient city walls. In the upper section stands the Chiesetta di San Paolo, in the midst of the ancient Marenzi castle. It was built in 1428 and probably stands on the foundations of a much older church.

The Chiesetta di San Rocco was built in 1630 during the plague in Lombardy to invoke the saint’s miraculous healing powers for this disease. Inside is a large painting of the Madonna and Child above the two saints venerated through the Rosary, Domenico di Guzman and Santa Caterina da Siena. The Chiesa di San Martino has a main façade in the 18th-century style.

Art and Architecture in Sarnico

The Museo Civico d'Arte e del Territorio “Gianni Bellini” opened in 2002 and is housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Gervasoni, formerly a convent for women. The Pinacoteca Gianni Bellini contains around 150 works, predominantly paintings from the period between 1500 and 1700.

On the lakeside at Via Veneto stands Villa Giuseppe Faccanoni, dating from 1907; it is surrounded by a large park. Also dating from 1907 is the Mausoleo Faccanoni, a monumental tomb commissioned by the Faccanoni family within the cemetery of the municipality of Sarnico. It was created exclusively from locally sourced materials: Sarizzo from Val Seriana for the base, Ceppo di Brembate for the main structure, Pietra di Sarnico for the steps, and wrought iron and bronze for the gate providing access to the crypt. Sarnico is also home to an original ensemble of Art Nouveau buildings designed by the Milanese architect Giuseppe Sommaruga; his work also influenced local public and private architecture.

The Madonna di Stella Maris night procession takes place in Sarnico every year. It was established in 1970 on the initiative of the parish priest, don Giovanni Ferraroli, and the town’s boat owners. The Basso Lago d'Iseo e Valcalepio information point is located in the historic centre at Via Tresanda 1.

Hiking and Experiences on Lake Iseo

For hikers, the Sentiero Forcella Molere offers a clearly defined tour: the hike is 4 km long, takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, and includes 276 metres of ascent. The trekking route from Sarnico to Monte Bronzone begins in Sarnico and leads to the Forcella on the slopes of Monte Faeto. From there, it offers panoramic views of Sarnico and Lake Iseo. Activities available to visitors in Sarnico include water sports. During the warmer months, boat trips on Lake Iseo departing from Sarnico are recommended as a visitor activity.

When choosing your hotel, you can therefore weigh up the historic centre, art and architecture, hiking destinations and activities on Lake Iseo. Your own travel plans determine which focus matters for your stay.

Other Destinations

More destinations for your planning: Ghisalba, Cavernago, Colere, Selino Basso, Selvino, Villongo, Azzano San Paolo, Rovetta

To the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.