Pilzone on Lake Iseo: Churches, Trails and Lake Views

Pilzone between the lake and ancient trails

Pilzone is a destination for travelers who want to combine trails, landscape, and culture. At the center is the Church of San Tommaso on a small square, where the Strada Valeriana climbs uphill toward Valle Camonica. In the upper area of the hamlet of Pilzone d’Iseo lies San Fermo on the Prato del monte plateau. These two places already show the range between central orientation and a higher section of Pilzone.

Churches and sacred art

San Tommaso contains early frescoes, including the Madonna del latte and a holy apostle, possibly Thomas. The archaic style of the frescoes suggests that they were created in the 14th or 15th century. The parish church of Santa Maria e dei Santi Pietro e Paolo in Pilzone also has an altarpiece dated 1741 depicting La Vergine in gloria as well as Saints Pietro, Francesco, Luigi Gonzaga, and Carlo Borromeo.

San Fermo was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the saint invoked for the protection of livestock and shepherds. The small church is located in the upper area of the hamlet of Pilzone d’Iseo on the Prato del monte plateau. It can be reached via a steep paved path or via the hiking trail marked 242.

Antica Strada Valeriana and orientation

In its first section from Pilzone to Tassano, the Antica Strada Valeriana follows a level, concreted section equipped to facilitate mobility for people with disabilities. Along the Antica Strada Valeriana, signs bearing the inscription “Antica Strada Valeriana” and the VV trail marking indicate the way. Those who choose this section therefore follow signposted and marked routes.

Big Bench and views

The Big Bench of Pilzone d’Iseo is located in the San Fermo area. From Piazza Basilio Cittadini in Pilzone, it can be reached via Via Volontari del Sangue and Via San Tommaso. The Big Bench offers views of the Sebino and Monte Isola. The route from Pilzone toward San Fermo also offers views of Lake Iseo and Monte Isola.

Shoreline, railway, and historical traces

There is a freely accessible beach on Via Giovanni XXIII in Pilzone. Pilzone d’Iseo is also a stop on the Trenord Brescia–Iseo–Edolo line. On Pilzone’s lakeside road, the former Negrinelli house dates from the 19th century; the first tricolor flag of the Risorgimento uprising flew there.

Hiking experience and local event

For a culinary-focused excursion, MilleMonti offers a bookable hiking experience to the Big Bench of Pilzone d’Iseo followed by an aperitif. In addition, “La Mortadellata” took place again in Pilzone d’Iseo on August 29, 2026; the event coincided with the 25th anniversary of the association founded in 2001.

More destinations

For further travel planning, you can also discover Niardo, Salo, Collio, Gardoncino Di Manerba, Gussago, Capovalle, Provezze and Carpenedolo.

For the main travel overview: Brescia.