Palazzolo sull’Oglio

Now home to around 20,000 residents, Palazzolo sull’Oglio enchants visitors with the abundant traces of its rich heritage. Historic and architectural landmarks blend seamlessly with a lively townscape animated by cultural life, shopping and leisure opportunities, offering an authentic atmosphere that rewards exploration.

WHAT TO SEE

Rocha Magna Castle – Built as a fortification between the 9th and 10th centuries, the castle is distinguished by its high defensive walls and deep moat. Above the walls stands the majestic Torre del Popolo, which, at 92 metres high, holds the record for the tallest circular civic bell tower in Europe and today represents the symbol of Palazzolo sull’Oglio.
Villa Lanfranchi – Among the ancient residential buildings, Villa Lanfranchi stands out for its Umbertine style (similar to Art Nouveau), with decorated ceilings, patterned parquet flooring and halls that preserve the early 20th-century tapestries and decorations intact. Often the venue for exhibitions and events, it houses the Fondo Antico Palazzolese: donated to the city by patron Giacinto Ubaldo Lanfranchi, it contains over 7,000 volumes and incunabula, printed from 1471 onwards.
Villa Damioli – This charming residence owes its value not only to its architectural beauty, but above all to the stories of the families who have lived in it and enriched it over time. Surrounded by walls decorated with elegant obelisks, the villa is immersed in a lush garden open to the public.
Pieve di San Fedele – Today, the Auditorium of San Fedele, the ancient parish church, tells a story that spans centuries, from the early Middle Ages to the Renaissance, up to the contemporary age. In fact, there have been numerous interventions over time, testifying to a cultured and dynamic patronage able to attract some of the most popular artists of the time.
Social Theatre – Located in the historic centre of the city behind the ancient parish church, it originally hosted the Church of the Confraternity of the Disciplini, of which it preserves the layout and part of the 15th-century frescoes in the basement behind the stage. The theatre, in addition to being a beautiful building to visit, is now a lively cultural center offering a rich calendar of shows, from comedy to drama and musicals.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Wonders of the Land and the River – A true celebration of cultural and experiential tourism, from late April to mid-June, this series of events enlivens Palazzolo with leading international exhibitions, concerts in evocative locations, tastings of local products, live music and recreational events for a wide audience, as well as the opportunity to visit all the monuments free of charge, learn about the flora of the Oglio Park and discover the secrets of the city’s most representative places.

WALKS AND EXCURSIONS

Park of the three Villas – The Park of the Three Villas is one of the most charming green spaces in Palazzolo sull’Oglio. It gets its name from the three elegant historic villas built between the 19th and 20th centuries: Villa Emilio Küpfer, which stands out for its simple lines and clear references to Nordic architecture; Villa Ugo Küpfer, which captivates with its eclectic style, the result of a fusion between architectural elements from beyond the Alps and Italy; Villa Lanfranchi, a refined example of Italian Art Nouveau, with clean lines, elegant decorations and a lush English garden. The centuries-old trees of the park and the three historic villas blend in perfect harmony between nature and architecture, creating an atmosphere conducive to relaxing walks and moments of tranquility in the heart of the city.
Greenway of the Oglio River – Palazzolo sull’Oglio is crossed by what has been called the most beautiful cycle path in Italy: over 280 km of trails starting from Passo del Tonale and running through Camonica Valley, Lake Iseo, Franciacorta and the Oglio Regional Parks, until reaching the River Po. The route runs along cycle paths and unpaved roads, offering natural, rural and artistic landscapes of extraordinary beauty.
Gianpiero Metelli Riverside Park – Set on the banks of the River Oglio, Gianpiero Metelli Riverside Park is a welcoming, vibrant green space — perfect for a day outdoors. Walking paths meander through sports facilities, a secure dog area, a beach volleyball court and a refreshment kiosk. In summer, the park plays host to the weekly “Darsena Pop”, when food trucks serve up tempting specialities and concerts and live entertainment create a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

INFO SHOPPING

The weekly market takes place every Wednesday from 07:00 to 13:00 in Piazzale Kennedy. The Europa Shopping Centre, a landmark for shopping and leisure for the citizens of Palazzolo and the surrounding villages, boasts 40 shops and is strategically located just three minutes from the A4 motorway exit.

HOW TO GET THERE

By train – Palazzolo sull’Oglio is located on the Bergamo – Brescia railway line, operated by the regional company Trenord. The railway station is just a 10-minute walk from the town centre. Info and timetables: Trenord
By bus – The ARRIVA LS026 line connects Palazzolo with Brescia, while the LS003 line connects Palazzolo with Adro, Capriolo, Cologne, Corte Franca, Erbusco, Iseo and Paratico. Info and timetables: Arriva Italia

WINERY VISITS AND TASTINGS

Discover the stories of the producers of Palazzolo sull’Oglio: a place where high-quality red wines sit alongside the region’s typical sparkling wines! Reservations are required.