Paratico

Paratico lies on the south-western shore of Lake Iseo, at the western gateway to Franciacorta. A distinctive bridge marks the boundary with— while also connecting it to the neighbouring town of Sarnico, so that the two places appear to visitors as a single, seamless destination.

WHAT TO SEE

Lantieri Castle – Perched on a hill, the Lantieri Castle dominates Paratico like a silent guardian. Although inaccessible and marked by time, the castle still tells, with its walls, the story of a noble and strategic past. Tradition has it that it hosted Dante Alighieri during his exile, perhaps inspiring some of the famous landscapes described in the Divine Comedy.
Lantieri Tower – Built in the 14th century by the Lantieri family, the medieval tower stands on a rocky spur and is about 15 metres high. Fully visible on all sides, it preserves splendid original architectural details, such as the portal with the noble coat of arms and the ancient windows. Restored and turned into a museum in 2009, it is now open to visitors and is one of the main attractions in Paratico.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta – Located at the centre of the town on a panoramic hill, the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta is an elegant neoclassical building constructed between 1894 and 1904 on top of an older structure. The richly decorated interior preserves frescoes, statues and works of art created between the 16th and 20th centuries. Noteworthy is the Rosary altar attributed to the Fantoni studio and the 18th-century tabernacle signed by Domenico Arici.
Sanctuary of San Pietro and of the Beata Vergine del Buon Consiglio – The sanctuary stands out for its sober exterior architecture and the luminous elegance of its interior, which surprises visitors with delicate-coloured frescoes and white and gold stucco decorations. A place of peace and beauty, perfect for a spiritual or contemplative break.
Palazzina Oselanda – It is a delightful neo-Gothic villa, elegant and stately in appearance, surrounded by the lush Segafieni Park and overlooking the enchanting landscape of Lake Iseo.

HIGHLIGHTS

Bosco Taxodi – Where the lake becomes a river, there is a unique area of about 20,000 square metres, composed of Taxodium distichum trees, a native American species, which acts as a natural oasis for lake fauna. Wooden walkways and cantilevered footbridges over the lake allow visitors to admire its splendour. Visits are possible all year round, even with pets, on a leash of course.

FUN FACT

Inside the Taxodi park, a small wooden house hosts a multimedia quadrisphere, which transports visitors into the history of Paratico through images, lights, colours and sounds. 

WALKS AND EXCURSIONS

Parco delle Erbe Danzanti – Overlooking Paratico’s lake-front, Parco delle Erbe Danzanti is an oasis of colours, seasonal scents and contemporary art installations. Among flower beds, stone basins and fountains, you can also discover traces of local history, such as the ancient piers and rails that tell the story of the era of railways and lake trade. A perfect place for a walk among nature and industrial architecture.
Brescia – Paratico Cycle path – A three-hour cycle route through nature, historic villages and local flavours connects Paratico to the city of Brescia. Along the way, you will pass through the fishing village of Clusane, with the Carmagnola Castle, the picturesque Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve, Passirano Castle, the Abbey of San Nicola in Rodengo Saiano and, finally, the woods and cultivated fields of Gussago and Cellatica. The ultimate experience for cycling enthusiasts.
Cultural Cycle Route Bergamo – Brescia – Created in 2023 on the occasion of Bergamo – Brescia Italian Capital of Culture, this cycle route connects the two cities through a fascinating route among hills, vineyards and historic villages. The stretch that crosses Paratico offers panoramic views of Lake Iseo, before continuing through the vineyards towards Clusane (the route corresponds to the Brescia-Paratico cycle path) or towards the charming castles and landscapes of Val Calepio, for those who choose the opposite direction. A must for those who love to discover beauty on two wheels.
La Via delle Sorelle – Paratico is the starting point (or destination) of two of the six stages on La Via delle Sorelle, a 130-kilometre way connecting Brescia and Bergamo, the Italian Capital of Culture 2023. From here, the route to Bergamo is particularly scenic, passing through authentic towns and enchanting landscapes, offering a slow and profound experience of nature, art and history.
Boat Tours – Experiencing Lake Iseo from the water is an experience not to be missed. In Paratico, rentals offer a wide range of boats: you can sail independently to enjoy freedom and fun, or choose a guided tour with a skipper, perhaps sipping a glass of sparkling wine in complete relax, lulled by the rhythm of the waves and surrounded by pure wonder

INFO SHOPPING

The “Un Tuffo nel Passato” market, featuring antiques, crafts and creativity for hobbyists, takes place every first and third Sunday of the month on Lungolago Marconi.

HOW TO GET THERE

By train – The Sebino Express train is an initiative of the Italian Tourist Railways Association, which organises trips in spring and autumn on historic steam trains with vintage carriages dating back to the 1930s, often combined with boat trips on Lake Iseo or lunches featuring local products. Info: Fondazionefs
By bus – Paratico is served by the ARRIVA company, which connects the town directly to Adro, Brescia, Capriolo, Castegnato, Cazzago San Martino, Erbusco, Iseo, Ospitaletto, Palazzolo sull’Oglio and Rovato. The main stops are in Via XXIV Maggio, Via Mazzini and Viale Madruzza. Info and timetables: Arriva Italia
By ferry– Paratico can be reached by boat using the nearby Sarnico’s landing stage. Info and timetables: Navigazione Lago d’Iseo

WINERY VISITS AND TASTINGS

If you pass through Paratico, don’t miss out on a gourmet stop at a winery. And don’t forget: you are at the lake, but you are also in Franciacorta! Reservations are highly recommended.

• Bredasole
• Vinea Ventis