BORGONATO Scorcio Di Franciacorta Dal Vigneto Castello Di Borgonato

Corte Franca

The Municipality of Corte Franca was established in 1928 through the merger of four historic villages: Borgonato, Colombaro, Nigoline, and Timoline. Its name refers to the “curtes francae”, rural estates that were exempted from taxes and later reclaimed in the Middle Ages by the Cluniac monks of the nearby Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa. From the 18th century onwards, local noble families built elegant residences and fostered a prosperous agricultural economy. Today, Corte Franca combines history with modern leisure, offering high- quality hospitality, a water park, a renowned golf club, and a shopping centre. Each year, on the first Sunday of September, the Municipality’s Feast brings the community together with music, performances, and local food.

WHAT TO SEE

Timoline is the seat of the municipality and of the main educational and commercial services. Worth visiting is the complex of the two parish churches dedicated to Saints Cosma and Damiano, with the old church from the 16th century and the newer one from the 20th century. Towards Provaglio d’Iseo, you can admire the remains of the medieval castle, Palazzo Pizzini-Tonelli (17th century), surrounded by a lush English garden, and, lastly, the Romanesque church of Santa Giulia, a small architectural gem.
Borgonato is dominated by the monumental complex of Palazzo Lana — now home to a prestigious winery that produced the first bottle of Franciacorta — the Church of San Vitale with its ancient bell tower and the castle. Descending towards the vineyards, you enter the Borgo Antico San Vitale where you can visit an artisanal distillery and savour the excellence of the local cuisine in a Michelin star restaurant.
Colombaro also boasts a wealth of historic landmarks. To the south, the medieval heart of the former castrum preserves the Church of Sant’Afra alongside the refined Palazzo Barboglio de Gaioncelli. At the centre of the village stands the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, home to an outstanding collection of sacred artworks. Heading towards Clusane d’Iseo, you reach the charming hamlet of Zenighe, where the splendid 14th-century Church of Santa Maria and the elegant Palazzo Lana-Ragnoli, a 17th-century noble residence, complete the picture.
Nigoline – Strolling through the historic centre of Nigoline, you are immediately struck by the majesty of the Monti della Corte Palace, an elegant 17th-century residence, now a venue for exclusive events. Continuing, you reach the Contrada del Torrazzo, an ancient medieval centre that leads to the climb to Monte Alto. During the walk, you can admire the Church of Sant’Eufemia (14th century), a FAI “Place of the Heart” — the Italian National Trust — which houses a remarkable series of frescoes attributed to Ferramola; the birthplace of Monsignor Geremia Bonomelli; and the 17th-century Palazzo Torri, once a cultural and political salon frequented by prominent figures such as Pascoli and Carducci.

HIGHLIGHTS

“Riva Vintage Collection” Museum – A unique opportunity to admire the world’s most complete private collection of vintage Riva motorboats. Visits by reservation.
Franciacorta Olive Oil Mill – In October and November, you can book a sensory tasting and observe the pressing process.

WALKS AND EXCURSIONS

Monte Alto – The summit of Monte Alto (651m) can be reached in several ways: from the Sentiero dei Ponti (No. 6), which takes about 30 minutes, to the more challenging 2-hour Sentiero della Scala Santa (Nos. 1 and 2). Once you reach the cross at the summit, you can enjoy a privileged viewpoint of Lake Iseo and the Prealps.
Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve – From Timoline, you can access the southern path of the Torbiere Nature Reserve, a circular walk of about 8 kilometres, suitable for children as well. The reserve is open year-round, with a €2. ticket available at the machines located at the start of the trail. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed to enter.
Big Bench– Taking the path that winds through the vineyards behind the Freccianera – Fratelli Berlucchi wineries, in just a few steps, you can reach the giant green bench of Borgonato. Sit down and be enchanted by the landscape: a land of neat rows of vines, different colours in each season, and, in the background, Monte Alto
La Via delle Sorelle – The third stage of the 130-kilometer walk from Brescia to Bergamo passes through Timoline, Colombaro, and Nigoline, among villages, vineyards, and rolling hills.
Cultural Cycle Bergamo–Brescia – Timoline also features a section of the Bergamo-Brescia cycle path, which runs south of the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve, offering one of the most authentic and spectacular views of Franciacorta.

Franciacorta Golf Club – Immersed in a natural setting embellished with woods, vineyards, and an artificial lake, it has 27 holes divided into three courses: Brut, Satèn, and Rosé.
Acquasplash Franciacorta – Corte Franca is ho me to the only water park in the area, with a playground, slide area, bar, entertainment, and many other services.

INFO SHOPPING

The heart of Corte Franca’s social life is Timoline. The weekly market takes place on Wednesdays from 08:00 to 13:00 in Piazza Franciacorta; the farmers’ market is on Mondays from 08:00 to 12:30 in the square of Parco del Conicchio, in Via Seradina; the antiques market is held every second Sunday of the month in Piazza Franciacorta. In Timoline, in Via Roma 78, you can also find the Shopping Centre “Le Torbiere”.

HOW TO GET THERE

By train – The closest stations on the Brescia – Iseo – Edolo line are Borgonato – Adro and Provaglio – Timoline. Info and timetables:Trenord
By bus – Corte Franca is served by FNMA Autoservizi: lines L27 Iseo – Monticelli Brusati and L62 Corte Franca – Brescia. The company ARRIVA operates the LS003 line from Iseo to Chiari. Info and timetables: FNM Autoservizi and Arriva Italia

WINERY VISITS AND TASTINGS

Franciacorta wine was born here in 1961, when a nobleman from Borgonato and a young winemaker produced the first sparkling wine using the traditional bottle-fermentation method. This landmark event marked the beginning of one of Italy’s flagship wines.