Rodengo Saiano

The town, located halfway between Brescia and Lake Iseo, is set in a charming hilly landscape that frames the town center, built on a flat area crossed by the clear waters of the Gandovere stream. Originally born as separate villages, Rodengo and Saiano preserved their own identities for centuries, probably also due to their different historical origins: Saiano dates back to the Roman era, while Rodengo has Lombard roots. The two communities were united into a single municipality, which has included the locality of Padergnone since 1927. Today, Rodengo Saiano boasts a lively economy based on traditional agricultural activities, enhanced by a solid artisanal and commercial sector. In recent years, the presence of important religious and commercial centers has made the town an increasingly popular destination for tourists.

WHAT TO SEE

Benedictine Abbey of Saints Nicola and Paolo VI – To the south of the town, in a secluded setting, stands one of the largest and most captivating monastic complexes in Franciacorta. Founded in 1090 by the Cluniac monks on the site of an ancient castle, it was later rebuilt in Renaissance style by the Olivetans beginning in 1446. Today, the church, cloisters, refectory, guest quarters, and storehouses remain remarkably well preserved, enriched with frescoes and works by prominent local masters such as Gambara, Romanino, and Moretto. The abbey is open daily; groups are kindly asked to call +39 030 610182 in advance.
San Salvatore Cultural Centre – Hosted in an elegant, restored building, the auditorium preserves evidence of Rodengo Saiano’s historical past. During some excavations carried out in 2000, the remains of a church dating back to the 9th-10th century were discovered, part of an ancient fortified castrum. Inside, the Baroque architecture preserves spacious rooms and a fresco of Sant’Antonio dating back to the first half of the 15th century.
Franciscan Convent of Calvario – Set in a splendid panoramic location on the slopes of Monte Delma, the convent was expanded from 1671 with elegant, slender buildings arranged around a spacious cloister. The small Church of Santa Maria, beautifully preserved in its Renaissance style, complements the convent’s austere architecture with a striking dome. Today, the entire complex is home to a renowned academy specialising in education and training for the agri-food and tourism sectors.

WALKS AND EXCURSIONS

Monte Delma and Brescia Hills Park – Monte Delma is one of the most representative hills in the town and in the Brescia Hills Park. At an altitude of around 500 metres, it offers trails surrounded by nature that can be enjoyed in all seasons. The paths that cross it wind through woods, clearings and panoramic views of Franciacorta and Brescia’s plain. Ideal for relaxing walks or more challenging hikes, Monte Delma is a destination appreciated by hikers for the tranquility of the landscape and the beauty of the natural environment.
From the Oil Mill in Rodengo Saiano to the Borgo del Maglio in Ome – This easy, flat walk starts at Parco del Frantoio (Oil Mill Park) and leads to Borgo del Maglio in Ome. The cycle and pedestrian path winds through fields, woods, and vineyards, running along- side the long boundary wall of the majestic 18th-century Villa Fenaroli. The route then continues through a wood-land area rich in vegetation, following and crossing the Gandovere stream several times before reaching the charming Borgo del Maglio, known for its rural buildings and two museums of significant historical interest.
La Via delle Sorelle – Rodengo Saiano is part of the second stage of La Via delle Sorelle, a picturesque 130-kilometre route linking the cities of Brescia and Bergamo, jointly proclaimed Italian Capital of Culture 2023. This way can be walked in stages or in its entirety and enchants visitors with the extraordinary variety of landscapes, passing through historic villages, hills and vineyards, along an itinerary that combines beauty and culture.
Cultural Cycle Route Bergamo – Brescia – Inaugurated in 2023 as a legacy of the Capital of Culture, it traces a cycle path that runs from Bergamo to the shores of Lake Iseo and Franciacorta, then on to Brescia or back again. Both the eastern section connecting to Gussago and the western section towards Paderno Franciacorta are extremely beautiful.

INFO SHOPPING

The weekly market takes place every Wednesday from 07:00 to 13:00 in Viale Europa. Franciacorta Designer Village has over 190 shops selling the best brands and offers discounts of 30% to 70% throughout the year, for a pure Italian shopping experience. Franciacorta Designer Village is much more than an outlet: it is a real destination that combines shopping, design, quality services and experiential moments, immersed in an elegant and contemporary setting

HOW TO GET THERE

By bus – The ARRIVA bus line LS029 connects Brescia with Rodengo Saiano in approximately 35 minutes, while the nearest railway station is in Paderno Franciacorta. Info and timetables: Arriva