The town takes its name from the powerful Cazzago family, who in the 13th century gained control of the buildings within the original fortified settlement. Today, the area preserves many of the defining features of its past: gently rolling hills covered with vineyards, stretches of woodland, peaceful valleys, and a refined architectural heritage of noble villas and palaces. A walk through the historic centre is enough to captivate visitors, thanks to the remarkable state of preservation of its Renaissance and 18th-century residences. These elegant buildings bear witness to a town whose identity remains deeply rooted in a distinguished and prestigious past.<\/p>\n
Town Hall Building\u00a0 <\/b>\u2013 Located in the heart of the historic centre, the current Town Hall is one of the most representative buildings of the local architectural heritage. Once the home of the noble Oldofredi family, it was built in the 17th century at the request of the Bornati family and still retains the refined simplicity of the noble residences of that time. The central cloister is framed by an elegant portico, offering views of the square-shaped towerand the historic orchard to the north-east. Open to visitors, the palace stands not only as a testament to the village\u2019s aristocratic heritage but also as the perfect starting point for exploring the historic villas, castles, and parish churches that characterise this corner of Franciacorta. Franciacorta in Fiore<\/strong> \u2013 During the lively spring event \u201cFranciacorta inFiore\u201d, held every year on the third weekend of May, from Friday to Sunday, the streets and courtyards of the village of Bornato come alive with colours, scents and music, offering an engaging experience for both adults and children. Among the most anticipated events is the \u201cPalio della Rosa\u201d: a collective celebration that combines tradition and spectacle, where the six districts of the town compete in exciting games inspired by the Middle Ages, revisited with a contemporary twist. Cultural Cycle Route Bergamo \u2013 Brescia<\/strong> \u2013 Inaugurated in 2023 as a legacy of the Italian Capital of Culture, it traces a cycle route that from Berga-mo reaches the shores of Lake Iseo and Franciacorta, and then goes to the city of Brescia. The stage that passes through Bornato offers enchanting views before proceeding through vineyards and country roads towards the following stop, Paderno Franciacorta.<\/p>\n The weekly market<\/strong> takes place on Fridays from 07:30 to 13:00 in the Town Hall Square in Cazzago.<\/p>\n By train <\/strong>\u2013 The town is served by Trenord\u2019s Brescia – Iseo – Edolo regional line. The station is just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the centre of Bornato. Info and timetables: Trenord<\/a> Cazzago San Martino offers a wide range of options for Franciacorta wine enthusiasts: from great historic producers to the new generation. Tours and tastings are available by reservation.<\/p>\n
\n\u00a0Bornato’s Castle <\/strong><\/a>\u2013 Even Dante Alighieri, a distinguished guest of this court, was captivated by the sweeping view over the Lombardy plain \u2014 on clear days, the panorama stretches all the way to the Apennines. So, imagine the same sense of wonder you will feel at this remarkable stop. Once you pass through the entrance, you will find yourself in front of a rare 16th-century Renaissance villa, Villa Orlando, elegantly set inside a 13th-century medieval castle. Originally a defensive shelter to protect the community, the complex was later transformed into a refined noble residence. Today, it can be visited with a guided tour that will lead you through elegantly frescoed rooms, where the 17th- and 19th-century decorations tell stories of prestige and beauty. The visit concludes with a stop in the ancient cellars, where a glass of Franciacorta awaits you: the most authentic way to toast to culture and prepare for the next discovery.
\nAncient Parish Church of<\/strong> San Bartolomeo<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 Strolling along the village walls and following the picturesque cobblestone road that descends through the vineyards, you reach in a few minutes the Ancient Parish Church of San Bartolomeo, one of the most enchanting places in town. Its origins are lost in time: although there are no reliable documents about its foundation, its presence is attested to as early as the year 1000. The dedication to Saint Bartholomew\u00a0 recalls a time when this sacred place also housed pilgrims and travellers, offering shelter along pilgrimage routes. A quiet and spiritually charged corner ideal for those who love to immerse themselves in the history and the quiet of Franciacorta\u2019s landscape. Guided tours by reservation.<\/p>\nTHINGS TO DO AND EVENTS\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nPresepi del Mondo<\/strong> \u2013 At Christmas, the hamlet Bornato hosts a picturesque exhibition of nativity scenes from every corner of the globe, the results of the passion and travels of a devoted collector. Carefully arranged in display cases divided by country, the exhibition offers visitors a true journey around the world through Christmas traditions. A special opportunity to discover different customs, in an intimate atmosphere. Admission is free. Groups are welcome year-round, by reservation.<\/p>\nWALKS AND EXCURSIONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
INFO SHOPPING<\/strong><\/h3>\n
HOW TO GET THERE<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nBy bus<\/strong> \u2013 Cazzago San Martino is served by the ARRIVA bus company, which directly connects the town to Brescia and to Paratico, passing through Ospitaletto and Erbusco. The stops are on Via Bonfadina (industrial area) and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Bornato can also be reached by using the FNMA bus company, line L62, whose stop is in Via dei Mille\/Via di Sopra. Info and timetables: FNM autoservizi<\/a> and Arriva Italia<\/a><\/p>\nWINERY VISITS AND TASTINGS<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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