Montisola is the pearl of the Lake Iseo, one of the most visited places in the summer months. It is the biggest lake island of Europe. During the day, boat connections to all the other localities on the lake are assured. For tourists it is only possible to circulate by bike (which you can rent on the island) or by the communal bus. The villages to visit are: Siviano, Carzano, Novale, Masse, Singhignano, Olzano, Sensole, Peschiera Maraglio, Senzano, Menzino, Cure,

PESCHIERA MARAGLIO

Is a picturesque little town with the most gracious small port where you’ll see the ‘nae’t’, the typical fishermen’s boat of the Lake Iseo. The historic centre is only to be reached by foot. It is only this way that one can admire the narrow alleys and the Chiesa di San Michele (XVII Century), which is also well visible from Sulzano. On the top of a steep rocky hill the Rocca degli Oldofredi, a fortress built in the XIIth Century for the protection of the island, dominates the beautiful surrounding landscape.

SIVIANO

Siviano is to be reached following the road along the coast or by boat from the port. From this characteristic village, placed on a height, you’ll enjoy the most fabulous panoramas on the west coast. In the middle of the streets of this town with medieval characteristics, rises the Torre Martinego of the XIV century. Above this small town, the baroque Parrocchiale dedicated to the Santi Faustino e Giovita, preceded by a steep flight of steps.

SENSOLE

At Sensole one arrives by foot, from Peschiera Maraglio, following the coast path, passing a number of bars and restaurants and a nice picnic area situated between olive trees. In front the island of San Paolo. In the centre of the village on the lakeside there is a small chapel of the XVII century, on its façade, above the portal you’ll see a painting dedicated to the Madonna. Also from here you can see the fortress Rocca degli Oldofredi.

CARZANO

Carzano is a small village of old fishermens houses. Its position is the best if you want to admire the view on the island of Loreto and the coast behind it. Between the ancient houses rises the Parrocchiale di S. Giovanni Battista of the XVIIth Century. The church has one bay and two altars. Nearby there is Palazzo Martinengo from 1500 with beautiful decorations on the outside.

CURE

At Cure, on the highest point of the island, rises the Monastery Il Santuario della Madonna della Cerinola, built in the XIIIth Century.

ISOLA DI LORETO

 The island L’isola di Loreto is the smallest island of the lake. Situated on the north side of Montisola. It is of private property. In 1400 a cloister was built here for the Sisters of S.Chiara. Today there is a castle in New Gothic stile, a park and a small port. 

ISOLA DI SAN PAOLO

The island L’Isola di San Paolo is situated on the south side of Montisola. It is of private property too. Once here lived fishermen, monks and nobles. The story tells that on this island there was once a very big convent, but in 1700 when the island became of private property the church as well as the convent were razed to the ground. In 1912 the island was bough by the Basilio family who built a big villa on it.