Tick tock, tick tock: the clock embedded in the bell tower of the medieval church of San Paolo, built in 1428 over the remains of Sarnico‘s castle tower, will greet you in the distance as you approach the lake.
In Sarnico you can admire some wonderful Art Nouveau villas commissioned by the local Faccanoni family.
In the old part of Palazzo Gervasoni, on the other hand, a 15th-century building located at the highest point of the historic center, you can find the prestigious works of the Bellini Art Gallery, and, continuing your walk in this town overlooking the scenic Lake Iseo, you can visit the parish church dedicated to St. Martin, built in the 15th century and rebuilt in the 1700s, where you can admire a fine wooden altar by master Andrea Fantoni.
And if you visit Sarnico during the warm season, be sure: don’t forget to take a boat trip to explore Lake Iseo!
The first documents attesting to the existence of Sarnico date back to the year 862.
During the medieval period the town, although not considered a place of conquest and therefore of battles, was equally embellished with numerous buildings characteristic of the time, such as castles and towers.
On the other hand, Sarnico became, with the advent of the Venetian Republic, the capital of the County of Valcalepio: today these lands constitute a sort of wine stronghold, with DOC (controlled origin) and IGP (typical geographical indication) marks.
Do not miss the opportunity to taste a bottle of excellent wine in the places of its production!
Villa Giuseppe Faccanoni is certainly the most successful of the various Art Nouveau buildings in Sarnico.
Be fascinated by the two rows of concrete bas-reliefs created by Ernesto Bazzaro, the pastel-colored ceramics, and the wrought-iron railings and gate at the main entrance on Via Veneto made by Alessandro Mazzucotelli.
The extensive Mannerist-style garden includes several terraces that make the villa resemble a ship entering the lake.
Sarnico also offers walking routes: behind the town about 400 meters above the lake is the Forcella-Molere path.
From the path named “della Madonna,” in a short time you reach the Forcella junction, then turn left.
The surrounding landscape is enchanting and the vegetation gives the place the typical Mediterranean atmosphere.
Along the way you will encounter the Little Chapel consecrated to the Virgin, the Little Church of the Alpini, La Rocca de’ Zucchellis, and towards the end of the trail the Little Church of Saints Nazario and Rocco.
Curiosities
Sarneghéra is the name by which the inhabitants of Lake Iseo call the strong storm that, starting right from Sarnico, hits the Sebino until it laps the Camonica Valley and Franciacorta.
The phenomenon is distributed between the months of April-July and especially September.
The Sarnico Busker Festival is an event involving street performers that takes place every year on the last weekend of July.
Sarnico is part of the Orange Flag Villages, a recognition of tourist-environmental quality awarded by the Italian Touring Club (TCI) to small inland Italian municipalities (maximum 15,000 inhabitants) that stand out for excellence and quality hospitality.
WHY ORANGE FLAG
“The location, which enjoys naturalistic context of value, has a characteristic historic center, well-preserved and lively, with several outlets selling typical products , restaurants and accommodation facilities. Good is also the maintenance of historical and cultural attractions. To better organize a visit to the area, there is an active and efficient an information point in the historic center, with extended hours and full of information materials.” Elsa, TCI ghost visitor