| Franciacorta's landscape is peppered with tall medieval towers that testify to its ancient defence system comprising castles and watchtowers. Only the ruins survive of some of these buildings that date from before the Middle Ages, built to protect their towns.
CAZZAGO SAN MARTINO
Castello di Bornato/Villa Orlando (Bornato): This renaissance villa set in 19th century parkland was built within a Medieval fortress. Its three rooms on the ground floor are very old and the rooms on the first floor are decorated in sumptuous frescoes. Open to the public; Entrance fee (Via Castello 22, tel. 030 775 010 / 339 166 7402).
COCCAGLIO
Castle: ruins that were part of the ancient Roman military camp. Accessible at all times, weather permitting.
ISEO
Castello Oldofredi: Most likely built around the 10th century as part of a bigger defence system, the Castello Oldofredi is one of the best preserved examples of the military architecture of Late Medieval Brescia. Today it houses a public library, exhibition space and conference hall. Parts of the castle are open to the public (Iseo Town Council, tel. 030 980161)
Castello del Carmagnola (Clusane): Once owned by the Oldofredi family, the Castle was later to be given to Count Carmagnola by the Republic of Venice in 1429 in exchange for services rendered to La Serenissima, The Most Serene Republic. Its most noteworthy feature is its elegant loggia. Traces of frescoes can be seen on the external walls. Not open to the public, can be viewed externally.
PADERNO FRANCIACORTA
Castle: erected in the 10th century and rebuilt in 1800. A wall with a pair of corner turrets and the main portal are its only surviving ruins located in the village centre. Accessible all year, weather permitting.
PARATICO
Castello Lantieri. The castle ruins date from the 13th century. The castle was originally built on a small and evocative rocky hill in order to observe the mouth of the River Oglio where it ends in Lake Iseo and to monitor the roads leading to Bergamo and the Lombardy Plains. Dante is reputed to have stayed at the Castle in 1311 and it is said that the hill was the inspiration behind the conceptualization of his Mount Purgatory. Accessible all year round, weather permitting.
PASSIRANO
Castle: This castle (surrounded by a fortified wall) standing amongst meadows and vineyards was built as a place of sanctuary. It was built on a trapezoidal ground plan and has protruding side turrets. The castle, founded in the X century is not accessible to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.
ROVATO
Castle and Venetian walls: This citadel of Roman origins has undergone alterations throughout the centuries including enlargements and demolitions. All that remain today are the Venetian walls and some bastions. It can be visited all year round, weather permitting.
Palazzo Porcellaga - Castello Quistini: built around 1500 during the Republic of Venice. The palace was conceived as a country villa that also served as a defence. Its thin walls are equipped with no less than five corner turrets and various garrisons were stationed there throughout its history. Today visitors can buy roses in its beautiful rose garden where hundreds of varieties are grown. Open to the public, advance booking required, entrance fee (tel. 348 2221352).
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