Franciacorta had many influential aristocratic families such as the Oldofredi of Iseo, the Sala of Gussago, the Lantieri of Paratico, the Lana de’ Terzi of Borgonato, the Della Corte of Nigoline, the Bargnani of Adro, the Cazzago, the Calini and the Fenaroli. These powerful families had property that extended beyond the city of Brescia to the entire region of Franciacorta, where they chose to build their country mansions.
During the 17th century Franciacorta became an area favoured by the patrician families of Brescia and Milan who enjoyed spending their holidays there. And so still today the landscape is dotted with many of these mansions set in spectacular gardens. Most are private homes but some are open to the public.

ADRO
Palazzo Bargnani Dandolo: today the palace houses the Town Council headquarters. Many of the rooms in this 17th century palace are frescoed and house numerous paintings, decorative objects and period furniture. The Library boasts a 17th century fireplace. The nearby oval shaped Bargnani Chapel houses a precious altar. It is possible to visit the palace during the Town Council office hours (via Tullio Dandolo 55, tel. 030 745 4311).

CAPRIOLO
Palazzo Berlendis, formerly Palazzo Lantieri de Paratico: After the destruction of the family castle, this 15th Century palace became the private home of the influential Berlendis family. Its columns made of hewn ashlar blocks, the cross vault ceiling and terracotta floor are particularly delightful features. Closed to the public, it can only be viewed from the outside.

CAZZAGO SAN MARTINO
Palazzo Oldofredi: now the Town Council headquarters, this palace is a typical example of 17th century Brescian architecture. The protrusions extending from its circular corner turret give it a crown-like appearance. Can be visited during office opening hours (via Carebbio 32, tel. 030 775 0750).
Villa Bettoni Cazzago: this 18th century villa has retained all its period features and is set within the grounds of the old castle. A gate facing Saint Giulia opens out on to the courtyard that divides the villa from the ancient castle. Visits can be co-ordinated when special events are hosted (via Marconi 6, tel. 030 775 0875).
Castello di Bornato/Villa Orlando (Bornato): This renaissance villa was built within a medieval fortress and is set in 19th century parkland. Its three rooms on the ground floor have remained completely original and splendid frescoes adorn the rooms on the first floor. Open to the public; entrance fee (via Castello 22, tel. 030 775 010 / 339 166 7402).
Villa Monte Rossa (Bornato): delightful collection of buildings dating from different periods embellished by a striking 17th century staircase. Eleonora Rossa, a local noblewoman held cultural gatherings at which renowned historians and archeologists were invited to participate. This mansion is now a private home and not open to the public. It is possible, however, to visit the gardens when the annexed cellar is open to the public and when special events are hosted. Rooms are available for hire for receptions. (via L. Marenzio 14, tel. 030 725 066).
Palazzo Secco d’Aragona (Bornato): Open to the public when events take place in the Palace.
Villa del Cedro (Calino): the frescoed ceiling painted in the Hall in 1603 by Piero da Marone is the artist's only work in Franciacorta. Today, the villa is the headquarters of the Parish Oratory. To arrange a visit contact the Curate (tel. 030 725 048).

CORTE FRANCA
Palazzo Lana Berlucchi (frazione Borgonato): The palace comprises two large 16th century buildings joined by an elegant loggia. Today it is a private home. Visits can be coordinated by prior request when visiting the cellar. (via Broletto 2, 030 984451).
Palazzo Torri (Nigoline) - associate member of Strada del Franciacorta-: now a private home, ornamented with rooms and halls containing period furniture and 18th century frescoes. Society hostess Paolina Torri Calegari hosted cultural gatherings frequented by guests including Carducci, Fogazzaro, Lembach, Zanardelli and Bishop Bonomelli. Today numerous cultural activities take place in the palace. Open to the public; entrance fee (via S. Eufemia 5, tel. 030 982 6200 / 335 546 7191).
Palazzo Monti della Corte (Nigoline): This 15th century palace underwent alterations during the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries and thus features a range of architectural styles. Today it is a private home and not open to the public.
Palazzo Ragnoli formerly Lana (Colombaro): growing in the palace's courtyard is a Cedar of Lebanon, at one time the tallest in Italy. The palazzo houses an extraordinary projector that combines two images to create a three-dimensional effect, called a "megalethoscope". There is also an antique spit, an intricate device used to roast birds caught in nets to produce a local speciality. Not open to the public.

COCCAGLIO
Villa Duranti Calini: a palace built according to a linear ground plan reminiscent of Venetian villas but very different from the Palladian model. The garden's balustraded sweeping staircase leads to a central arch. Architecturally, the palace is decidedly flamboyant yet full of beautifully crafted features. Its central hall gives on to tastefully decorated smaller side rooms. It has now been converted into a restaurant.

ERBUSCO
Villa Fenaroli Lechi, formerly Martinengo: Its traditional Italian garden is framed by this Palladian style villa built in the 16th and 17th centuries. The U-shaped south facing garden is bathed in sun at midday. Visits can be co-ordinated when special events are hosted at the villa.

GUSSAGO
Villa Avogadro: Now home to the Togni family. It was here that the Gussago conspiracy took place, its frescoed walls depicting the history during which it took place. The villa is surrounded by an intricately playful collage of ornate traditional English and Italian gardens. Not open to the public.

MONTICELLI BRUSATI
Palazzo Pisa, formerly Montini: a group of two storied 15th century buildings, some with a portico and loggia above, some with a narrow arched portico below the square windows of the first floor. It is thought that a Cistercian monastery originally stood on the site. The central tower is decorated with exquisite frescoes. Not open to the public.

PASSIRANO
Villa Fassati: standing adjacent to the castle, this graceful country mansion was built in the 16th century. Its banqueting and conference halls are available for hire. Not open to the public.

PROVAGLIO D’ISEO
Palazzo Francesconi: today the palace is the Town Council headquarters. It can be visited during office hours and at weekends when the palace mounts exhibitions. Entrance is free (via Europa 5, tel. 030 929 1210)

ROVATO
Palazzo Porcellaga – Castello Quistini (Associate member of Strada del Franciacorta): built around 1500 during the Republic of Venice. The palace was conceived as a country villa that also served as a defense. 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).