Page 72 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

70 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

on the area’s moranic sand has created
these extraordinary columns which are
often topped by a granite boulder. At
the entrance to the park stands the
12th-century Chiesa di San Giorgio,
with frescoes of Saint George slaying
dragons and the the profile of
Florentine writer Dante, who visited
the area in the 14th century.
ª Return to Marone via SP32, take
SP510bis south to Iseo, which has
several pay-and-display car parks.
5 Iseo
Brescia, Lombardia; 25049
The largest village on the eastern
side of Lago d’Iseo, ancient Iseo was
an important trading post before it
was sacked by Federico I Barabarossa
in the 12th century. Now a low-key
resort, the semi-pedestrianized
medieval village centre boasts an
Above View of Sale Marasino, one of Lago arcaded main square, stone lanes, a
d’Iseo’s pretty villages Top right Sale 3 Val Camonica handful of decent restaurants and
Marasino’s church, seen from the lake ferry Brescia, Lombardia; 25044 a lakeside promenade with views
Above right Iron Age rock carvings at Parco Scattered over the hillsides of the Val across the water to the wooded cliffs
Nazionale delle Incisioni Rupestri Camonica are thousands of stones of the opposite shore. Ferries leave
inscribed with fascinating prehistoric here for destinations around the lake,
VISITING VAL CAMONICA rock carvings. Dating from Neolithic most notably to Monte Isola.
times through to the Iron Age, ª Leave the car behind and catch a
Tourist Information
Via S Briscioli 42, Capo di Ponte, Brescia together they are recognized as a ferry across to Monte Isola.
25044; 0364 42 080; www. UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of
invallecamonica.it the largest concentrations is found 6 Monte Isola
WHERE TO STAY just outside Capo di Ponte. The Parco Brescia, Lombardia; 25050
Nazionale delle Incisioni Rupestri The largest lake island in Europe,
VAL CAMONICA (open 8:30am–dusk Tue–Sun; www. Monte Isola is 9 km (6 miles) around
Casa Visnenza inexpensive parcoincisioni.capodiponte.beniculturali. and more than 600 m (2,000 ft) high,
This comfy B&B in Cemmo, right next to it) is an attractive, open-air site littered topped by the Santuario della
Capo di Ponte, is run by owners who
are knowledgeable about local sights. with more than 100 carved boulders Madonna della Ceriola, with fabulous
Via San Faustino 7, 25044 Cemmo di that can be explored over a couple 360-degree views. Arriving is part of
Capo di Ponte; 320 906 4557; closed Mon of hours. Wonderfully evocative and the fun, with lovely views of lakeside
–Fri Mar–Nov; www.casavisnenza.com dynamic, scenes portray hunts and villages along the way. Stroll along
funerals, boats, and people dancing,
ISEO
La Tesa inexpensive farming, fighting and worshipping. Below Passenger ferry cruising across Lago d’Iseo
An organic farm in the hills above Iseo ª Return back down the SS42, forking past stunning mountain scenery
offering simple apartments and rooms. right on SP510 towards Brescia. After
Via Silvio Bonomelli, Colline d’Iseo a series of tunnels, turn right onto the
25049; 030 982 2984; closed Jan–Feb; lakeside SP510bis, signed Lago d’Iseo.
www.latesa.it
In Marone, just after the parish church
BRESCIA on the right, take the poorly signed left
Albergo Orologio inexpensive turn to Zone SP32 (down the side of the
Something of a boutique hotel, this is Municipio building), then drive up the
a cosy place in the centre of town. winding road to the car park at Zone.
Via Cesare Beccaria 17, 25121; 030 375
5411; www.albergoorologio.it
4 The Pyramids of Zone
ERBUSCO Brescia, Lombardia; 25050
L’Albereta expensive Strange rock formations, resembling
Every comfort is catered for at this giant anthills, pepper the natural
luxurious Relais & Chateaux hotel. reserve around the village of Zone,
Via Vittorio Emanuele 23, 25030; 030
776 0550; www.albereta.it high above Lago d’Iseo. Rain erosion
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–200; expensive, over €200

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