Villages around Brescia to visit in the winter

Lettura: 5 min

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness” – wrote John Steinbeck. The province of Brescia is filled with charming villages where seasons alternate and make them splendid in summer and glittering in winter. It’s a never-ending enchantment for you to enjoy.

Must-see Brescian villages in wintertime. Discover them all!

1) Monte Isola, the pearl of Lake Iseo

A suspended atmosphere for one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, where ancient fishing settlements and lush nature create fairy-tale landscapes. Far from car traffic, Monte Isola is a magical place which deserves to be cherished at its fullest.

2) Bienno

Another medieval jewel included in the circuit of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, the historic center of Bienno winds through picturesque alleys, ancient palaces, and richly frescoed churches.

The village is nestled in the heart of Valle Camonica and is famous for its interesting traditional arts and crafts.

3) Ponte di Legno

Continuing along Valle Camonica in the direction of the Tonale Pass, Ponte di Legno silently awaits your arrival with its exciting light shows and snowy panoramas.

You can’t miss a walk through the town center where the Oglio river originates from the Narcanello and Frigidolfo streams.

4) Iseo

The “capital” of Lake Iseo holds valuable, unexpected attractions which are undoubtedly worth a visit. From the placid alleys of the historic center to the small squares at the heart of city life and shopping, from the floating docks to the pedestrian routes along the lakefront, there are many nuances to discover for an amazing selfie.

5) Clusane al lago

A hamlet of Iseo, Clusane is the perfect location for a relaxing stroll embraced by the lake breeze. Near the pier you can admire the fascinating silhouette of the mountains on the horizon and Carmagnola Castle on the promontory.

6) Gardone Riviera

Let’s now travel to Gardone Riviera, Lake Garda. The town is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and was awarded the Orange Flag title by the Italian Touring Club.

In addition to the beautiful lakefront and the famous historic center, Gardone Riviera is known for one-of-a-kind attractions like the Vittoriale degli Italiani, Il Divino Infante Foundation Museum and the André Heller Botanical Garden.

7) Tignale

Another Orange Flag on Lake Garda, Tignale welcomes you for a relaxing time on the lake or a cozy stroll in the town center.

From the Montecastello Shrine and along the road leading from the coast to the town you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake.

8) Tremosine

Tremosine has also been inscribed on the list of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and is rightfully among the ones to visit in wintertime in the province of Brescia. How can one fail to be impressed by the charm of the ancient Strada della Forra – the eighth wonder of the world according to Winston Churchill –, the lively alleys, and the spectacular view from Terrazza del Brivido perched on a rock at a height of 350 meters, one of the most famous viewpoints of Lake Garda?

9) Bagolino, the village of the nativity scenes

We bid farewell to Lake Garda and set off for Lake Idro, an enchanting stretch of water nestled in the Brescian Pre-Alps that still retains its wild spirit.

Along the road up to Maniva we find Bagolino, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and a magnificent medieval town which keeps its traditions alive. These include Bagolino Borgo dei Presepi, a highly anticipated event in which the streets of the small town showcase more than a hundred nativity scenes, and the famous Bagolino Carnival, that attracts thousands of spectators every year.

10) Pezzaze and the mining tradition

After crossing the Maniva Pass, we descend along Valle Trompia to the ancient village of Pezzaze, characterized by mountain scenery and valuable historic elements.

The small municipality preserves traces of the valley’s mining tradition, which can be admired in Orma Museum and by touring the Marzoli Mine.

11) Villages in Franciacorta

A land of culinary excellence offering plenty of opportunities for relaxation, Franciacorta is a small world worth exploring. Castles, abbeys, wineries, ancient churches, and medieval villages alternate with rolling hills dotted with vineyards: get ready to be amazed by its typical winter colors!

12) Padernello between history and nature

There are many points of interest in Brescia’s plain, starting with the Castle of Padernello: this building surrounded by the moat has stood majestically in the countryside for centuries and still holds mysteries and fun facts.

Another stop worth a visit in Padernello is San Vigilio Bridge, a work of artist Mauri that paves the way for an itinerary suspended in time.

13) Verolanuova and the art of Tiepolo

Our tour concludes with a stop in Verolanuova, whose San Lorenzo Minor Roman Basilica preserves two canvases by Giovan Battista Tiepolo, among the greatest 18^th-century Venetian art painters.

Capture the best views of Brescia’s villages in the winter atmosphere and share them with Visit Brescia on Instagram!

You might also be interested in: The charm of Brescia’s lakes in wintertime.