The hamlet of Esmate provides a scenic vantage point over the northern end of Lake Iseo. The views are good from the churchyard but breathtaking if you follow Via Cerrete about 2.5km from the church (it changes names several times). Where it narrows amid thick woods, several brief trails (20m or so) lead out to magnificent, wild viewpoints high above the lake.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Accademia Tadini

2.86 MILES

A gallery concentrating on Venetian and Lombard art that's been around for nearly 200 years. Look out for works by Jacopo Bellini, Giambattista Tiepolo…

3. Lake Endine

4.48 MILES

Lovely, mirror-still Lake Endine is surrounded by woods and reed banks. Tranquillity is assured on this lake where motorboats are banned. Lakeside paths…

4. Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

6.1 MILES

Some 25km northeast of central Bergamo, the town of Gandino is well worth a stop for its impressive Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, a baroque beauty with…

5. Monte Isola

6.44 MILES

Monte Isola towers from the south end of Lake Iseo, making it easily the lake's most intriguing feature. It's Europe's largest lake island, at 4.28 sq km,…

6. Villa Faccanoni

8.67 MILES

On the riverfront a little over 1km from the centre, this lovely stile liberty villa was designed by Giuseppe Sommaruga and built in 1907. The best views…

7. Riserva Naturale Torbiere del Sebino

10.25 MILES

These 2-sq-km protected wetlands were formed from 18th-century peat beds. A reed-fringed 4km walking path – partly on muddy tracks, partly on wooden…

8. Monastero San Pietro in Lamosa

10.42 MILES

An 11th-century monastery founded by the Cluniac monks who first started to cultivate the region. On weekends you can visit the church and have a look at…