Lake Iseo

Lake Iseo
map
Location	Lombardy, Italy
Coordinates	45°43′N 10°05′E
Primary inflows	Oglio
Primary outflows	Oglio
Basin countries	Italy
Max. length	25 km
Surface area	65.3 km²
Max. depth	251 m
Surface elevation	181 m
Islands	Monte Isola, Loreto, St. Paul
Settlements	see article

Lake Iseo or Lago d'Iseo or Sebino is the fourth largest lake in Lombardy, Italy.

It is in the north of the country in the Val Camonica area, near the cities of Brescia and Bergamo. The lake is almost equally divided between the Provinces of Bergamo and Brescia. This is a heavily industrialised part of the world but, despite that, the area remains one of outstanding natural beauty. The road north to Switzerland used to run along the side of the lake, and stories about entire families being swallowed up by the murky waters abound. A much safer road, carved into the side of the mountains, now exists.

In the middle of the lake is Monte Isola (or Montisola), the largest island of any lake in southern Europe.

Settlements

Around the shore of the lake are a number of small towns:-

On the Brescian side:

1. Iseo - from which the lake takes its name - with wide squares, and a lakeside promenade.
2. Marone - in a nearby valley up which are the so-called Earth Pyramids (a strange sight).
3. Sale Marasino - a nondescript little town, but a good base.

On the Bergamo side:

1. Sarnico - originally a prehistoric village on stilts, there are frescoes in the Church of San Nazario and a small picture gallery.
2. Riva di Solto - a pretty little fishing village, near large limestone quarries.
3. Lovere - once a fortified town, it has a School of Fine Arts, and an art gallery (Accademia Tadini). Lovere is also famed for its night life and touristic facilities.

and on Montisola (Province of Brescia) are:-

1. Peschiera Maraglio - a picturesque fishing village.
2. Siviano, Sensole and Carzano - more fishing villages reached via the coastal path.
3. Cure - the highest point on the island has a sanctuary.

Two smaller islands, Loreto and St. Paul, are privately owned.

External link

• Info Monteisola