Lying like a natural amphitheater between the crystal-clear waters of Lake Iseo and the green slopes of the Bergamo foothills of the Alps, Lovere is one of Italy's most charming villages, awarded I Borghi più belli d'Italia since 2003. Here beauty is not only landscape, but also history, art and entrepreneurial spirit, fused in a harmony that has enchanted travelers and artists for centuries.
Not surprisingly, English writer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu called it "the most romantic place I have ever seen in my life".
A village between history and romance
The earliest traces of settlement date back to Celtic times, but it was during the Middle Ages that Lovere took on the fortified appearance that can be admired today when walking among its still intact medieval towers: the Soca Tower, the Alghisi Tower and the Round Tower. The subsequent Venetian period brought great prosperity thanks to the production of woollen cloth, transforming the village into an elegant Renaissance center.
A historic center to explore on foot
The ancient heart of Lovere is a succession of striking views, stone alleys and period architecture. It starts from the majestic Piazza Tredici Martiri, one of the most beautiful lakeside squares in Lombardy, and makes its way into the medieval village through Via Cavallotti, Vicolo Torre and the Portichetto San Giorgio passageway. In just a few minutes you reach iconic sites such as the Civic Tower (which can be visited with a scenic interior route), the Sanctuary of the Saints Capitanio and Gerosa, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra, a masterpiece of the Lombard Renaissance decorated by artists such as Ferramola and Moretto.
Culture and art by the lake
Lovere houses one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in Lombardy: the Tadini Academy Gallery, founded between 1821 and 1826. The museum houses valuable works, including Antonio Canova's famous Tadini Stele, the last sculpture by the neoclassical master. Next door, the Museo civico di Scienze Naturali offers an extensive collection of geological and faunal exhibits.
A vocation for dynamism
Lovere is a land of pioneers and champions. Illustrious figures such as Mario Stoppani, ace of the Air Force, and Giacomo Agostini, a legend of world motorcycling, were born or trained here. Local entrepreneurship has strong roots: Lucchini RS, in business for more than 150 years, is now a global leader in the production of railway wheels.
Life on the lake and in the mountains
The Cornasola Tourist Port, among the largest and most modern in Europe in the lake area, is a starting point for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and swimming. For those who love the mainland, not to be missed are the scenic walks along the lakefront, or excursions to San Giovanni in Monte Cala, from which there are breathtaking views of the entire Sebino and surrounding valleys.
Lovere is a place where past and present blend harmoniously, where every corner tells a story, and every view invites contemplation. It is the ideal destination for those seeking art and nature, spirituality and adventure, taste and relaxation. Whether it is a romantic getaway or a cultural trip, Lovere will give you authentic and lasting emotions.