Castro on Lake Iseo: Lakeside, Trails and Historic Traces

Castro is located on the western shore of Lake Iseo between Riva di Solto and Lovere. If you are considering accommodation in Castro for your stay, you will discover a place where the lakeshore, narrow lanes, viewpoints, nature and historic traces are all closely intertwined. The excursion destinations range from short walks to routes featuring cultural and historical points of interest.

Location and townscape on Lake Iseo

The historic centre of Castro is characterised by narrow lanes and houses close to the lake, grouped around the former parish church. The harbour of Castro was probably founded in the first half of the 11th century as a landing stage under the jurisdiction of Bergamo in the northern area of Lake Iseo.

Walking routes to viewpoints

The Sentiero dello Stross leads from the lakeside road to the Castro viewpoint. Along the way, views open up over the lake and the gorge with its distinctive vertical rock slabs at the water’s edge.

For a shorter outing, the easy walk from the centre of Castro to the Church of San Lorenzo is a good option. The route also leads to a viewing balcony overlooking Lake Iseo. Another trail is the Sentiero La Panoramica – Valle del Freddo, which begins in Castro near the Cappella del Colet.

Gola del Tinazzo natural area

The Parco della Gola del Tinazzo is a protected area. At its centre is a deep, narrow rocky fissure carved out by the Tinazzo River in geological times far in the past.

The Sentiero naturalistico runs through the park. It can be accessed through a wooden gate by prior reservation. The Sentiero dell’energia is intended to help hikers understand how water can be used to generate energy.

Churches, forges and routes from earlier times

The Chiesetta di San Lorenzo was built around the middle of the 12th century. Next to the cemetery of Castro stands the Church of the Natività di Maria; it is associated with dedications to the Natività di Maria and the Vergine delle Grazie.

Craftsmanship is also connected with Castro. In 1229, Castro had a silver foundry that was probably also used for iron. In 1364, there were forges in Castro. In the district of Poltragno, a water-powered forge can be traced back to 1400; today it is called Maglio Carrara.

The medieval Via Corna was intended for traffic with carts. Wheel ruts were carved into the natural rock surface to make transport easier. At the narrowest point between the rock face and the precipice, a fortified gate was built to secure the Castro area. The two guide grooves cut into the rock have been preserved.

Practical directions for the walk

To take the walk to San Lorenzo, reach Castro via the SP 469. Parking is available along Via Matteotti or at the “Parcheggio Area Feste”.

Other places for orientation

Villa Di Serio, Carona, Gazzaniga, Cenate Sopra, Zogno, Cene, Ponteranica and Leffe.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bergamo.