Franciacorta: Between Landscapes And Culinary Arts

Some consider it for all intents and purposes a region, while others compare it to the Champagne of our French neighbors. Franciacorta is nothing more than an area of Lombardy located between Brescia and Lake Iseo.

The area is one of the most fascinating in northern Italy and boasts, in addition to an enchanting landscape, a remarkable standing in terms of wine production.

The backdrop unfolds among beautiful hills, rows of vines, and picturesque villages that make for culinary but also cultural and sporting experiences.

The name of Franciacorta has ancient origins and seems to date back to 1227 when it was referred to in some texts as “Franzacurta.” This name leaves room for different interpretations, even if the most accredited one remains the one that tells it wanted to indicate the “Francae Curtes” that is the territories that after the arrival of the Cluniac monks benefited from exemptions from duties.

As anticipated, the Franciacorta area is full of activities to do. One of the strong points is, without a doubt, that of wine culture.

The latter was born on the basis of a particularly flourishing soil for this type of processing among which stand out some excellent products such as, for example, Franciacorta DOCG, made according to the classic method of bottle re-fermentation of the Franciacorta, Franciacorta Satèn and Franciacorta Rosè variants.

The latter are wines for the whole meal and capable of enhancing all courses of a varied and hearty area cuisine and, in combination, with meat, cured meats, the amazing Risotto al Franciacorta, and polenta that, in these parts, can never be missed.

If we move into the experiential sphere, we can instead include, among the activities to do and places to visit, the following area attractions:

Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa

Originating in 1083, it was given to the monks as a gift by a wealthy family who, passing it down through the centuries, caused it to undergo countless transformations until it became the property of yet another aristocratic family. The turning point came in 1983 when the family decided to hand over the monastery to the municipality, which, after 20 years of restoration work, made it the attraction that everyone can visit today.

Olivetan Abbey of Saints Nicholas and Paul VI

Located in Rodengo Saiano, one of the many villages that stand out in Franciacorta, it is said to have been founded before 1050 by Cluniac monks. With its characteristic cloisters, which make the architecture sinuous and fascinating, it has the church of St. Nicholas as its central focus.

Outdoor activities:

Among the many activities that can be done in Franciacorta, outdoor activities such as, for example, trekking and cycling routes are certainly noteworthy. The area is also known for its numerous golf facilities, which, with the presence of in-house schools, attract fans of the sport all year round.

Tour of the Castles

Another fascinating aspect that characterizes the area is that linked to the presence of numerous castles. In fact, in Franciacorta, there are numerous structures dating back to medieval times. Among the main ones stand out: the Casello of Bornato, the Castle of Passirano, that of Capriolo, and that of Rovato. Of the latter some can be visited and host, among other things, wine tastings and events of various kinds.

Franciacorta can be reached by car from Milan taking about an hour and a half on the A4 highway. An excellent alternative is by train, which not only allows you to reach numerous locations served by train stations but also to transport your bike and use it to explore the beauty of this area.