Category: curiosity

A blend of art, history, culture, and scenic beauty that leaves a lasting impression on the heart and mind. Countless treasures make Franciacorta and Lake Iseo among the fastest-growing tourist destinations in Italy, capturing the attention not only of those living in the Bel Paese but also of many guests from abroad seeking exclusive views and relaxing holidays in nature.

Among the most interesting areas undergoing new enhancement works is Paratico, which, together with Sarnico, forms the southern coast of Lake Iseo, where the water transforms into the Oglio River, creating a unique and highly suggestive setting.

To enhance the heritage of Paratico, two areas of great naturalistic interest have been added: the Parco delle Erbe Danzanti (Dancing Herbs Park) and the Bosco dei Taxodi (Taxodium Forest). Let’s find out more.

Parco delle Erbe Danzanti, a triumph of relaxation and industrial archaeology

Encountering this park is very easy. It is accessed by taking a leisurely lakeside walk until you come across the ancient charcoal kiln and the old train tracks, once used for the lake transport of goods, both magnificent examples of industrial archaeology.

From here, you enter the heart of Parco delle Erbe Danzanti, a freely accessible naturalistic public area characterized by a series of spaces, each with a dominant theme. Thus, from the Garden of Flower Beds with its large raised iron containers holding perennial herbs and ornamental grasses, you move on to the Room of the American Grapevine Pergola and the Refreshment Bar Room to the shore, where spontaneous vegetation grows, and ancient docks have been restored, serving today as a favorite area for bathers to relax. Particularly attractive is the Water Lily Room, consisting of two rectangular water tanks and wooden seats immersed in greenery.

All of this is accompanied by artifacts such as sculptures, gazebos, and the tanks themselves made with earth colors and humble materials including porphyry, Luserna stone, wood, iron, Sarnico stones, and Cor-Ten.

The result? A place that takes us back in time and at the same time aims to emphasize the beauty of the lake and botanical prosperity, in a low-maintenance project where nature becomes the protagonist, unfolding in wonderful seasonal blooms.

For all the details, visit the website of Cristina Mazzucchelli, a green design expert who was responsible for the redevelopment of the area and the creation of the park.

The Charm of the Bosco dei Taxodi

Let’s go back there, exactly where Lake Iseo becomes the Oglio River… and behold the Bosco dei Taxodi!

It is an extraordinary natural oasis of over 20,000 square meters, which, through elevated wooden walkways, allows you to admire an ecosystem of rare beauty, including the Taxodi, aquatic plants native to North America, and various bird species such as the grey heron.

The Bosco dei Taxodi is easily reached on foot by leaving your car near the ancient station of Paratico.

To find out the opening days and hours of the park, check the dedicated page on the Visit Lake Iseo website.

Did you enjoy these points of interest? Share your opinions and photos with the Cappuccini Resort community on Facebook and Instagram!

The year of Bergamo Brescia Capital of Italian Culture 2023 represents a tantalizing opportunity for both provinces to showcase themselves in all their facets, traditions, historical peculiarities, and the identifying characteristics of their population.

An example of this is the event “Sulla Soglia” innovative revitalization project of the Bergamo-Brescia railway line that also encompasses some municipalities in Franciacorta such as Rovato and Coccaglio, as well as the neighboring Palazzolo sull’Oglio.

The initiative is open to the entire community. Let’s see what it entails in practice.

Sulla Soglia 2023: The BG BS railway comes to life with dances and performances

10 urban performances, 12 days of workshops for all, 8 municipalities, 2 dance companies, 12 professional performers. These are just a few of the statistics of the event, which considers collective participation of all those interested in joining an event that promises to be unique and stimulating as its strong point.
The core of the project is indeed the active involvement of communities through open dance workshops for the community, held in Bergamo, Brescia, and in the areas along the Bergamo-Brescia railway: Rovato, Coccaglio, Palazzolo Sull’Oglio, Grumello del Monte, Seriate, Montello. These areas, often considered “border” regions, are being revitalized by “Sulla Soglia” highlighting their resources and unveiling hidden treasures.

 

The initiative will also involve the recording of 40 interviews with those who regularly pass through or work at these stations, with the aim of creating an exclusive collection of testimonies, episodes, stories, and customs that shed light on the specific context of the two territories and highlight their respective characteristics, which are often unknown to those looking from afar. This step will culminate in the release of a project narrative video and a photographic collection.

Dates and Participation Details

Introduced by the urban dance workshops in Brescia (March 18/19) and Bergamo (April 1/2) and the initial events in Seriate and Rovato, “Sulla Soglia” continues with scheduled appointments at the railway stations as follows:

• Friday, July 7th in Montello
• Thursday, August 3rd in Coccaglio
• Friday, September 22nd in Grumello del Monte
• Saturday, September 30th in Palazzolo sull’Oglio

The exact timings are to be determined.
Participation is open to all interested individuals and provides the opportunity to contribute with a performative dance experience to the enhancement of one’s own area of belonging. No artistic skills are required.

For information and registration: [email protected]

For all the details, visit the dedicated page for the “Sulla Soglia” event on the official website of Bergamo Brescia Capital of Italian Culture 2023. From the same page, you can delve into the program for each scheduled date.

Collaborations and Sponsoring Entities

The project involves the participation of dance companies ABC – Allegra Brigata Cinematica and Lelastiko and is realized in collaboration with ECATE, a Milanese association that promotes and develops cultural projects.
With the support of Fondazione Cariplo, Fondazione delle Comunità Bergamasca e Bresciana

With the patronage and contribution of the municipalities of Seriate, Grumello del Monte, Montello, Coccaglio, Rovato, Palazzolo sull’Oglio.

For those who wish to stay in Franciacorta, our resort is available.

After La Via delle Sorelle – the path BS BG, the year of the Italian Capital of Culture 2023 sees the launch of a new opportunity for all fans of cycling, contact with nature, slow outdoor tourism.

In fact, the Ciclovia della Cultura Bergamo Brescia was born, a 75 km route immersed in the scenic, artistic and cultural beauty of the two provinces passing through Lake Iseo and Franciacorta: are you ready to get in the saddle?

Cycling between Bergamo and Brescia for glimpses and opportunities to experience

More than 800 historical and cultural assets, 2 Unesco sites, 3 Regional Parks, 3 Local Parks of Supra-municipal Interest, 1 Nature Reserve.

Much more than just numbers, the heritage of important places crossed by the new Bergamo Brescia Culture Cycleway promises to be among the largest in Italy. A pride that solidifies the relationship between the two cities and provinces, united in this very special year and concretely committed to increasing tourism and sustainable development, for a future that still has much to tell.

And so from the Venetian walls of Upper Bergamo to the archaeological area of historic Brixia both recognized by Unesco to the swarming of castles, monasteries, ancient residences, medieval villages; from precious settlements of industrial archaeology and trades of yesteryear to a very wide range of green areas; from rivers and lakes to historic railways; from intangible capital made up of traditions and rituals to enogastronomic excellence with vineyards, olive groves, and terraces dotting enchanting panoramas such as that of Franciacorta, the entire journey tells the soul of two territories seemingly different yet so similar in vocation, testimonies, and urbanization phenomena.

Bergamo Brescia Culture Cycleway: highlights of interest

Notable points of interest in the province of Brescia not to be missed along the Bergamo Brescia Culture Ciclovia route include:

• the Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia and the monumental complex of San Salvatore – Santa Giulia, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. With the Capitoline Temple towering over the Forum Square and the remains of the Roman Theater, the Archaeological Park is one of the symbols of the city as well as among the most impressive attractions of Via Musei
• the Abbey of Rodengo Saiano, officially the Olivetan Abbey of Saints Nicholas and Paul VI, a jewel of peace and architecture that boasts works by Moretto, Cossali and Romanino
• the Monastery of San Pietro in Lamosa in Provaglio d’Iseo, for a journey of meditation and culture between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where the Romanesque church, the Oratorio dei Disciplini and a marvelous inner cloister stand out
• the Natural Reserve of the Sebino Peat Bogs, overlooked by the Monastery, 360 hectares of one of the most important ecological areas in the province of Brescia, which is home to protected species of flora and fauna, including purple heron, marsh harrier, brown kite, bittern
• the Parco delle Erbe Danzanti (Dancing Herb Park) in Paratico, a former barge docking area that has been completely redeveloped with the grafting of green spaces and flower beds. Note the old freight train tracks, still present in the ground

As for the Bergamo side, not to be missed are the Grumello del Monte Castle, included in the Italian Historic Houses circuit, Villa Suardo in Chiuduno, the Camozzi Vertova Castle in Costa di Mezzate, and finally the Venetian walls of Bergamo that enclose the Upper City.

In addition to the 75 km main route, the Bergamo Brescia Culture Ciclovia includes several cultural loops that lead to numerous additional stops.

For more details visit the official Bergamo Brescia Culture Ciclovia website.

If you would like to treat yourself to an overnight stay along the route, contact our resort and experience a stay immersed in the quiet and nature of Mount Orfano. Cappuccini Resort awaits you in Cologne, just a short walk from Erbusco and Rovato.

Franciacorta is increasingly becoming a haven for slow and sustainable tourism.

After various themed initiatives that have enjoyed growing success in recent years, such as the Cammino Festival, the designation of Bergamo and Brescia as the Italian Capitals of Culture 2023 marks a moment of consecration for all enthusiasts of slow tourism and nature excursions for self-discovery.

Indeed, La via delle Sorelle has been inaugurated, a 130-kilometer multi-stage route that traverses over 30 municipalities, passing through extraordinary historical, artistic, and scenic points of interest. It connects Brescia to Bergamo, the two cities united in this significant year.

Let’s explore together the useful information to embark on a journey along The Path of the Sisters and what we will take away from such a marvelous and yet intimate trip.

La Via delle Sorelle: a journey amidst nature, art, landscape heritage, and human connection.

A journey immersed in greenery that aims to bring forth undiscovered facets of the two provinces, typically known for their strong work and industrial vocations.

La Via delle Sorelle has a noble objective: to showcase a different, surprising side of the Brescia and Bergamo territories, where the well-established phenomenon of urbanization has never overshadowed an excellent landscape heritage that has often remained relatively unknown.

These 130 kilometers provide a precious opportunity to rediscover an authentic connection with nature while walking, not only in well-known locations such as Brescia’s Parco delle Colline and Riserva Naturale delle Torbiere del Sebino, or Bergamo’s Parco dei Colli and Valle di Astino, but also in a deeper sense through the many paths that traverse forests and waterways, ascend and descend hills, and cross roads lined with a long enogastronomic tradition of Wine Routes.

To complement all of this, we find permanent art installations created by artists in a sustainable manner, using natural resources and local materials. These artworks are placed in strategic areas of historical, cultural, or scenic interest and can only be reached on foot. Anyone can contribute to the project by submitting a specific application through the official website.

The Brescia Bergamo route: technical data and main points of interest.

La Via delle Sorelle: is an itinerary open to all types of travelers: solo, couples, groups. The route passes through:

• The two provincial capitals, Brescia and Bergamo, and 34 municipalities
• 2 UNESCO sites: the Venetian walls of the upper town of Bergamo and the monastic complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia in Brescia
• 2 regional parks: Parco dei Colli di Bergamo and Parco regionale Oglio Nord
• 6 Local Parks of Supramunicipal Interest: Parco delle Colline di Brescia; Naturalserio, Plis del Monte Bastia e del Roccolo, Plis delle Valli d’Argon, Plis del Malmera, dei Montecchi e del Colle degli Angeli, and Plis dei Castelli del Monte Tomenone
• 1 regional reserve (Torbiere del Sebino) and several other areas of natural interest
• 3 DOC-DOCG wine regions: Franciacorta, Val Calepio, and Terre del Vescovado
• 2 Wine Routes: Franciacorta Wine Route and Valcalepio Wine Route and the Flavors of Bergamasca.

Furthermore, it intersects with other famous routes such as the Ancient Via Valeriana, the 3V Trail, the Cammino di Santa Giulia, the Green Path of the Oglio River, the Via Mercatorum, the Cammino del Vescovado, the Cammino di Carlo Magno, and the Alta Via Delle Grazie.

Other useful information:

• Total length: 130 km
• Elevation gain: 3800 m
• Are accommodation facilities available? Yes
• Is the route accessible to people with disabilities? As it mostly consists of trails with some challenging elevation changes, it cannot be fully navigated by wheelchair users. For visually impaired individuals, it is recommended to contact the association.

It should be noted that this is a two-way route, allowing freedom to choose the starting city. Six stages of approximately 20-25 km each have been identified, but participants are free to organize their journey according to their own needs and preferences in terms of time and manner.

For all the information and things to know before embarking on the journey, please consult the official website of La Via delle Sorelle.

Bornato comes alive again with fragrances and colors with the new edition of Franciacorta in Fiore, which will take place on May 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2023, in the setting of one of the most suggestive ancient villages of this extraordinary corner of Lombardy.

All the news of Franciacorta in Fiore 2023

The first great news is that Franciacorta in Fiore 2023 will take place as tradition wants it, in the beautiful landscape, historical and cultural setting of Bornato and its castle. After a few years during which the event was extended to other municipalities in the area, the hamlet of Cazzago San Martino is once again the focal point of the festival, now at its 24th edition, ready to welcome visitors with its unique beauty.

The second news concerns this year’s theme: “The water that is not there: learning from plants at school“. There will be many moments to reflect together on this precious element for our lives, with workshops, walks, and focus that will accompany us towards a deeper knowledge of plants and their cycle in which not even a drop is wasted, and where everything has a function and responds to a precise balance.

The third news is that Franciacorta in Fiore is included in the schedule of Bergamo Brescia Capital of Culture 2023. This translates into greater involvement of the territory, which thanks to the active collaboration with Terra della Franciacorta and Fondazione Cogeme, will be the center of unmissable initiatives such as guided archaeological walks, the discovery of votive shrines, and activities included in the schedule of “Franciacorta in Fiore… and surroundings“.

What can we expect in Bornato and the surrounding towns for Franciacorta in Fiore 2023? Let’s find out together!

Franciacorta in Fiore 2023: program, initiatives, and events

Prestigious botanical exhibition focused on roses and perennial herbs, Franciacorta in Fiore has hosted since its origins over 100 of the best producers and exhibitors of greenery from all over Italy, carefully selected with the aim of maintaining the high quality of the event and confirming its vocation as an excellent showcase market.

The 2023 program promises to be very rich and mainly consists of:

• participation of the most renowned Franciacorta labels, both in the Franciacorta in Fiore Wine Shop and in the open wineries in the old village
• exhibitions and guided tours
• workshops for children and families
• book presentations
• the Palio della Rosa with parades, medieval games, and many other attractions in which the 6 districts of the village take part.

In addition to this, there are also collateral proposals from “Franciacorta in Fiore… and surroundings”, which aim to enhance and strengthen the union of the territory and which also involve the municipalities of Castegnato, Erbusco, Ome, Paderno Franciacorta, Passirano. Among these, there are well-established projects such as “Scattered gardens”, “Flower-filled balconies and shop windows” and “Today I eat flowers and plants”, and highly anticipated new entries such as tours in the green of Franciacorta, guided visits to cultural and archaeological sites, and the path on foot and by bicycle along the votive shrines.

Discover the detailed program of Franciacorta in Fiore 2023 and the initiatives of Franciacorta in Fiore… e dintorni.

How to participate in Franciacorta in Fiore 2023

The main location of Franciacorta in Fiore 2023 is the Old Village of Bornato (a hamlet of Cazzago San Martino) in the following locations: Castello di Bornato, Cascina Orlando, l’Antica Volta and il Portico del Palazzo Ambrosini Battista, Frutteto Dalola, La Rocca, the meadow, Palazzo Secco d’Aragona and l’Antica Pieve San Bartolomeo.

Franciacorta in Fiore 2023 opening hours:

• Friday, May 19th: from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 20th and Sunday, May 21st: from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

On-site ticket prices: €7. Free for children up to 14 years old.
Soon, it will be possible to buy tickets online as well.

For all information, please visit the official website of Franciacorta in Fiore.

Where to stay during Franciacorta in Fiore

Have you decided to take this opportunity to treat yourself to a weekend of relaxation in the heart of Franciacorta?

Just 15 minutes from Bornato, our resort awaits you surrounded by the nature of Monte Orfano with its elegant rooms that preserve the flavor of the past, the SPA reserved for guests, and the San Francesco Kitchen with gourmet proposals from the Chef that combine tradition and local flavors.

For information and reservations, please contact us.

A step back in time to discover the extraordinary historical sites that dot the Brescia and Bergamo plains. The initiative entitled “Days of medieval castles, palaces and villages” has restarted, which will keep us company until June 2023 and then again from September to December 2023, allowing the public to get to know the historical-artistic beauties of a territory that never ceases to surprise.

In this article all the details of the offer and the next opening dates.

Days of castles, palaces and medieval villages 2023: details and upcoming openings

The Days of Castles, Palaces and Medieval Villages is a review that grows from year to year: for 2023, the locations in the plain between Bergamo, Brescia, Cremona and Milan will rise to over 20, which can be accessed together with tourist guides qualified and against the background of many events organized at the same time.

These are extraordinary points of interest, usually not very usable or not open to the public, which for the occasion open their doors wide allowing visitors to catapult themselves into their millenary history, symbol of a prosperous past when our plain represented the border between Duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice, reason which triggered the birth of numerous fortifications and important architectural, historical and artistic bequests.

The Days of medieval castles, palaces and villages therefore represent an opportunity not to be missed for those who want to go back to the roots of their present, but also simply let themselves be enchanted by the medieval charm that helps make our provinces even more attractive.

The initiative is held every first Sunday of the month, from March to June and from September to December, with the addition of the holidays of April 25, May 1 and June 2. A rich calendar that gives the opportunity to visit all those interested, from families with children to couples, from groups of friends to groups: because the heritage belongs to everyone!

Days of castles, palaces and medieval villages 2023: complete list of participating realities

Below is the complete list of places open in 2023:

• Palazzo dei Della Volta – fraz. Acqualunga di Borgo San Giacomo (Bs)
• Castello di Padernello – fraz. di Borgo San Giacomo (Bs)
• Palazzo Visconti – Brignano Gera D’Adda (Bg)
• Il Paese dei Muri Dipinti – Calcio (Bg)
• Castello Silvestri – Calcio (Bg)
• Castello di Cavernago (Bg)
• Castello di Malpaga – fraz. di Cavernago (Bg)
• Borgo Medievale di Cologno Al Serio (Bg)
• Borgo Storico di Covo (Bg)
• Centro Storico di Crema (Cr)
• Palazzo Zurla De Poli – Crema (Cr)
• Borgo Storico di Martinengo (Bg)
• Borgo Storico di Orzivecchi (Bs)
• Castello Visconteo – Pagazzano (Bg)
• Castello Visconteo – Pandino (Cr)
• Castello Barbo’ – Pumenengo (Bg)
• Borgo Storico di Rivolta D’Adda (Cr)
• Borgo Storico – Romano di Lombardia (Bg)
• Castello Colleoni – Solza (Bg)
• Palazzo Botti – Torre Pallavicina (Bg)
• Museo Storico Verticale – Treviglio (Bg)
• Castello di Trezzo Sull’Adda (Mi)
• Rocca Albani e Borgo  – Urgnano (Bg)

A concentrate of priceless riches, of which our territories are proudly proud: what will be the protagonist of your next trip out of town?

Informazioni e prenotazioni

Reservations are required to visit most of the sites. Guided tours are paid, with reduced tickets or free for children.

The public can freely choose which and how many sites to access based on the opening hours of each location.

For all the information date by date, consult the “events” section of the official website of the Pianura da Scopere association.

In this important year for the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia, Franciacorta also confirms its role at the forefront of cultural offerings. In fact, the 2023 Cultural Renaissance Festival has kicked off, this year in its tenth edition: find out the details of the initiative and the events not to be missed.

Cultural Renaissance Festival: guests and unmissable events 2023

Over 30 events from February to late autumn in some of the symbolic places of Franciacorta: this year the Cultural Renaissance Festival returns with a richer program than ever, with many confirmed guests and many surprises arriving over the months.

Among the guests not to be missed in this edition we mention Telmo Pievani, philosopher and evolutionist of Bergamo origins with doctoral and post-doctoral experiences in the United States in his curriculum and engaged in dissemination through engaging performances and narratives; Massimo Gramellini, famous journalist, writer and television presenter as well as patron of the very popular “Il Caffè” column in the Corriere della Sera; Umberto Galimberti, professor, philosopher, essayist and journalist for La Repubblica; Massimo Donà, philosopher, profession and musician very active in the jazz field; Patrizia Romito, psychologist and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology of the University of Trieste who has been dealing with violence for years on women, minors and young couples.

Among the subjects covered issues related to the world of nature and the planet ; literary, musical and cinematographic subjects such as the philosophical reading of Moby Dick, the exhibition of Stravinsky’s Sagra di Primavera and the in-depth analysis dedicated to how cinema has made the mafia spectacular; democracy, society and politics; philosophical topics. All with an eye on the contemporary, to re-read current facts in the light of innovative interpretations, and with tools to be able to review one’s own actions and reasoning according to a shared improvement.

Discover the complete calendar of Cultural Renaissance Festival 2023.

The locations of the Cultural Renaissance Festival

As per tradition, the Cultural Renaissance Festival touches various towns in Franciacorta, allowing the public to discover suggestive indoor and outdoor locations among municipal parks, civic halls, auditoriums, theaters , oratories, libraries, parish cinemas.

There will be splendid historic houses, such as Villa Togni formerly Averoldi in Gussago, well protected by the FAI and known for its beautiful French garden, park and frescoes eighteenth-century interior.

How to join meetings

Participation in the meetings of the Cultural Renaissance Festival is free upon reservation.

To reserve your seat, you must book through the Eventbrite platform by clicking on the button “Book now ” under the event of interest, in the calendar shown on the website.

It is not necessary to print a paper copy of the ticket: just show the digital version from your smartphone at the entrance.

Cultural Renaissance Festival, aims and useful links

Founded and organized by the homonymous association, the Cultural Renaissance Festival stands as a reference point in Franciacorta for dissemination and for those who love culture, the territory and are driven by the willingness to grow, renew, acquire knowledge, open up to new horizons.

Annually, the review consists of free meetings open to the public starring illustrious personalities in the world of culture, science and knowledge. Among the speakers of past editions Alessandro Barbero, Alberto Mingardi, Gilberto Corbellini, Umberto Galimberti, Vito Mancuso, Patrizio Roversi, Emanuele Severino, Guido Emilio Tonelli and many others.

Read more:

• Cultural Renaissance Festival 2023 – website
• Cultural Renaissance Festival on Facebook
• Cultural Renaissance Festival on Instagram
• Cultural Renaissance Festival on YouTube

And if you want to take advantage of the opportunity to organize a romantic weekend in Franciacorta, do not hesitate: contact us, we will make your dreams of relaxation and cultural immersion come true!

The exhibition “Baroque Elegances. Isabelle de Borchgrave in the Casa Museo” set up at the Casa Museo Zani (via Fantasina 8) in Cellatica and open until 30 April 2023. A unique event organized as part of Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023 and which combines elegance and charm bringing in Franciacorta some of the most enchanting and at the same time curious creations of the Belgian artist.

Art and fashion in the eighteenth century on display in Franciacorta

The initiative allows you to immerse yourself in an interesting journey through eighteenth-century art and fashion seen through the eyes and hands of Isabelle de Borchgrave, one of the most fascinating contemporary artists. To tell us about it, five magnificent sculpture dresses made entirely of paper and cut, folded, painted, ruffled and pleated by her until they transform into authentic masterpieces with a look of brocade, satin, lace to pay homage to the eighteenth-century style.

Gli splendidi manufatti sono per la prima volta posti in dialogo con lo straordinario patrimonio della Casa Museo, dove a fare da sfondo troviamo i quadri di Boucher, Canaletto, Guardi e gli eccezionali arredi che compongono il patrimonio permanente, per un risultato che rievoca i fasti del secolo “illuminato” riportandoci alle corti di Madame de Pompadour e di Maria Antonietta.

These are the five sculpture dresses, with relative locations within the museum and the fashion accessories that accompany them:

• • Room dedicated to Canaletto: white and blue robe à la française and two pairs of rococo-style shoes, with circular buckle and upper embellished with floral embroidery
  • Temporary exhibition hall: robe à la française with large side baskets, a great novelty of French rococo with an incredible soft silk effect
  • Salon of the Octagon: robe à la polonaise, probably informal walking dress, supported by a back tournure
  • Wardrobe of the House Museum: tribute to the Orient with the colored Kimono that communicates with the doors of the Chinese screen in coromandel lacquer (mid-17th century)
  • Camera del Ridotto: Venetian robe supported by panier and where the paper is treated as corduroy.

The result is a constant and silent presence that gives further value to the exhibition itinerary of the House Museum, whose permanent collection is mainly focused on the themes of Venice and France of the eighteenth century, the Orient and Baroque Rome.

Isabelle de Borchgrave, the Belgian inspiration lands in Franciacorta

Isabelle de Borchgrave (1946, Brussels) is the contemporary artist famous in particular for her painting works and the creation of paper sculpture dresses. With experience in fashion, advertising and interior design, since 1994 she has mostly dedicated herself to the creation of paper costumes for museum exhibitions, giving rise to spectacular exhibitions including Papiers à la Mode.

To find out more visit the official site of Isabelle de Borchgrave.

Exhibition “Baroque elegance. Isabelle de Borchgrave in the House Museum”: information for the visit

The exhibition is open from Tuesday to Friday 9-13 and Saturday and Sunday 10-17.

Access to the House Museum and the exhibition is allowed only with a guided tour by reservation. To reserve your seat: www.fondazionezani.com – [email protected] – +39 030 2520479. We also recommend a visit to the wonderful Italian garden of over three thousand square meters, where sculptures, fountains, architectural elements and cultures blend with nature and with a unique collection of water lilies and aquatic plants.

Do you want to know our accommodation, stay and food and wine proposals in the heart of Franciacorta, a few km from Casa Museo Zani? Contact us!

The much-awaited moment has arrived: the inauguration ceremony in the presence of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and the Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano has officially declared the start of Bergamo Brescia, Italian Capital of Culture 2023, and many extraordinary events are already available to the public!

An initiative that fills us with pride and of which we feel fully part of… or rather, double part, being geographically located halfway between the two cities. And right here, in the heart and tranquility of Franciacorta, we can perceive the “good vibes” coming from the two cities and the many art and cultural opportunities already underway both in the city centers and in their respective provinces.

But how to organize oneself in this special year? Here is the answer to some questions asked by our resort customers.

Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023: frequently asked questions and answers.

1) What does Italian Capital of Culture mean?

Established in 2014, the Italian Capital of Culture project aims to enhance cultural heritage, social cohesion, and the autonomous capacity for organization and implementation of the cities involved, leading to growth in tourism and investment. It shares the same goals as the European Capital of Culture initiative, managed by the European Commission and launched in 1985.

These are the titles of Italian Capitals of Culture so far:

• 2015 – Cagliari, Lecce, Perugia, Ravenna, and Siena
• 2016 – Mantova
• 2017 – Pistoia
• 2018 – Palermo
• 2020/21 – Parma
• 2022 – Procida
• 2023 – Bergamo and Brescia

In 2024, it will be Pesaro’s turn.

2) Why was Bergamo and Brescia nominated as a single Capital?

The appointment of Bergamo and Brescia as a “single” Capital has a meaning of relaunch and rebirth after the difficult pandemic experience of 2019, which saw the two cities among the first and most severely affected by Covid-19.

3) What actually happens this year?

The year of the Capital features dozens of events that will animate the two cities and provinces throughout 2023, with long-awaited events – such as the reopening of the Leonessa d’Italia Risorgimento Museum in Brescia, closed since 2015 and just re-opened in a brand new version – and a rich schedule of exhibitions, shows, concerts, proposals for children and families that will keep us company until December.

It is very important that many of these events are organized in synergy and in close dialogue between the two cities, such as the exhibition “Lotto, Romanino, Moretto, Ceruti. The champions of painting in Brescia and Bergamo“, the Festival of Lights, and, always in combined action and even more so this year, the 60th edition of the Brescia and Bergamo International Piano Festival.

4) Where can I consult the program of events for Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023?

For the occasion, the website bergamobrescia2023.it has been created, where you can find all the information and the constantly updated program of events.

5) Capital of Culture and the culture of food and wine: how to satisfy your palate?

If you love food and good wine… you are definitely in the right place!

Bergamo, Brescia, as well as Lake Iseo, the Valle Camonica, Franciacorta and, on the Bergamo side, the Valle Brembana boast a long tradition of native agri-food products – including a wide selection of cured meats and cheeses – and genuine dishes to which you can match tasty wines.

In the area where we are located, Franciacorta, it is impossible to miss a glass of Franciacorta DOCG, one of the most famous classic method wines in the world, Rovato beef with oil, baked tench of Clusane and casoncelli in the Brescian style. To discover the typical products of Franciacorta, visit the dedicated page on the franciacorta.wine website.

6) Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023: where to stay?

From the valleys – Camonica, Sabbia, Brembana, Imagna to mention a few – to Franciacorta, from Lake Iseo to the city centers, there are many locations for an unforgettable stay in this year of Bergamo Brescia Capital of Italian Culture 2023.

Our advice? Choose a location away from the chaos that allows you to easily reach the two cities and at the same time to enjoy relaxing moments in the open air and surrounded by nature. Here is our proposal!

Bergamo Brescia Italian Capital of Culture 2023: The Welcome of Cappuccini Resort

Located exactly halfway between Bergamo and Brescia, in the charm of Franciacorta at the foot of Monte Orfano, where nature becomes more lush and a short distance from the most renowned Franciacorta DOCG wine cellars, our resort is one of the most sought-after destinations for a regenerating break, with the best comfort.

From the 14 rooms, including 4 suites, of the 4-star Charm Hotel, preserving the enchantment of the ancient rooms of the friars, to the restaurant embellished by the proposals of the San Francesco cuisine; from the SPA located in the former convent gatehouse, to the cloister and terrace from which to enjoy magnificent sunsets; from the walk that leads to the remains of the ancient Roman tower, to the outdoor pool ideal for an aperitif in company, up to the “Marco well” with an excellent selection of Franciacorta DOCG and Champagne, everything in our resort is designed to meet the needs of the guest and studied with meticulous attention to detail and full respect for privacy.

For any information and to book your relaxing escape, please contact us without obligation.

The 10th of August, the feast of San Lorenzo, is approaching, with its night of shooting stars highly anticipated by couples of lovers.

And from those who have a desire held in their hearts. Give yourself a romantic moment together with the person you love: discover where to see shooting stars in Franciacorta.

See the shooting stars in Franciacorta: Sanctuary of the Madonna della Stella (Cellatica)

Located on the Selva hill at about 400 meters above sea level, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Stella offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Franciacorta to the city of Brescia. Divided between the Municipalities of Cellatica, Gussago and Concesio, the Sanctuary can be easily reached on foot from Gussago (via San Rocco) and from Cellatica (via Camplani – via Stella). This last option is very simple and within everyone’s reach, while the path from Gussago presents large stones on the way.

Once you arrive near the Sanctuary you can relax in the churchyard and wait for the first light trail to be able to express your wish!

Botanical Garden (Ome)

The address of the park says it all: via San Lorenzo 21. The botanical garden of Ome is an oasis of peace that surprises with its beauty and order. Located in the Valle del Fus, the park is home to conifers from all over the world and can only be accessed on foot after a short walk alongside the stream (parking available near the Church of San Lorenzo or along Via Valle). Very impressive, even at night, the waterfalls and the artificial pond with fish.

Even at the bottom of the small valley, the botanical garden of Ome offers several observation points to admire the falling stars.

Convent of the Santissima Annunciata (Rovato)

Among the most visited treasures of Rovato, the Convento della SS Annunciata rises in Via Monte Orfano 9. From here you can enjoy one of the most enchanting views of Franciacorta, to intercept falling stars … and ask them to realize all your dreams!

Oratory of Monterotondo (Passirano)

We conclude our guide with a real gem unknown to most. We are talking about the splendid view of the vineyards and the starry sky that can be admired from the Monterotondo Oratory, in the Municipality of Passirano (via Luigi Cadorna 42), and from the adjacent park, the latter also accessible at night. An incredible raised terrace that offers a unique view, in the tranquility of the most intimate Franciacorta.

And where do you spend the Night of San Lorenzo?