Visit Lovere

romantic village between lake and mountain

Where Lake Iseo narrows between the mountains of the Alto Sebino, Lovere reveals itself as a natural amphitheater of colored houses, historic buildings, and medieval alleys that gently slope towards the water. “The most romantic place I have ever seen in my life,” was how the English writer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu defined it in the eighteenth century, and still today, this village maintains that ability to surprise and enchant those who visit it.

Listed since 2003 among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy (I Borghi più Belli d’Italia), Lovere preserves an artistic heritage unexpected for a town of just over five thousand inhabitants: the Tadini Academy (Accademia Tadini), the oldest museum in Lombardy, holds works by Canova, while the monumental Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra testifies to the wealth that the cloth trade brought to these lands between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The village still bears the signs of Venetian domination – the Lion of St. Mark stands out on the Civic Tower since 1442 – and a thousand-year history rooted in the Celtic era.

By camper, Lovere proves to be a perfect strategic base: from here, both excursions to the Camonica Valley (Valle Camonica) and boat trips on the lake depart, while the lakeside promenades offer scenic walks and relaxing atmospheres. The village can be toured entirely on foot in a few hours, but it deserves taking all the necessary time to savor its authenticity, far from the routes of mass tourism.

Stopovers and overnight stayso

Lovere is a compact village with a largely pedestrianized historic center and often narrow streets: bringing the camper into the heart of the town is neither advisable nor necessary. The best solution is to leave the vehicle in the equipped area of Costa Volpino, located right on the border with Lovere, and reach the village with a pleasant walk along the lake or the bike path.

Recommended areas

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Camper Stop Area Costa Volpino “Il Bersaglio”
Via Nazionale 24, località Bersaglio, 24062 Costa Volpino (BG)
Municipal area of 8,000 sq m immersed in greenery, overlooking the lake, with about 40 pitches on gravel and grass block. Large and flat spaces, some with natural shade. A quiet and relaxing location with mountain views. This well-managed municipal area offers everything needed for a comfortable stay a stone’s throw from one of the most fascinating villages on Lake Iseo. From the camper to the center of Lovere: 1.5 km, about a 10-15 minute walk along the very pleasant lakeside promenade or the protected cycle path. The route is completely flat, safe even in the evening thanks to the lighting, and offers splendid views of the lake. For those who prefer cycling, the cycle path is perfectly paved and suitable for everyone.

GPS: 45.82368, 10.08597

Getting Around

Lovere is a pedestrian-friendly village and every one of its corners is easily reachable on foot. From the camper area, the most pleasant way to reach the center is to follow the lakeside promenade: a 15-minute walk that allows you to already savor the atmosphere of the place, admiring the waters of the Sebino that change color with the daylight.

On foot: From the camper to Piazza XIII Martiri, it is just 1.5 km of flat walking. The route can be taken along the lakeside (more scenic) or along the cycle path (faster). Once in the center, the entire medieval village is easily explored in a 2-3 hour walk.

By bicycle: The cycle path connecting Costa Volpino to Lovere is perfect for families and for those who want to move quickly. It then continues along the lake both southwards and northwards towards Valle Camonica.

By boat: The Lake Iseo navigation service connects Lovere to all the other towns on the lake. Connections for Monte Isola, Iseo, Sarnico, and Pisogne depart from the pier in Piazza XIII Martiri. A romantic and panoramic way to explore the entire lake basin.

“light shows in the square”

“lake view”

Points of Interest (PoI)

Piazza XIII Martiri: the heart on the lake The first stop on any visit to Lovere is inevitably Piazza XIII Martiri, the village's main square that directly overlooks the lake. Although the name recalls the tragic massacre of 13 partisans during World War II, today the square bursts with life from every corner: the pastel-colored buildings that frame it host bars, restaurants, and pastry shops where it is impossible to resist the temptation to stop. The Fountain of Liberty (Fontana della Libertà) stands in the center, while the bustling daily life of the village unfolds all around. It is here that open-air events and concerts are held on summer evenings, here that the boats arrive and depart for other towns on the lake, and here that the weekly market comes alive on Saturday mornings. In the evening, when the lights turn on and reflect in the water, the square offers one of the most photographed views of Lake Iseo.

Tadini Academy Gallery: Canova on the Lake Right on the lakeside, in an imposing neoclassical palace reflected in the waters of the Sebino, lies one of the most important artistic treasures in all of Lombardy: the Tadini Academy Gallery (Galleria dell'Accademia Tadini), the oldest museum in the region, opened to the public in 1828. The history is that of Count Luigi Tadini, a Veronese nobleman who moved to Lovere and decided to build this palace to exhibit his extraordinary art collection and to honor the memory of his son Faustino, who died prematurely in 1799. For this purpose, he commissioned one of his most touching works from Antonio Canova: the Tadini Stele (Stele Tadini), sculpted between 1819 and 1821, which can be admired in the chapel at the center of the garden. Inside the museum, the collection spans from the fourteenth century to the contemporary era: works by Jacopo Bellini, Paris Bordon, Francesco Hayez, and the rare terracotta sketch of Canova's Religion. The rooms on the piano nobile (main floor) maintain the original nineteenth-century furnishings, while on the second floor, the Nineteenth-Century Museum (Museo dell'Ottocento) preserves three important paintings by Hayez. The visit concludes with a collection of modern and contemporary art that documents post-war European artistic culture. But the Academy is not just a museum: since 1927, it has hosted a prestigious season of classical music concerts in the large central hall, and still today maintains the music and drawing schools desired by the founding Count.

Civic Tower: Lovere from Above In the heart of the medieval village, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II was once the center of political and economic power in Lovere. Overlooking it are the Palazzo del Podestà and the Civic Tower (Torre Civica), the unmistakable symbol of the town with its characteristic clock and the fresco of the Lion of St. Mark, which recalls the three and a half centuries of Venetian rule (1442–1797). The tower offers a unique experience: climbing the internal staircase, the walls illustrate the "12 hours of Lovere" (12 ore di Lovere), twelve crucial moments in the village's history, from its Celtic origins to the contemporary age. It is an original way to retrace over two thousand years of events while ascending to the top, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire village, the lake, and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, the view stretches as far as Monte Isola and the Brescia shore.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra: a Renaissance masterpiece At the northern end of the village, almost marking the border between the settlement and the mountain, stands the Basilica of Santa Maria in Valvendra, the largest church in the diocese of Brescia. The building is so imposing that to construct it, between 1473 and 1483, it was necessary to divert the course of the Valvendra stream, from which it takes its name. The exterior, although majestic, has a sober Renaissance facade preceded by a portico with 33 descending steps (symbolizing the years of Christ). But it is upon crossing the threshold that one is literally left breathless: the three-naves interior is a triumph of colors, frescoes, and decorations that represent one of the highest expressions of Lombard Renaissance classicism with Venetian influences. Every centimeter of the walls and vaults is frescoed: imaginative architectures by Ottavio Viviani (1645-46), Marian scenes culminating in the Coronation of the Virgin by Ottavio Amigoni on the central vault, and figures of Prophets, Sibyls, and Apostles on the side aisles. The church was commissioned by the wealthy merchant families of Lovere – their coats of arms can still be seen on the walls – who, through the trade of the famous "Lovere cloth" (panno di Lovere), had accumulated considerable fortunes and wished to erect this votive sanctuary to the Madonna delle Grazie. Among the most precious works of art: the seventeenth-century organ from the Old Cathedral of Brescia (Duomo Vecchio di Brescia), with the external doors painted by Floriano Ferramola (the Annunciation) and the internal ones by Il Moretto (Saints Faustino and Giovita on horseback, a masterpiece of early sixteenth-century Brescian painting); the finely inlaid sixteenth-century wooden choir; the high altar from the workshop of the Fantoni family of Rovetta, rich in sculptures and polychrome marbles; and the large seventeenth-century canvases depicting episodes from the life of Christ. A place that deserves a visit just for its architectural beauty, but which also tells the economic and social history of a village that was one of the most important manufacturing centers in Lombardy during the Renaissance.

Lakeside Promenade and Tourist Port Lovere boasts a full 2 km of lakeside walks, each with different yet fascinating characteristics. The most famous stretch is the Promenade named after Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the English writer who fell deeply in love with this village in the eighteenth century. Walking here at sunset, with the lights turning on the historic buildings and reflecting in the water while the mountains are tinged with pink, is an experience that alone justifies the journey. The Lovere Tourist Port (Porto Turistico) is not just a "boat shed": it is a modern, architecturally valuable structure, one of the best equipped in Europe, with green spaces, recreational, and commercial areas. Nautical activities start from here: boat, kayak, windsurf, and sailing rentals. It is the ideal place for those who want to experience the lake actively, or simply to enjoy an aperitif with a water view.

The Medieval Village: Alleys and Towers Getting lost among the alleys of the historic center, you can breathe the atmosphere of medieval Lovere. The Portichetto San Giorgio, a narrow covered passage with arches and wooden beams, connects Via Gramsci with Via Cavour and is one of the most photographed views of the village. From here, you ascend towards the Church of San Giorgio (14th century), which, despite its sober facade, holds a sumptuous interior with works by Flemish and Bergamasque school painters. The ancient fortifications are still visible in several places: the Soca Tower (Torre Soca, 12th–13th century), the Torricella, and the Alghisi Tower (Torre degli Alghisi) testify to the defensive system that protected the village in the Middle Ages. The palaces of the wealthy merchant families—the Celeri, the Bazzini, the Barboglio—alternate with the tower houses and Renaissance buildings, creating a layered and fascinating urban fabric.

Seasonal Events

Lovere, the Village of Light

Where: Lovere

When: June/September

What: over 10,000 square meters of facades of historic buildings are transformed into canvases for spectacular artistic projections. Each edition has a different theme – from Italian music to television, from art to cinema – and involves nationally renowned artists such as Maestro Marco Lodola, creator of luminous works dedicated to the myths of pop culture.

The projected works illuminate Piazza XIII Martiri, Piazza Garibaldi, Palazzo Tadini, and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in the ancient village, creating a magical atmosphere that is reflected in the waters of the lake. The event, which has made Lovere one of the most photographed destinations in Lombardy on social media, has allowed the village to establish itself as an important tourist destination even during the summer.

The Romantic Night

Where: Lovere

When: June 21st

What: On the occasion of the national celebration promoted by the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" club, Lovere organizes a special evening with live music, theatrical performances, extraordinary opening hours for places of interest, and nighttime guided tours in the ancient village. The lakeside promenade is closed to traffic and transforms into a stage for artists and musicians. It is the perfect time to discover Lovere under the stars, with the facades illuminated by the "Village of Light" project, which comes to life precisely on this occasion.

Borgo diVino on Tour

Where: Lakeside Promenade

When: Late July

What: A weekend dedicated to food and wine with over 30 wineries from all over Italy, local specialties, and live music in the splendid setting of the lakeside promenade. The event offers guided tastings and the opportunity to discover Italian wines paired with typical products from Bergamo and Brescia.

Mario Stoppani Memorial

Where: Lake

When: Summer

What: Air rally dedicated to Mario Stoppani, a pilot from Lovere who was a World War I Ace, a pioneer of aviation, and holder of numerous Atlantic crossing records. The event attracts flight enthusiasts from all over Italy and includes seaplane landings in the waters in front of Lovere.

“lake view”

“the Civic Tower”

Typical Dishes and Local Products

After walking through the alleys of the village and visiting museums and churches, it’s time to indulge in a sweet break with the signature dessert of Bergamo and Lovere: the Torta Donizetti, or as it’s called in dialect, the “Turta del Donizèt.”

Bergamo Cuisine: the Torta Donizetti

The Romantic Story (and the True One)

Legend has it that this cake was born from a gesture of friendship: one evening, Gaetano Donizetti and Gioacchino Rossini were dining together, but the Bergamo composer was so afflicted by love sickness that he couldn’t even eat. Rossini, desperate to see his friend so dejected and determined not to let his dinner be ruined, called his personal cook and ordered him to prepare a dessert so irresistible that it would bring a smile back to Donizetti’s face. The cook baked a soft and fragrant ring cake, rich in candied fruit and flavored with maraschino: the cake had the desired effect and from that moment on it was called the “Torta Donizetti.”

A nice story, but the reality is slightly different and just as fascinating. This dessert was created in 1948 by Alessandro Balzer, the pastry chef owner of the historic Balzer café on the Sentierone in Bergamo, who wanted to celebrate the centenary of the death of Gaetano Donizetti (April 8, 1848) with a special cake. April 8th is now the National Day of the Torta del Donizetti, and the original recipe is protected by a production specification filed with the Bergamo Chamber of Commerce under the “Bergamo, Città dei Mille… sapori” (Bergamo, City of a Thousand… Flavors) brand.

Characteristics

The Torta Donizetti is a soft and buttery ring cake, similar to a Margherita cake but enriched with pieces of candied (or dehydrated) pineapple and apricots and flavored with maraschino and vanilla. The batter, whisked for a long time to incorporate air, does not contain traditional chemical leavening agents but owes its softness to the perfect emulsion of butter, eggs, and sugar.

The Original Recipe

Ingredients:

– 260 g of butter at room temperature

– 150 g of sugar

– 160 g of egg yolks (about 8 yolks)

– 120 g of egg whites (about 4 whites)

– 90 g of 00 flour

– 90 g of potato starch

– 100 g of candied apricots (or dehydrated) cut into small cubes

– 100 g of candied pineapple (or dehydrated) cut into small cubes

– 50 ml of maraschino liqueur

– 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon of extract)

– 8 g of baking powder (optional)

– 1 pinch of salt

– Icing sugar for decoration

Method:

1. Prepare the fruit: Cut the apricots and pineapple into cubes that are not too small. Mix them with a teaspoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking. Set aside.

2. Cream the butter: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), cream the soft butter with 120 g of sugar, the maraschino, and the vanilla seeds for about 10 minutes, until a light and fluffy cream is obtained. Add the egg yolks one at a time, waiting until each yolk is well incorporated before adding the next.

3. Whip the egg whites: In a perfectly clean and dry separate bowl, whip the egg whites with the pinch of salt. When they start to stiffen, gradually add the remaining 30 g of sugar and continue whipping until a shiny and stiff-peaked mixture is obtained.

4. Fold in the egg whites: Using delicate movements from bottom to top, fold the whipped egg whites into the butter and egg yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate them.

5. Add the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, potato starch, and baking powder together. Gently fold them into the mixture, always using bottom-to-top movements. Finally, add the floured candied fruit.

6. Baking: Grease and flour a 22-24 cm diameter ring mold. Pour in the batter and level the surface. Bake in a preheated static oven at 175°C for about 40-45 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Serving: Let the cake cool in the mold for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. Once completely cool, dust it with plenty of icing sugar and, if desired, decorate with a few pieces of candied fruit.

Where to Taste It

The Torta Donizetti can be found in all the historic pastry shops in Bergamo and those in Lovere. It is perfect for breakfast with a cappuccino or as an afternoon snack accompanied by tea or a glass of passito wine.

Curiosity: The cake keeps very well for 3-4 days under a glass dome at room temperature, and indeed improves slightly the day after as the flavors have melded. Some even prefer it slightly moistened with a few drops of maraschino before serving!

Useful Tips

Returning to your camper, perhaps with a slice of Torta Donizetti bought at one of the pastry shops in the center, you will realize that Lovere has succeeded in giving you an authentic experience, far from mass tourism yet rich in art, history, and beauty.

This village has managed to preserve its soul without ceasing to welcome visitors: medieval alleys coexist with contemporary light projections, Renaissance palaces house cafes and restaurants, and the monumental Basilica opens its doors to tourists while keeping its religious function alive. The Tadini Academy preserves art treasures of international caliber in a museum that has maintained the intimate charm of a private collection.

The Costa Volpino camper stop area proves perfect for those traveling by camper: comfortable, well-served, a short walk from the village yet immersed in greenery with a lake view. From here, excursions depart for the Valle Camonica, boat trips on the Sebino, and bike rides on the cycle path. Lovere is an ideal base for exploring the entire Alto Sebino, an area of Lombardy still little known by international tourism but full of surprises.

If you are planning an itinerary on Lake Iseo, dedicate at least half a day to Lovere, or even better, a full day. It is truly worth it: you will discover why Lady Mary Wortley Montagu defined it as “the most romantic place” she had ever seen. And you will probably agree with her.

ℹ️ Tourist Infopoint:

Piazza XIII Martiri, Lovere

Tel: 035 962178

Email: infopoint@altolagoiseo.it

Web: www.lovereeventi.it

🚤 Tourist Port and Boats:

Lake Iseo Navigation (Navigazione Lago d’Iseo)

Pier: Piazza XIII Martiri, Lovere

Tel: 035 971483

Web: www.navigazionelagoiseo.it

🏛️ Museums and Monuments:

– Tadini Academy Gallery (Galleria Accademia Tadini): 349 4118779, www.accademiatadini.it

– Civic Tower (Torre Civica): info at Infopoint

– Basilica Santa Maria in Valvendra: free entry

🚑 Useful Numbers:

– Emergency Medical Services (Pronto Soccorso): 118

– Police (Carabinieri): 112

– Municipality of Lovere (Comune di Lovere): 035 983711

– Pharmacy: Farmacia Lovere, Via Tadini – tel. 035 960173

How to Get There:

– From Bergamo: SS42 dir. Lovere (35 km, 45 min)

– From Brescia: SP510 along the east shore of Lake Iseo (50 km, 1h)

– From Milan: A4 exit Palazzolo s/O, then SP469 (100 km, 1h30)

– Nearest train station: Pisogne (6 km)

Lakes

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December 10, 2025