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Iseo

Description

One of the most important Italian touristic resorts, situated on the Lake that has the same name, Iseo has ancient origins, documented by the discovery of artifacts of the Mesolithic period. The Roman period is attested by an efficient communication network such with the road "Via Valeriana" (I century B.C.) and by the discovery of an artifact depicting an Herculean task, during the restoration of the Parish of St. Andrew. During the Lombard domination the town was under the jurisdiction of the monastery of Santa Giulia of Brescia and the Benedictine monks started the reclamation of land from the marsh. Thanks to its castle, Iseo became an important stronghold for Brescia in both strategic and commercial terms. The castle was neutralized during the raids of Barbarossa, who burned down the town in 1161 and in the next century, by his grandson Frederick II, but in both occasions with the help of the Lords of Brescia, the town was quickly rebuilt. In 1288 the castle was destroyed by the Ghibellines Camuni led by the Federici Family. The inhabitants of Iseo, then allied themselves with the Visconti and the Scala families, that in 1331 helped with the reconstruction of the castle and the walls.

Not to miss:
The castle Oldofredi, which is situated on a rocky spur and is the only fortress city of the lake Iseo. Erected in the XI century and set on fire by Barbarossa, the building was restored in 1161 by James Oldofredi.
The first news of the ancient Parish Church of St. Andrew date back to San Vigilio, bishop of Brescia. Rebuilt in Romanesque style, it suffered over the centuries many alterations. Currently it features a Neoclassical appearance, except for the façade, characterized the latter, from heterogeneous elements and a high bell tower built in the center of the main access portal of the church.
Among other sites of interest, worth of mention: the Church of San Silvestro of Discipline, the Church of Our Lady of the Market and the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve.

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