Monte Isola is a town and comune in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy. It is located on the islands Montisola, Loreto and San Paolo in Lake Iseo and, as of 2015, its population is of 1,770. Monte Isola's population is approximately spread over eleven villages and hamlets. There are several churches built between the 15th and the 17th century with frescoes, statues, altars in vernacular art. In 2019 it was elected as the third best European tourist place, behind only Budapest and Braga.
Geography
With a total area of, Monte Isola ranks as the largest lake island not only in Italy, but also in South and Central Europe. The peak of the island at above sea level is above the average surface elevation of Lake Iseo, making Monte Isola one of the highest lake islands in Europe. Monte Isola includes 12 frazioni: Carzano, Cure, Masse, Menzino, Novale, Olzano, Peschiera Maraglio, Porto di Siviano, Sensole, Senzano, Sinchignano and Siviano. The bordering municipalities are Iseo, Marone, Sale Marasino, Sulzano, Parzanica, Tavernola Bergamasca and Sarnico. There are two main ports Carzano and Peschieria with a frequent ferry service with the surrounding mainland villages, including Iseo.
History
There are indications of a Roman settlement. The first written document mentioning "Insulae curtis" dates from 905, when the island was listed among the properties of the monastery of S. Salvatore in Brescia. The family Oldofredi, rulers of Iseo, built on the island two strongholds in the 11th-12th centuries. Members of the powerful Visconti family came here to hunt in 1400. In 1497 Francesco Sforza, duke of Milan, gave the islanders some fishing rights and reduced the taxes. In the same year, Caterina Cornaro, queen of Cyprus, resided a while on the island. During the 19th century the main industry on the island was the construction of boats and the manufacturing of fishing nets. Peschiera Maraglio and Siviano merged in 1929 to create the actual comune. In June and early July, 2016, Monte Isola was the site of The Floating Piers by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
Main sights
The single-nave church of San Michele in Peschiera Maraglio was consecrated in 1648. This baroque church is notable for the many frescoes on the walls and on the ceiling and for its wooden carvings. The shrine of Madonna della Ceriola stands above sea level, the highest spot on the island. It can only be reached by walking from the small village of Cure. The fortress Martinengo can be reached from Menzino. It was built in the 15th century by Oldofredi and enlarged in the 16th century by Martinengo. After a long period of neglect, it has been renovated in an elegant residence by the architect Vittorio Faglia. In 1497 Catherine Cornaro, queen of Cyprus, sojourned here for a short stay.
Transportation
Monte Isola can be reached through a network of ferry connection with regular schedules. Driving restrictions are currently enforced, with mopeds and bicycles only allowed on the island. An extensive grid of dedicated bike lanes and hiking trails span all over the island, reaching the peaceful fishing villages with lakeside cafés and the Madonna della Ceriola chapel, nested near the summit of the island. A circular trail of almost allows a complete tour of Monte Isola.
