Located on the southern bank of the majestic Lake Iseo, in the famous Italian region of Lombardy is the thriving and well-connected village of Clusane. With the beautiful Monte Alto mountain sitting just to its south, bustling locales within its boundaries, and enchanting medieval settlements nearby, Clusane has plenty to offer beyond its small-town charm and appeal.
Being well serviced by the A4 and SP510 motorways and having its own wharf, the areas in and around Clusane are easily accessible – the municipality of Iseo in particular with its train station and ferry port is just 8 minutes from Clusane’s village centre. Only an hour and 13 minutes away is the cultural capital of Milan, while the cities of Bergamo and Brescia at 34km and 29km respectively, are both within a 32 minute drive.
Regular buses with trips to Iseo, Paratico and Brescia also pass through Clusane. From Paratico, the E bus travels to Bergamo, transiting through several breathtaking communities like Villongo, Credaro, and Chiuduno – making road trips a pleasant way to get around this idyllic town and its neighbouring areas. Alternatively, the reliable ferries of Clusane’s port that visit the quaint towns of Sarnico and Predore also connect many of Lake Iseo’s rich communities.
Clusane’s marinas, seafood markets and eateries that sell fresh lake fish are vibrant with daily activity. Along its waterfront are stunning stone promenades that pass by popular restaurants, cafes, and bars, while every year in July a festival called Settimana della tinca al forno takes place, celebrating the deliciousness of the local lake fish. Basic conveniences such as banks, schools, day care, a post office, pharmacies, medical centers, and auto-repair are readily available as well. . With Iseo (8minutes) and Paratico (7 minutes) right by its borders, quick access to general hospitals, clinics, police and firefighting services, and of course supermarkets and grocers are guaranteed.
The splendour of Old Italian history is still very much present in Clusane. Near the Via Molino, the ruins of an ancient Villa dated to between the 1st-2nd centuries represent Clusane’s Roman history, while traces of its medieval heritage are also abundant in the architecture and many stone arches. The Castello Carmagnola is a prominent castle dating back to the 14th century which overlooks the town and Lake Iseo from a hill near the lakeside, while the Chiesa Vecchia church and its notable bell tower visible from the majority of the town sits just a 2 minute walk east.
Walking around Clusane’s streets reveals historic rough stone walls and modern foundations that blend effortlessly with remarkable brickwork. Traditional villas are interspersed with chic apartments, and often have elegant Italian balconies that offer fantastic views of Lake Iseo and the rest of the township and its terracotta tile roofs. Gorgeous fenced gardens and green spaces complete and complement the locale’s modern and traditional architecture.
Iseo, Lovere & Rovato: Monday - Friday: 9.00 - 13.00 / 15.00 - 19.00
Ponte di Legno: Shop Ponte di Legno - Monday, Tuesday 10.00-12.30 / 15.00-18.30 - Wednesday 10.00-12.30 - Thursday 15.00-18.30 - Friday, Saturday 10.00-12.30 / 15.00-19.00 Sunday 10.00-12.30 / 15.00-18.30
