Living in Riva di Solto

In the heart of Lombardy, sitting on the banks of the magnificent Lake Iseo is the charming town of Riva di Solto. Located 45 minutes from the city of Bergamo, and 55 minutes from Brescia, this lake-side city offers superb views, delicious food, and access to modern conveniences without losing its old-world Italian charm.

Riva di Solto has two main districts: the port itself contains most of its commercial interests, while to its north is Zorzino, a neighbourhood which is largely made up of beautiful Italian residences. Thanks to the SP77 road, Riva di Solto is connected to neighbouring communities such as Lovere and Solto Collina (less than 5 minutes by car) which allows for a wealth of convenient services. The C40b bus travels throughout Riva di Solto, while regular ferries depart for Castro, Sarnico and Marone, opening up yet another avenue through which to explore the stunning communities of Lake Iseo.

An assortment of businesses can be found in the heart of the port of Riva di Solto, especially along the Via Porto. Markets and grocers like Alimentari Moira and La Bottega Di Guizzetti Gian Luigi carry a variety of daily necessities, while delis like Sagra del Pesce offer high-quality meats and other products. The local pharmacy, post office, and school all sit close to the waterfront, while the town’s bakery – Fratelli Ranzanici – sits in the residential district of Zorzino where it’s easy to drop by regularly.

This comune is also home to several historic churches dating back to the renaissance. The striking Parrocchia Di S. Nicola Vescovo, with impressive bell tower and mesmerizing interior, can be found right near the water, standing right next to the Torre del Porto – an old and well preserved fortification. A short journey north, next to a popular sporting complex with a soccer field and tennis court, is the exquisite Chiesetta Dei Santi Ippolito with frescoes that date bak to the 14th century. These spiritual buildings are enhanced by the lush nature, rolling hills, and wonderful vistas that surround them.

Living in Riva di Solto and exploring its many riches is incredibly rewarding. All along the Via Porto, amazing eateries with delicious food can be found next to breathtaking views of Lake Iseo – specifically noteworthy is the Caffé del Porto and their outdoor patio, while nearby Gelateria Malù offers some of the best ice-cream in the region.

A stroll through Riva di Solto reveals the village’s brick and cobblestone streets that wind through the settlement. Residents and tourists alike marvel at its remarkable stonework structures that stand side by side with more contemporary Italian architecture. Traditional Italian red tile-roofed homes, in a vibrant range of pastel colours, are beautifully complemented by charming yards and gardens. While iconic balconies and terraces look out onto the classic streets of Riva di Solto, up in Zorzino, more timeless, yet urban buildings give way to larger stand-alone houses that are built in a style reminiscent of chalets, which gives a sense of tranquility without sacrificing accessibility.

With such an abundance of natural beauty surrounding Riva di Solto, as well as its proximity to modern amenities, plentiful old-world charm, and mouth-watering cuisines, it is not surprising that this comune is one of the most sought after areas in Lake Iseo.