Lovere Things to Do Tips by suvanki

Basilica di Santa Maria in Valvendra

This church, dedicated to Santa Maria was built between 1473 and 1480, on land reclaimed from a river bed (Val vendre) at a time when Lovere was secure under the protection of the Venetian Republic, and prosperous due to its position on the trading routes. (Woolen cloth was exported from Italy to other European countries and beyond)
Lovere experienced a confidence, reflected in the construction of many buildings, expanding beyond the walls of the old, small medieval town.

The Basilica was of a typical early 15th Century Lombard design, with its Gothic features, however, over the years, a Venetian influence crept into the Renaissance Lombard style.
Another Venetian trademark, being the works of art. Paintings and frescoes were crafted by experts of their day.
Apparently the most striking aspect of the interior, are the doors to the organ, which originally were from Brescia Cathedral. Floriano Ferramola painted The Annunciation on the outside, while Antonio Bonvicino (IL Moretto) painted equestrian portraits of Faustina and Giovita - the Patron Saints of Brescia on the inner doors.

At the turn of the 16th Century, a convent was added to the Basilica, as a stipulation for the church to remain under regular officiation. The Franciscan order, contributed to the towns cultural wealth by supporting and encouraging education for the citizens of Lovere and its surrounds.

I'm afraid that although we'd been advised to visit this Basilica by the lady in the Tourist Information Office, it was closed when we got there.

Address: Via Fratelli Pellegrini, 7

Directions: From TI office, with the lake on your Right side, cross the road continue forward along Via A Gregorni until Via 20 Septembre. Follow this forward and after crossing via Santa Maria/Via Cesare Battisti, you're nearly there.

Phone: +39333/2796975

Tourist Information Office and Useful Numbers

The Tourist Information Office (Ufficio I.A.T. - Alto Sebino) is to be found as you alight the bus from Bergamo. It offers maps, guides on things to see and do around Lake Iseo and Bergamo province etc. Also hotel and transport information. Ferry and bus timetables are displayed in the window.
The TI officer was quite friendly, and suggested things for us to see, including a mountainside walk to a church - we decided against this for now! Instead we decided to explore the lakeside promenade and the streets of the old town

Opening Hours - check the web site, as opening hours are listed for each month
June 2010 Sunday-Friday 10.00 -12.30 and 15.00 -18.30
Saturday 10.00 -18.30

Emergency/Useful numbers etc

Polizia locale - County Police +39 035 983710
Ospedale - Hospital +39 035 3067111
Vigili del Fuoco - Fire Service +39 035960222

Biblioteca civica - Public library (internet point) +39 035983700
Ufficio postale - Post Office +39 035960186

Address: Piazza X111 Martire 24065 Lovere

Directions: Next to the bus stop (Fermata autobus) for the bus from Bergamo.

Other Contact: iat.altosebino@tiscali.it

Phone: +39 035 962178 fax +39 035 96252

Website: http://www.cmaltosebino.it