Castle of Bornato

Among the most charming villages in Franciacorta, the small hamlet of Cazzago San Martino awaits to introduce you to breathtaking views and its most important architectural treasure: the Castle of Bornato.

Castle of Bornato, a jewel nestled among the Franciacorta vineyards

Erected in the 13th century on the remains of an older building, the Castle of Bornato welcomes visitors with its splendid Villa Orlando, a precious example of a beautifully frescoed Renaissance villa built within the walls of a medieval fortress. Built in 1564 by the Gandini family, the villa has been owned since the 1930s by the Orlando family of Livorno, who still inhabit it today; guided tours and tastings await visitors.

Crenellated walls, buttresses, towers, drawbridge, moat, mysterious dungeons: you will have the opportunity to admire the Italian-style park and the English-style garden with its wonderful centuries-old plants, the frescoed rooms of the villa, the secret grotto built in 1800 inside the medieval walls and the ancient cellars located under the main tower.

Very impressive is the small sacristy of the private chapel dedicated to St. Francis, enriched with a collection of sacred books from the 18th century and a magnificent Biblia Breves in Eadem from 1536. Just before the exit the mullioned window overlooking the picturesque surrounding vineyards is worth a photo shoot.

Oh, and you should take the chance to taste and buy wine on site!

For information and guided tours, visit the  official website of the Castle of Bornato.