Panoramic hike to the Church of San Defendente

Recommended itinerary to reach the Church of S. Defendente in Solto Collina starting from Castro. It is a path that is sometimes challenging but very scenic thanks to the breathtaking views that can be admired during the walk.

The Colet Chapel in Castro – dedicated to Saints Lawrence and James – is the starting point of the itinerary. Take the mule track on the left following the sign indicating the "Agrituristic Trail of Lake Iseo". After about 5 minutes of walking you come to a crossroads and follow the signs for Sarnico. With a little luck, here it is not uncommon to meet nice donkeys who love to be pampered. Walking for another ten minutes you arrive at another crossroads, where it is necessary to follow, once again, the signs indicating Sarnico. Reach the first rest area early: from the tables with benches you can admire the first views of the town of Lovere, of Valle Camonica and, during the winter season, of the snow-capped peaks of the Pre-Alps.

Continue the walk keeping to the left, starting a path overlooking the lake made up of pleasant ups and downs and wonderful views of the Corna Trentapassi and Monte Isola. Towards the end of the panoramic path, follow the signs for the CAI 565 path and then continue keeping to the right. Further on, at other signs for Lovere and Sarnico, keep left to continue on path 565, indicated on a tree. At a hunting lodge, turn left to reach the second rest area, which offers another enchanting view of the lake and allows you to catch your breath before tackling the rather demanding climb to San Defendente.

Take the path indicated by the handwritten “San Defendente” on the stone wall on the right. Once you reach the church, the panorama that can be admired from the benches or from the picnic area amply repays the effort of the climb: a unique and privileged perspective to admire Lake Iseo.

Return to Castro passing through the churchyard of the Church of San Defendente. After passing it, take the way out and go down keeping to the right, following the signs for path 565B, which leads to the starting point.

A piece of advice: if once you reach the second rest area (at the signs for San Defendente on the stone wall) you don't feel like tackling the climb, we recommend that you return to Castro by retracing your steps, or retracing the panoramic path and then the “Sentiero Agrituristico del Lago d'Iseo”, this time following the signs for Lovere.