It represents the privileged gateway to the famous Franciacorta wine-growing area, famous throughout the world for its hills located between Lake Iseo and Lake Garda. gussago, a municipality in the province of Brescia, is the perfect place to discover during a trip outside the city between nature, culture, gastronomy and wine.
It is the undisputed icon of Gussago. The Most Holy, with a monumental and imposing appearance, an ancient Dominican complex from the 15th century located on the Barbisone hill, dominates the landscape: on one side the plain, on the other the Monte Guglielmo and Monte Rosa. A suggestive place to reach with an easy walk, perhaps at sunset, to enjoy a panoramic view of the vineyards.
This sanctuary was built by the people, outside of monastic positions and without any mandate from the Church. For this reason, even today, the church is considered the pure prerogative of simple people, of those who consider themselves humble sinners and faithful, of those who want to go to pray without having to enter the circuit of the official Church. Tradition dictates that people go to the Blessed Sacrament to ask for a little help in everyday life.
The convent is one of the numerous monastic buildings that exist in Franciacorta. The religious, in fact, had large possessions and carried out land clearing and sanitation works to then dedicate themselves to cultivation. The cultivation of the vine itself dates back to ancient times, as demonstrated by the discovery of prehistoric grape seeds and archaeological material found throughout the territory.
The town of Gussago also has interesting buildings that can be visited upon request. Between these, Palacio Togni, with its elegant villa and its large English park adorned with neoclassical statues and a monumental exedra with iron doors and windows, a 20th century reproduction of a 16th century decoration forged according to a design by the Brescian architect Dabbeni.
It's also beautiful House of Begia (in dialect, “Löc de la begia”), from the 14th-15th century, which represents one of the most interesting rural manor houses in the area, with semicircular lowered arches in the portico of the large patio, a central well and the 17th century fountain.
Among the other cultural places in Gussago, it is worth mentioning the Pieve de Santa Maria, located on the route of the Roman road between Val Trompia, the smallest of the valleys in the province of Brescia, and Franciacorta. The current structure of the church dates back to 1470, rebuilt on a previous religious building from the Lombard period.
In Gussago you can enjoy authentic food and wine experiences. Some local wineries, such as Le Cantorie, with its panoramic garden offering a spectacular view of the Franciacorta hills and terraced vineyards or the Gussago Castle, offer wine tours with tasting of local wines accompanied by typical products and cold cuts.
A visit to the distilleries should also not be missed, including the Peroni Maddalena Distillery, where an excellent grappa is produced which, together with the Spiedo di Gussago, are the two De.Co products. (Municipal Name) of the Municipality. In particular, the Spiedo di Gussago is a true institution of the Municipality whose creation is regulated by a specification. In addition, it is the absolute protagonist of the Gran Galà dello Spiedo, a prestigious and highly attractive culinary event that is organized every year in September. An excellent way to enjoy kilometer zero delights in the fascinating landscape of Franciacorta.
