Amidst the castles of the Bassa Bresciana

The river oglio and the ancient boundaries Advancing along this route to discover the fortifications of Lower Brescia (the area South of Brescia), we have chosen the square in front of the Fortress of S. Giorgio in Orzinuovi as our departure point. Cross over the beautiful Piazza Vittorio Emanuele turning right at the first set of traffic lights and left at the second set in the direction of Villachiara and then Barco. When you reach Barco, turn right near to the small church, arriving at the castle with its splendid angular tower. Continue past Bompensiero and Villabuona to Villachiara and Martinengo Castle (XV century), whose entrance was defended by a drawbridge. Leaving the fort behind, head straight towards the cemetery for Villagana, with its castle that has been rebuilt several times. From here, we cycle along a great dirt track among the fields until we reach Acqualunga, where we continue towards Quinzano and then Verolanuova; on reaching the sign for Motella, bear left until the church, where you can see all that remains of the castle. Picking up the road once more in the direction of Padernello, turn left at the crossroads with the electric trestlework, and shortly you will come to the suggestive Padernello Castle, which was once also a noble residence, surrounded by a moat. Leaving the castle behind you, take the first road to your right between the farmsteads, going left again at the crossroads until you come to Orzinuovi passing Farfengo and Coniolo.