A small village inserted in the fortified system of Val Cavallina, located along the gravelly slopes of Mount Pizzetto and Mount Pler.
The municipality of Ranzanico stands on an ancient route that, coming from Val Seriana, through the Valle Rossa and the territory of Bianzano, reaches Lake Endine. Its historical importance can be attributed both to the fact that it is part of the fortified system of Val Cavallina and to its peculiar position: in fact, it stands at the confluence of two ancient communication routes.
In the central nucleus of the village, evident traces of the original fortified structure can be seen in the tower overlooking the main square as well as in some valuable stone portals. The ancient parish church of Santa Maria Assunta dates back to 1467 and was dedicated shortly after the separation of the parish from the parish church of San Lorenzo in Mologno. Inside, valuable paintings by Palma il Giovane, Cifrondi, and Orelli can be admired.
The old town centre is home to an ancient and majestic palace, known as Palazzo Suardi-Re, which today houses the Fal’Fil Museum from silkworm to silk, and a permanent exhibition of ancient mementos and relics of local families, the “Once upon a time” collection. Strolling a short distance from Palazzo Re, one can easily reach the remarkable Little Church of the Oratory of San Bernardino and the characteristic Little Church of the Alpini.
The oldest preserved building in the historical centre of Ranzanico is the tower in the centre of the Contrada Piazza, built on the road to Bianzano, which continued to Sovere towards the Valle Borlezza or Valle Camonica. The tower, which was lowered during the Venetian conquest, today retains three floors in elevation (with ironwork datable between the 13th and 14th centuries).
Descending from the hairpin bends of the historic core in the direction of Lake Endine, we find the second settlement of the village, Ranzanico al Lago. The hamlet, directly overlooking the lake, hosts numerous restaurants, businesses, and a campsite.
