One of the principal centres of Franciacorta wine area, just off the Southern shore of Lake Iseo, Corte Franca was founded in 1928 from the merge of the municipalities of Borgonato, Colombaro, Nigoline and Timoline. The name is a successful transposition of the term Franciacorta and reflects the medieval origins of the four villages, with their rural courts freed from duties and taxes.
Findings evidence settlements inhabited since the Bronze Age and the whole course of its history has produced significant traces that now adorn the landscape.
Between glimpses of vineyards and panoramic views stand out country churches, mansions and rustic corners often seats of prestigious wineries.
Some of the finest artistic buildings are in Colombaro, such as: the rustic church of Santa Maria in Zenigata, Palazzo Barboglio de 'Gaioncelli, some tower houses and the XVII century Palazzo Lana - Ragnoli.
A Nigoline facing the Parish church, it is possible to admire the Palazzo Monti della Corte, with its beautiful gardens. On a terraced hillside stands in the ancient Church of St. Eufemia, built around the XI century, which preserves inside frescoes of the Ferramola school. A wonderful avenue, sided by trees, is the spectacular entrance to Palazzo Torri. The old town of Borgonato is composed of beautiful buildings, like the Palace Lana today Berlucchi, with an elegant loggia.
The district, which was the ancient castle of Timoline, is today the complex of Palazzo Pizzini, a great XVII century villa with a wonderful park and a rustic construction built in XIX century which end up in the vineyards near the natural reserve of the Torbiere del Serbino.