The Oldofredi Castle of Peschiera Maraglio is located in an elevated position in the southern part of Monte Isola and was one of the defensive fortifications of the island.
The first document attesting the presence of a castle in Peschiera is a notarial deed dated 26 March 1488 signed “in Peschiera di Montisola” in the “residence of the Oldofredi”.
In 1497 the Queen of Cyprus Caterina Cornaro obtained hospitality here during her trip to Brescia and in the province to meet her brother Giorgio, who had recently been elected mayor of the city.
Between the 19th and 20th centuries, the castle saw several changes of ownership: first the Oldofredi Tadini family, then the Maraglio family, from which the hamlet itself takes its name, and finally the Agnesi. Nowadays the structure is used as accommodation facility for tourists visiting the island.
The complex consists of several buildings articulated around an open courtyard on the southern side. The main entrance is located near the Church of San Michele, but it is also possible to reach the courtyard from the lakefront by going up a stone staircase.
The original nucleus almost certainly dates back to the Middle Ages, but it has been renovated several times over the centuries, both internally and externally, to transform it into a noble residence.
Thanks to recent restorations, several medieval walls and fragments of late medieval wall paintings have been brought to light. On the main floor there are halls with painted wooden ceilings from the 18th century.
