In 1701, the fields surrounding this Lombard town saw heavy fighting during the Battle of Chiari, a brutal clash between French and Austrian forces in the War of the Spanish Succession. Fast forward to the present, and this community of 18,391 residents in the Brescia province is known for much quieter pursuits.
Chiari holds the distinction of being the first municipality ever named Italy's Book Capital. Positioned conveniently close to the renowned sparkling wine region of Franciacorta and the shores of Lake Iseo, it makes a highly practical base where a bloody military history has entirely given way to civic and literary culture.
Near Chiari
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
