Brescia: things to see
Brescia, known as the"Lioness of Italy", is a city rich in history, culture and artistic beauty. Situated at the foot of the Alps and close to Lake Garda, Brescia offers a perfect balance between nature and historical heritage. It is famous for its role in the history of the Italian Risorgimento, but also for its extraordinary archaeological legacy, ranging from Roman remains to medieval and Renaissance treasures. Its historic center is an open-air museum, with enchanting squares, ancient cathedrals and museums of international importance. Since 2011, the complex of Santa Giulia and the Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brescia is also a lively city, rich in cultural events, markets and gastronomic delights such as casoncelli and Franciacorta wines.
Castle of Brescia
Brescia Castle, located on Colle Cidneo, is one of the symbols of the city. This imposing medieval fortress offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Brescia and its surroundings. Inside the castle are the Luigi Marzoli Museum of Arms, with one of the most important collections of ancient weapons in Europe, and the Museum of the Risorgimento. Walking through its ramparts and gardens, you can breathe in a unique historical atmosphere.
Museum of Santa Giulia
The Santa Giulia Museum is one of the most important cultural sites in Brescia and Italy. Located in an ancient monastic complex, the museum guides visitors through the history of the city, from the Roman era to the Renaissance. Among the masterpieces on display, the Cross of Desiderius and the famous Winged Victory, a recently restored Roman statue, stand out. The spaces of the museum are fascinating, with cloisters, churches and archaeological remains.
Loggia Square
Piazza della Loggia is the Renaissance heart of Brescia, with its elegant buildings and characteristic astronomical clock. The Loggia, seat of the town hall, dominates the square with its splendid decorated façade. This place is also a symbol of historical memory, linked to the massacre of 1974. It is an ideal meeting point to start a walk in the historic center.
Piazza Paolo VI and the two Cathedrals
Piazza Paolo VI is home to two cathedrals: the Duomo Vecchio, in Romanesque style and known as La Rotonda, and the Duomo Nuovo, in Baroque style. The Duomo Vecchio is an extraordinary example of medieval architecture, with its circular structure and suggestive crypt. The Duomo Nuovo, with its imposing dome, is among the largest in Italy. The square is a fascinating place that unites different historical eras.
Archaeological Park of Roman Brescia
This UNESCO site is one of the largest Roman archaeological complexes in Northern Italy. Inside you can visit the Capitolium, an ancient temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, and the Roman Theatre. The Archaeological Park offers an immersion in Roman Brescia, with itineraries that tell the story of daily life at the time.
Tosio Martinengo Art Gallery
The Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo is a gem for art lovers. This museum houses a vast collection of works from the Renaissance to the 18th century, with masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Moretto, Romanino and the famous “Saint Francis in Meditation” by Caravaggio. The rooms are carefully set up, creating an exciting journey through the centuries.
Grand Theatre
The Teatro Grande in Brescia is an architectural and cultural masterpiece. Inaugurated in 1810, the theater is known for its perfect acoustics and its decorative splendor, with stuccoes and frescoes that adorn the halls. In addition to hosting opera and ballet performances, the Teatro Grande is a reference point for cultural events in the city.
Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie
This sanctuary, built in the 15th century, is one of the most significant places of worship in Brescia. The interior is rich in frescoes and works of art, while the cloister offers an oasis of peace in the heart of the city. It is a place of great spirituality and artistic beauty.
