Although often overlooked by tourists, Brescia, Italy, is an interesting city with a castle, Roman ruins, Renaissance squares, and a medieval city center.
Brescia Location
Brescia is east of Milan, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is between the Garda and Iseo lakes and is a gateway to Valcamonica (a UNESCO site with the largest collection of prehistoric rock art in Europe) to the north.
Get to Brescia
Brescia is on several train lines and can be easily reached by train from Milan, Desenzano del Garda (on Lake Garda), Cremona (to the south), Lake Iseo and Val Camonica (to the north). The city is on our suggested Milan to Venice train itinerary. A local bus connects the station with the city center. Buses also connect to other nearby cities and towns.
Brescia has a small airport that offers flights within Italy and Europe. The closest large airport (with flights from the USA) is in Milan. The small airports of Verona and Bergamo are also nearby. (see map of airports in Italy).
Tourist information can be found at Piazza Loggia, 6.
Where to stay
- Best Western Hotel Master is in the historic center near the castle
- Hotel NH Brescia is next to the train station, just outside the center.
What to see in Brescia
- Piazza della Loggia : the most beautiful square in the city was built in the 15th century. The Torre dell’Orologio, or the clock tower, was inspired by the bell tower of the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Porta Bruciata, in one corner, is a medieval tower and gate.
- Cathedrals : the two cathedrals are located in Piazza Paolo VI . El Rotondo is the ancient cathedral from the 12th century. Inside you can see Roman remains and the apse of an 8th century basilica. The new cathedral is in the late Baroque style and took over 200 years to complete.
- Via dei Musei – The ancient Roman road is lined with Roman ruins, including the Roman forum, a theater, and a temple built in 73 AD.
- Monasteries – The Santa Julia Monastery was founded in 753 and has three churches. It now houses the city’s museum with artifacts from prehistoric times to the 20th century, including a Roman excavation and three historic churches built in different styles. San Pietro in Lamosa was founded in the 11th century and is in the Romanesque style. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Longobards in Italy, Places of Power.
- Piazza della Vittoria – This large square was built in 1932 in what was once a medieval center. On one side of the square there is a 60 meter high tower. The Mille Miglia race starts in Piazza della Vittoria and on the third Sunday of the month there is an antique market.
- Castle – The medieval castle complex on the hill includes towers, ramparts, gardens, courtyards, drawbridges, and various underground tunnels. It houses the Museum of Ancient Weapons, the Risorgimento Museum and an exhibition of model railways. From the highest point, there are good views of the city below.
Festivals and events
Brescia is famous for the historic Mille Miglia car race that takes place in spring. It begins and ends in the city. The San Faustino and Giovita Fair in February is one of the biggest festivals. The Franciacorta festival celebrates sparkling wine produced in the hills outside the city. Musical performances are held at the Teatro Grande , a theater built in the 1700s.
