Brescia City Guide
Brescia dates back to before Roman times and remains an important administrative centre in Northern Italy’s Lombardy Region. Second only to Milan in size, this city with it’s medieval and Roman architecture and beautiful surroundings, Lake Garda and the Alps to name but a few, makes for an enjoyable and fascinating visit.
What to do and see in and around Brescia
Piazza della Loggia
The austere but grand looking Piazza della Loggia dates back to 1492 and its style is heavily influenced by the Venetian rule of the time, this is best seen in the ornate loggia on the southern side of the piazza. The piazza is also home to the substantial 16th century astronomical clock.
Il Duomo Vecchio
This attractive medieval cathedral also known as the Rotonda is somewhat deceiving in size as its base is below street level. Located on the Piazza Paolo VI, Il Duomo Vecchio houses beautiful frescoes as well as the remains of roman baths.
Il Duomo Nuovo
New by Brescian standards, Il Duomo Nuovo, dates back to 1604, however it was not completed until over 200 years later which explains the miscellaneous styles involved. The cathedral is an arresting sight and contrasts strongly with its neighbour, the more delicate looking Il Duomo Vecchio.
Santa Giulia Monastery
Home to the city’s museum, this former monastery is made up of three churches, the oldest of which dates back to 762. Among the treasure to be seen in the museum is a bejewelled cross whose original owner, the Longobard king Desiderio, founded the monastery.
Castello di Brescia
Sitting on the steep Cidean Hill, Brescia’s Castle was also the first site of settlement in Brescia. Another relic of the Roman era, the castle has seen much change and has been influenced by the Venetians, French and Austrians. The castle also houses a number of museums, including the Ancient Arms Museum.
Capitoline Temple
This impressive Roman temple dates back to 73 AD. Erected by the Emperor Vespasian, and located in Piazza del Foro, the Capitoline’s colomns are an imposing sight, and the amazing frescos are very much worth the visit.
Il Broletto
Yet another feast for fresco lovers, Il Broletto, also an occupant of Piazza Paolo VI in part dates back to the 12th or 13th-century. This collection of buildings is still in service as offices for the establishment.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli
This renaissance church was built in commemoration of a miraculous painting of Madonna that was found on a house close by, and can now be found in the churches’ apse. The church boasts a decorative façade, in a similar style to the Loggia, which was sculptured by the same artists.
Franciacorta
These stunning hills surrounding Brescia have been covered with vineyards since roman times. Today the vineyards most illustrious yield is Franciacorta a popular sparkling wine.
San Francesco
This 13th century Franciscan monastery demonstrates Romanesque architecture in all its glory. San Francesco also houses art, in the form of frescos and paintings, as well as an attractive cloister.
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