10 reasons to visit Brescia

Two cathedrals. The monumental area of the Roman Forum. The lakes of the Iseo and Garda. 10 good reasons to visit Brescia

Do you need 10 good reasons to visit Brescia? Let us give you a few suggestions. After trying the reasons we mention in our list, only 10 will not be enough to visit this peculiar corner of the country.

Start with its two cathedrals: the Duomo Vecchio and Nuovo, they stand next to each other and display completely different architectural styles. The former was built in a romanic style while the latter in a baroque and neoclassical one.

"Lombards in Italy: places of power" is the title granted to a series of landmarks in the historic center, labelled as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The monumental area of the Roman Forum is one of the largest and best preserved public buildings from this age.

Pass along the elegant Renaissance of the City Hall and admire the tower with its astronomical clock.

Climb to the top of mount Cidneo and reach the Castle of Brescia. It harbors two museums and a good view of the local and surrounding scenery.

Automotive enthusiasts will appreciate the Mille Miglia Museum, dedicated to the legendary vintage car race devised to retrace the stages of this competition.

If you wish some peace and quiet, go to the lakes of the Iseo and Garda, encircled by mountains and the vineyards of Franciacorta and the thermal baths of Sirmione.

It's a city with two cathedrals — There's the Old and New Cathedral, one in front of the other. Boasting extraordinary architectural features and incredible artwork, both Cathedrals are worth a visit. Between the two you'll uncover the stately and beautifully decorated dome, an altar by Jacopo Palma the younger, historic pipe organs in the New Cathedral and the San Filastro Crypt and Santa Maria Theater in the Old Cathedral.

There's a UNESCO Site downtown — The monumental Roman Forum area, the monastery of San Salvatore and Santa Giulia have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them part of the "Lombards in Italy: places of power" complex. It's not too hard to see why once you visit them. The archaeological structure is one of the largest and best preserved Roman public buildings while the basilica that was commissioned by Desiderio is a unique example of late-medieval architecture.

It guards great treasures — Just enter the Church of Santa Maria in Solario to be amazed by the extraordinary beauty of Floriano Ferramola's frescoes that embellish its walls as well as the the sacellum. The Cross of Desiderio stands at the center, a masterpiece of Lombard jewelry skillfully crafted with gems, cameos and tinted glass. Both can be seen in the Santa Giulia Museum, which guards prestigious funerary monuments such as the Martinengo Mausoleum.

You can get your adrenaline fix here — Are you passionate about vintage cars? Brescia is the city for you. Here you can follow the history of the legendary Mille Miglia race in a dedicated museum featuring cars, artifacts, and plenty of pictures.

It combines elegance, history, and tradition — Piazza della Loggia is without a doubt one of the city's most beautiful squares. It's easily spotted thanks to the "Palazzo della Loggia", a Renaissance building which serves as the City Hall. The real attraction, however, is the astronomical clock tower located in front of the Lodge. You can check out the Macc dè lé ure ("lunatics of the hour" in Brescian dialect), two bronze machines that ring a bell at each given hour.

The lakeside attractions are gorgeous — Brescia is famous for its lakes surrounded by mountains and vineyard-covered hills. Start at Lake Iseo, with the charming towns of Lovere and Pisogne. Take a boat and head to the island of Monte Isola, where you can enjoy the local fishermen villages, olive groves and admire the panoramic view from the heights of the Ceriola Sanctuary. Then head over to Lake Garda, famous for its citrus orchards and renowned tourist locations: Desenzano and the Thermal baths of Sirmione, just to mention a few.

The view from the Castle — Start at the old city and go to the top of the Cidneo to reach the Brescia Castle, one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Italy. Inside you'll find the interesting Museum of Italian Unification and the Museum of Weapons, although the real spectacle is offered by nature: the extraordinary view of the city is unforgettable.

Its precious sparkling wines — Orderly vineyards, aristocratic mansions, famous wineries and DOCG wines. What else can you wish for? You can discover all this at the Franciacorta hillside area and the sparkling wines of Lake Iseo.

Its appetizing cuisine — Due to its fine wine, the Franciacorta, and robust, forthright cooking, Brescia is ideal for gourmands. Visitors can go chasing restaurants and trattorias to find casoncelli, Risotto a la Pitocca and great cheeses like Rosa Camuna, the Bagòs and many others.

The Vate awaits — A extraordinary man used to live on the shoreside of Lake Garda: Gabriele D'Annunzio. The Italian writer, poet and aviator commissioned here the Vittoriale degli Italiani, more than a home, a monument in honor of an unparalleled life. Have you ever seen a ship rise in the middle of the forest? And a submarine from the early twenties? Welcome to the world of D'Annunzio.

6 Things to do with children in Monza and Brianza

Lifestyle

Lake Garda and Brescia itinerary

Three days to make you fall in love with Brescia and its beautiful lakeside locations

Lifestyle

Summertime in Lecco

When the days get warm, refresh yourself going to the lake or to the mountains: Lecco offers a lot of outdoor activities

Lifestyle

FieraMilano, a masterpiece of glass and steel

A place of exchange and meeting, a stage for major international trade fairs

Lifestyle

Street art brings a splash of colour to Lombardy

Discovering the most beautiful urban art in the cities of Lombardy

Lifestyle

Outings for Halloween

Here are some unmissable destinations in Lombardy where you can spend your Halloween 2022

Lifestyle

Historic cafes and pastry shops in Milan

Lifestyle

Summer: camping is the thing to do in Lombardy

Camping holidays in Lombardy: discover the 4 trends for Summer

Lifestyle

Events in Lombardy in August 2025

In August, Lombardy offers special moments with starry nights, music festivals and lakes and mountain hikes

Lifestyle

Terraces and breath-taking views in Lombardy

Scopri la lombardia attraverso i suoi meravigliosi panorami.

Lifestyle

Corso como

Where new trends take shape and Milan nightlife enlivens

Lifestyle

Milan, shopping, fashion & design

Fashion Week and Fuorisalone. Shopping, Fashion & Design. Guide to appointments not to be missed in Milan

Lifestyle

Theatre and music: online events

Spettacoli da seguire dal divano di casa

Lifestyle

Negozi storici e Liberty a Milano

Un itinerario per negozi storici ospitati dagli edifici Liberty milanesi

Lifestyle

10 Good Reasons to...

Fashion, design, food, lakes… a few suggestions for your stay in Lombardy

Lifestyle

Lecco in a weekend

Discover Lecco in 48 hours, starting from the traces of a timeless novel, “The Betrothed”. A story within the story

Lifestyle

Fashion district mantova outlet

A small shopping village with big brands and big discounts

Lifestyle

Ski area Valmalenco

50 km of slopes make up the ski area of Alpe Palù, which is the calling card of Valmalenco.

Lifestyle

Sondrio in a weekend

Millennial traditions, roads to discover on foot or by bike, unique flavors. Sondrio, the gate of Valtellina

Lifestyle

Varese in a weekend

From the gardens of Palazzo Estense to the infinite vistas of the Sacro Monte. 48 hours to discover a city on a human scale

Lifestyle