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.

Insider Milan

From the Montagnetta di San Siro to Porta Romana. Seven suggestions for a Milan to be explored from a new point of view.

Lifestyle

Mantua and Cremona

Two towns, two UNESCO heritage sites. Tips for a weekend between Mantua and Cremona

Lifestyle

Street art brings a splash of colour to Lombardy

Discovering the most beautiful urban art in the cities of Lombardy

Lifestyle

Historical workshops and artisan traditions in Lombardy

An extraordinary journey back in time

Lifestyle

Varese itinerary

Take a walk in the "Garden City" and climb slowly up to the sacred mountain that is Unesco heritage

Lifestyle

VIP Tour at Monza ENI Circuit

Experience all the thrills of the Monza Circuit with a super-exclusive visit..

Lifestyle

Discovering the most beautiful arcades and galleries in Lombardy

A virtual tour of the towns and cities of the Lombardy region, among nineteenth-century urban arcades, elegant arches from Renaissance palaces, and medieval galleries transformed into open-air markets.

Lifestyle

Ancient knowledge: the pezzotti of Valtellina

Lifestyle

Street market in Milan

Sounds, colors and traditions in the streets of the city

Lifestyle

Welcome Card

Guided tour every day (also in the week-end) at 2.30 p.m.

Lifestyle

Shopping Window Stories in Cremona

Lifestyle

Historic windows, a memory of Lombardy's expertise

Historic shops selling hats and flowers, pastry shops, trattorias and workers' cooperatives, shops selling musical instruments, butchers and printers.

Lifestyle

Porta nuova

Visit the most futuristic area of the city, with its glazed skyscrapers and elevated squares

Lifestyle

Corso como

Where new trends take shape and Milan nightlife enlivens

Lifestyle

Ski area Valmalenco

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

Lifestyle

Around the world in Lombardy

Explore Lombardy’s regions like never before, discovering scenery with a remarkably exotic, international feel.

Lifestyle

Travelling on historic trains

Vintage trains offer unprecedented views of Lombardy's landscapes, for a priceless experience that combines history and beauty.

Lifestyle

Retro lombardy out in a vintage car

Add a breathtaking landscape to a vintage car and enjoy your romantic trip

Lifestyle

10 Good Reasons to Visit Mantua

Lifestyle

Trams in milan

Take a seat on its wooden benches and enjoy a journey through the old days in Milanese history and tradition

Lifestyle