Best Travel Guide Brescia | ArrivalGuides.com

BresciaGuide was updated: 2022-12-14

Prosperous and lively, Brescia is Lombardy’s second biggest city, a university town with a modern business area (Brescia Due). Located between two of Italy’s most famous lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, Brescia is often overlooked by visitors who bypass the city itself and head straight to the undeniably beautiful lakes. A great pity, as Brescia boasts one of the most beautiful historic centres in the region, and some of the best Roman and Lombard remains in northern Italy.

Do & See

The Brescia area is particularly well known for its lake landscapes - Lake Garda and Lake Iseo are reachable in less than one hour, and it's recommended to visit them for their atmospheric, breathtaking natural beauty. Here, with old castles emerging from water and greenery, you're likely to see unforgettable views. The center of Brescia also boasts Roman remains, Medieval and Baroque churches, and extensive collections of artworks, preserving the memory of Italy's diverse history and architecture. Moreover, Brescia is a popular destination for children and fun-lovers, near to the huge Gardaland amusement park, and to a refreshing water park for the summer.

Piazza Della Loggia

Not the oldest piazza in the city, but the most beautiful one. Here you can find Brescia’s town hall, the Palazzo della Loggia. The palazzo was begun in 1492, and the works lasted four centuries. Its huge, bulbous white roof is very distinctive. Opposite the palazzo, at the eastern end of the piazza, you will find the Torre dell'Orologio, a 16th century copy of the clock tower in St Mark’s Square in Venice.

Do & SeeRead more →

Piazza Paolo VI

Formerly known as Piazza del Duomo, this is one of the oldest piazzas in Brescia and home to a number of superb buildings, including two cathedrals: the Duomo, La Rotonda and the Palazzo del Broletto. La Rotonda, also known as the Duomo Vecchio, was built in the 11th century on the remains of the Basilica of San Filastrio. This is the only building of its kind in Italy – a huge cylindrical tower supported by eight pillars. The interior is simple and very beautiful. Head down to the very cold crypt to see the Roman remains.

Do & SeeRead more →

Capitoline Temple and Roman Amphitheatre

Some of the best Roman remains in Northern Italy can be found in the Capitoline Temple, constructed by the emperor Vespasian in 73 AD. Alongside are the remains of the theatre, thought to have held 15,000 spectators in its heyday. It was in use as a theatre until the 12th century.

Do & SeeRead more →

Santa Giulia - City Musuem

One of the most important archaeological museums in Italy, Brescia's City Museum is housed in the 8th-century monastery of Santa Giulia, which was founded by the Lombard King, Desiderio. This museum is well-worth seeing, not only for the huge quantity of exhibits, but also for the beauty of the buildings: the 8th-century Basilica of San Salvatore, the 12th century church of Santa Maria in Solario (see the stunning 16th-century frescoes in the oratory) and the 16th-century church of Santa Giulia. Closed on non-holiday Mondays.

Do & SeeRead more →

Scaligero Castle

High above the city on Cidneo Hill, the castle was built between the 13th and 16th centuries. There are a number of museums up here, and the views over the city and the Brescia plain are great – well worth the effort of the climb up here!

Do & SeeRead more →

Church of St Francis of Assisi

Church of St. Francis of Assisi dates back to the 13th-century and boasts a beautiful 14th-century cloister. The church also contains the remains of medieval frescoes.

Do & SeeRead more →

View all Do & See →

Population:	200,423
Currency:	1 euro (€) = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	113 Police Emergency 115 Fire Brigade 118 Medical Help (Ambulance)
Newspapers:	Giornale di Brescia Bresciaoggi Corriere della Sera La Repubblica
Website:	www.bresciatourism.it »
Opening Hours:	Shops are generally open 9am–12:30pm or 1pm and 4pm–7:30pm. Street markets are open 8am–1pm.
Tourist Information:	Infopoint Centro open 9am–7pm Via Trieste 1 (corner of Piazza Duomo), Brescia +39 030 306 1266 infopoint@comune.brescia.it Infopoint Stazione open 9am–7pm Piazzale Stazione, Brescia +39 030 306 1240 infopoint@comune.brescia.it