Brescia: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Luca Giarelli

Brescia, nestled in the region of Lombardy in northern Italy, is a city that balances industrial might with a rich cultural heritage. Located at the foot of the Alps and close to both Lago di Garda and Lago d’Iseo, it serves as both a vibrant urban hub and a gateway to some of northern Italy’s most scenic landscapes. While it’s often overlooked by international tourists in favor of nearby Milan or Verona, Brescia offers an authentic experience, with bustling piazzas, a well-preserved historic center, and a strong local character.

Legacies of Brescia’s past include significant Roman ruins, two cathedrals and a vast medieval castle. As a result, the town is filled with gaggles of kids on school excursions (if you’re here during term time, you’re bound to encounter them). Founded over 3,200 years ago, Brescia has been an important regional centre since pre-Roman times. Its old town contains the best-preserved Roman public buildings in northern Italy and numerous monuments, among these the medieval castle, the Old and New Cathedral, the Renaissance Piazza della Loggia, and the rationalist Piazza della Vittoria. The density of historical landmarks makes Brescia an engaging and educational destination, ideal for anyone interested in art, architecture, or archaeology.

Brescia’s location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the Lombardy region. To the northwest lies the tranquil and underrated Lago d’Iseo, a peaceful retreat with charming lakeside towns and natural beauty. Head northeast, and you’ll reach the bustling shores of Lago di Garda, Italy’s largest and most popular lake, offering everything from water sports to historic villas. Whether you’re after lakeside relaxation, alpine excursions, or urban culture, Brescia is a strategic and rewarding place to begin your northern Italian journey.

History of Brescia

Brescia in Ancient Times: Pre-Roman Origins and Roman Development

Brescia’s history begins over 3,200 years ago, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in northern Italy. Originally settled by the Cenomani, a Gallic tribe, the area became an important regional center even before the Roman conquest. By the 1st century BCE, Brescia—then known as Brixia—was officially incorporated into the Roman Republic. Under Roman rule, the city prospered, developing a grid layout, aqueducts, temples, baths, and a forum. Many of these structures, such as the Capitolium and the Roman theatre, remain among the best-preserved examples of Roman public buildings in the region.

Brescia in the Middle Ages: From Lombard Duchy to Free Commune

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Brescia became part of the Ostrogothic and later the Lombard Kingdom. It served as a key duchy during Lombard rule and retained its strategic and military importance. The arrival of Charlemagne and incorporation into the Frankish Empire introduced new feudal structures. By the 12th century, Brescia emerged as a self-governing commune, participating in the Lombard League’s resistance against imperial power. The city expanded its walls and built churches, monasteries, and a fortified castle, which still dominates the skyline today. Despite internal factionalism and external threats, Brescia maintained a level of autonomy throughout much of the medieval era.

Brescia in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period

During the Renaissance, Brescia came under the rule of the Republic of Venice in 1426, a period that lasted nearly four centuries. Venetian governance brought stability, economic development, and a flourishing of the arts. The city saw the construction of elegant palaces and piazzas, such as Piazza della Loggia, and a blending of Gothic and early Renaissance styles in its architecture. However, Brescia also faced hardship during this period, particularly in 1512, when it suffered brutal sacking by French troops during the War of the League of Cambrai. Despite this, it remained an important urban center in the Venetian mainland territories.

Brescia in the 19th Century: Revolution and Unification

The decline of the Venetian Republic in 1797 brought Brescia into the orbit of Napoleonic France and, later, Austrian rule. The city became a hotbed of revolutionary sentiment in the 19th century, playing a pivotal role during the Italian unification movement. In 1849, Brescia famously resisted Austrian occupation in a ten-day uprising, earning the nickname Leonessa d’Italia—“the Lioness of Italy.” This heroic act became a symbol of national pride. By 1859, the city was annexed into the Kingdom of Sardinia, soon to become the Kingdom of Italy.

Brescia in the 20th and 21st Centuries: Industry, Resistance, and Renewal

In the 20th century, Brescia became one of Italy’s industrial powerhouses, known particularly for its metallurgy, firearms production, and mechanical engineering. During World War II, the city suffered from bombing raids and was an active center of partisan resistance against Fascist and Nazi forces. In the postwar decades, Brescia rapidly modernized while preserving its rich architectural heritage. Today, it is a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub in northern Italy. The city’s dual identity—industrial dynamo and historic treasure—continues to define its role in the modern Italian landscape.

Visiting Brescia for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Brescia on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Brescia not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Brescia and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Palazzo della Loggia (Brescia)

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wolfgang Moroder

Palazzo della Loggia is a beautiful palace built in Renaissance style in Brescia, located in the square of the same name, today the seat of the city’s Municipal Council. In 1484, the city authorities of Brescia decided to dedicate a new building to its citizens to express good governance. It was planned to replace the original loggia and to add…

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Location: Palazzo della Loggia, Piazza della Loggia, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Palazzo della Loggia (Brescia)

We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Broletto and Piazza Paolo VI

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wolfgang Moroder.

The Broletto or Broletto Palace of Brescia has for centuries housed the civic government offices of this city found in the region of Lombardy, Italy. The term Broletto refers to a buildings equivalent to the town hall or town assembly. Initial construction of the Broletto took place during 1187—1230, although the structure has undergone many modifications over the centuries, specially…

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Location: Piazza Paolo VI, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Broletto and Piazza Paolo VI

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Brescia . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral) and Rotonda

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wolfgang Moroder

The Duomo Nuovo or New Cathedral is the largest Catholic church in Brescia, Italy. Construction was begun in 1604 at the site where the paleo-Christian 5th-6th century basilica of San Pietro de Dom was located. The original commission was given to Andrea Palladio, but it was subsequently granted to the architect Giovanni Battista Lantana. He was aided by Pietro Maria…

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Location: Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Duomo Nuovo, Piazza Paolo VI, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Hours: 7.30am-noon & 4-7pm Mon-Sat, 8am-1pm & 4-7pm Sun | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting Duomo Nuovo (New Cathedral) and Rotonda

Explore Brescia yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Santa Maria della Carità, Brescia

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bragowonder

Santa Maria della Carità or just known as the Carità, or the church of the Buon Pastore, is a Baroque-style, Roman Catholic church located on Via dei Musei corner via Rosa in Brescia, region of Lombardy, Italy. It is stated that a wealthy patron, Laura Gambara, erected both the monastery and church of the Carita from 1481 to 1531, and…

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Location: Santa Maria della Carità, Via dei Musei, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Santa Maria della Carità, Brescia

Brescia Castle

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Marco Assini

The castle of Brescia (called the Falcone of Italy) is a fortress built in the Middle Ages and perched on the Cidneo hill , in close to the historic center of the city of Brescia. The first settlements on the Cidneo date back to the Bronze Age , 9th century BC , but the first real construction was a small…

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Location: Castle of Brescia, Via del Castello, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Hours: 8am-8pm | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Brescia Castle

Piazza del Foro and Roman Theater

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wolfgang Moroder

Piazza del Foro is one of the oldest squares in Brescia, born on the forum of the Roman city in the 1st century AD . It is part of the Brescia Antica district , in the heart of the historic center , crossed to the north by via dei Musei . It is rectangular in shape and contains most of…

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Location: Piazza del Foro, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Piazza del Foro and Roman Theater

Brixia Parco Archeologico

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wolfgang Moroder

The Capitolium of Brixia or the Temple of the Capitoline Triad in Brescia was the main temple in the center of the Roman town of Brixia (Brescia), in Northern Italy, in the modern region of Lombardy. It is represented at present by fragmentary ruins, but is part of an archeological site, including a Roman amphitheatre and museum in central Brescia.…

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Location: Parco archeologico di Brixia romana, Via dei Musei, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Hours: 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat & Sun | Price: adult/reduced €8/6 | Website | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Brixia Parco Archeologico

Civici Musei d'Arte e Storia Santa Giulia

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Giovanni Dall'Orto.

The Museum of Santa Giulia is the main museum of Brescia, along the ancient maximum decumanus of the Roman Brixia . It is housed in the monastery of Santa Giulia , built by King Desiderio in the Lombard period and variously enlarged and modified in more than a thousand years of history. The area below the Museum is rich in…

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Location: Museo di Santa Giulia, Via dei Musei, Brescia, Province of Brescia, Italy | Hours: 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, 10am-9pm Sat, 10am-6pm Sun | Price: adult/reduced €10/7.50, combined ticket incl Tempio Capitolino €15/10 | Website | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Civici Musei d'Arte e Storia Santa Giulia

A day trip from Brescia offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Brescia provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Bonoris Castle

CC BY-SA 2.5 / Wolfgang Moroder.

The Bonoris Castle of Montichiari was built around 1107, on the hill of San Pancrazio. In the middle of the 17th century the building was abandoned, and in 1862 most of the walls collapsed. In 1891 Count Bonoris decided to restructure the castle himself, with the help of Carlo Menchiotti. In 1996 the building was repurchased by the Municipality of…

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Location: Castello Bonoris Piazza Santa Maria, 36 25018 Montichiari BS Italy | Hours: Saturday 3:00pm-7pm; Sun 10:00am-12:00pm – 3:00pm-7:00pm (from May to October) (Last entrance 40 minutes before closing time). Closed on 1 April, 1 May, and 15 August. | Price: € 8.00. Combined ticket with admission to Lechi Museum | Website | Distance: 20.1km

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Visiting Bonoris Castle

Padernello Castle

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mercurioblu

A stately castle in the northern Italian countryside has been restored after years of neglect. This imposing residential castle was built between the 15th and 16th centuries by the noble Martinengo family.  Surrounded by countryside, in between fields, with a moat that protected it from assaults and various dangers, it is the noble element of a splendid rural village, with its…

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Location: Castello di Padernello Via Cavour, 1 25022 Padernello BS Italy | Hours: Tue-Fri: guided tours 9:00am-12:00pm/2:30pm-5:30pm; Sat 2:30pm-5:30pm; Sun 2:30pm-6:30pm. Last entrance one hour before closing time. Closed in August. | Price: adults: € 7.50 | Website | Distance: 26.6km

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Visiting Padernello Castle

Bergamo

Bergamo is a small town in Lombardy to the east of Italy’s northern city of Milan and Lake Como. Nestled up against the southern foothills of the Bergamo Alps, the town is laid out into two tiers: the upper, older città alta, and the lower, modern città bassa. Bergamo Bassa, the city centre on the plain, seamlessly combines medieval cobbled quarters…

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Visiting Bergamo

Verona

Verona stands out in the Veneto region, rivalling even Venice in its abundance of Roman sites and picturesque streets adorned with pink-hued medieval buildings. This laid-back city offers a wealth of attractions, surpassing other places in the region in terms of sheer sights. While the city's allure extends beyond tourism, drawing strength from its economic success as a pivotal crossroads.…

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Visiting Verona

Milan

CC BY-SA 1.0 / https://www.pexels.com/u/ghostpresenter/

Milan holds the distinction of being either Italy's second or, according to some, its primary city, depending on who you ask. Although Rome serves as the administrative capital, Milan stands as the nation's financial epicentre, housing Italy's stock exchange and positioned in the prosperous and industrious northern region. In several aspects, Milan bears a stronger resemblance to cities like Paris…

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Visiting Milan

Parma

Parma's early history as a Roman colony along the Via Aemilia has left little visible trace in the city today. The province of Parma, in Emilia-Romagna is known for its grand palaces, elegant squares, and its role as the seat of the powerful Farnese dukes. The city also bears a French legacy due to its ownership by Napoleon's wife, Marie…

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Visiting Parma

Como

Como, a stunning city in northern Italy, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Nestled on the shores of Lake Como and surrounded by the foothills of the Alps, Como is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. The lake itself, one of the deepest in Europe, is the centerpiece, drawing visitors with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque shoreline…

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Visiting Como

Vicenza

Vicenza  is a city in north-eastern Italy. It is in the Veneto region at the northern base of the Monte Berico, where it straddles the Bacchiglione River. Vicenza is approximately 60 kilometres (37 mi) west of Venice and 200 kilometres (120 mi) east of Milan. Vicenza is a thriving and cosmopolitan city, with a rich history and culture, and many museums,…

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Visiting Vicenza

Modena

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Albypino

Nestled in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, Modena is renowned for its delectable cuisine, a reputation rooted in its barrel-aged balsamic vinegar and exquisite cheeses. Culinary enthusiasts journey to this medieval city to savor tastes that embody the region's unique flavors. Yet, the city's allure goes beyond its gastronomic delights. Its center, a captivating blend of…

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Visiting Modena

Padova

Padova or in English Padua is a city in North Eastern Italy, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is located centrally in the Veneto region, between Venice on one side and Verona on the other. Famous as the backdrop for Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," Padua is particularly distinguished for its 14th-century Scrovegni Chapel…

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Visiting Padova

Ferrara

Ferrara is a city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, situated near the eastern Adriatic coast and positioned at the top of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. This charming city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For a period of three centuries, Ferrara was under the rule of the Este family, whose Renaissance court was renowned as one of…

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Visiting Ferrara

Bologna

Bologna, a captivating city, holds the distinction of being the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region. Renowned by many Italians as the second most beautiful city after Venice, it boasts a rich heritage and a vibrant atmosphere. Bologna's charm lies in its relaxed and stress-free lifestyle, accompanied by a warm and lively ambiance. Its historic center, one of…

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Visiting Bologna