Santa Giulia Museum, Brescia

Museum in Brescia

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wolfgang Moroder

The Santa Giulia Museum is one of the top attractions in Brescia and one of Italy's most compelling museum complexes, weaving together archaeology, art, and immersive storytelling across three sprawling monasterial churches. Set on the ancient site of the Longobard monastery of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia, this UNESCO World Heritage property takes visitors on a journey through over three millennia of local and regional history. With Roman villas, Lombard architecture, medieval frescoes, and Renaissance treasures, it offers an experience that is both deeply educational and richly atmospheric.

Set along Via dei Musei, the museum is part of Brescia's archaeological heart, standing near the Capitolium, the Roman theatre, and other ancient remains. Whether you're exploring its churches, walking through the Domus Romane, or admiring its curated collections, Santa Giulia feels like a great place to visit on a walking tour of Brescia, especially for those who enjoy layered, story-driven heritage sites.

History and Significance of Santa Giulia Museum
Things to See and Do in Santa Giulia Museum
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Santa Giulia Museum
Where to Stay close to Santa Giulia Museum
Is Santa Giulia Museum Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Santa Giulia Museum
Nearby Attractions to Santa Giulia Museum

History and Significance of Santa Giulia Museum

The museum occupies the former Benedictine monastery of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia, founded in 753 by King Desiderius, the last Lombard king of Italy. This early medieval foundation soon became one of the most powerful and wealthy female monastic centres in northern Italy. Over the centuries, the complex expanded, with additions in the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods leaving a rich architectural tapestry that still defines the site today.

In the 20th century, systematic excavations and restorations revealed extraordinary archaeological remains beneath and around the monastery. The discovery of two Roman houses-the Domus dell’Ortaglia-added an entirely new dimension to the site, showing how private life unfolded in ancient Brixia. Recognising its exceptional cultural value, UNESCO inscribed the Lombards in Italy: Places of Power (568-774 AD), including San Salvatore-Santa Giulia, on the World Heritage List in 2011.

Today the museum preserves and interprets Brescia’s long and complex history, blending architecture, artefacts, and immersive pathways that guide visitors from prehistory to the Renaissance.

Things to See and Do in Santa Giulia Museum

A visit to Santa Giulia unfolds through a series of interconnected buildings and archaeological layers. One of the highlights is the Basilica di San Salvatore, a striking example of early medieval Lombard architecture with surviving stucco decorations, columns, and fresco fragments. The 16th-century Santa Giulia Church adds a later artistic chapter with its elegant vaulting and Renaissance details.

The Domus Romane are among the most fascinating areas of the museum. These two Roman houses showcase vibrant mosaics, frescoes, and domestic spaces that reveal the lifestyle of wealthy families in ancient Brixia. The glass walkways suspended above excavated rooms offer a unique perspective on Roman architecture and daily life.

Throughout the museum, themed galleries display collections ranging from archaeological finds to medieval sculpture, liturgical objects, textiles, and Renaissance artworks. The famous Winged Victory of Brescia-a bronze Roman statue that has become a symbol of the city-is one of the museum's star attractions. Temporary exhibitions and cultural events further enrich the experience.

How to Get There

Santa Giulia Museum is located on Via dei Musei, in the historic centre of Brescia and within walking distance of major archaeological and civic landmarks.
Travellers arriving by train can take a short bus ride or walk from Brescia’s railway station to the museum district. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.
If arriving by car, parking is available in nearby public car parks around the historic centre. 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.
The nearest major airports are Milan Bergamo and Verona. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Brescia on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Santa Giulia Museum

Best time to visit Santa Giulia Museum: Late morning or early afternoon, when the complex is quieter.
Entrance fee in Euros: Standard tickets apply (Adults €15); combined tickets with archaeological sites are available (€19).
Opening hours: Generally open daily except some Mondays; check schedules for seasonal variations.
Official website: Visit the museum’s official portal for tickets, events, and updates.
How long to spend: At least 2-3 hours to explore the full complex comfortably.
Accessibility: Many areas are accessible, but some archaeological zones may have uneven surfaces.
Facilities: On-site amenities include restrooms, a bookshop, and nearby cafés.
Photography tip: Capture the interplay of light and shadow inside San Salvatore’s early medieval nave.
Guided tours: Highly recommended for understanding the site’s historical layers.
Nearby food options: Cafés and trattorias along Via dei Musei and Piazza della Loggia.

Where to Stay close to Santa Giulia Museum

Staying near Via dei Musei allows easy access to Santa Giulia and several of Brescia’s top historic sites. Albergo Orologio is a convenient option close to the main squares. For added comfort, Hotel Vittoria provides elegant rooms within walking distance of the museum. Another appealing choice is Centro Paolo VI, set in a historic complex with tranquil gardens.

Is Santa Giulia Museum Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt. Santa Giulia Museum is one of the best places to visit in Brescia for anyone who appreciates archaeology, history, or immersive heritage storytelling. Its combination of Roman houses, medieval churches, monastic architecture, and curated artefacts offers an experience unlike any other in the region. Whether you spend a short visit or several hours, the museum leaves a lasting impression.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (7,012)

Santa Giulia Museum at Via dei Musei 81b sits in a former Lombard Benedictine monastery and presents the region's history through pre‑Roman, Roman and medieval artefacts; visitors highlight in‑situ Roman domus remains with mosaics and frescoes, bronze statues and excavated villas in the basement, along with striking frescoed rooms such as those in the San Salvatore and Santa Giulia churches and a colorful solario, while some recommend allowing several hours (or more) to explore or noting the complex layout and ticketing options.

Andrea Olivato

2 months ago

"This museum complex is a gem! 💎 It houses an incredible collection of pre-Roman, Roman, Medieval, and more recent artifacts. The Roman sectionincludes in-situ excavations of Roman houses (domus) with stu ing mosaic floors and frescoes. The Cross of Desiderius is also beautiful, as is the magnificent room where it’s displayed. There’s so much more to see, but it would take too long to describe it all. All I can say is that this place is a must-see: absolutely worth the entry ticket. Plan to spend several hours being amazed!..."

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Ed Hendle

2 months ago

"This is a medium sized museum. You can definitely spend a few hours here looking at the frescos. There aren't a lot of individual paintings but thehistorical Roman foundation of the Domus is on display along with many of the Brescia sculptures. The solario is a beautiful sight to see with vibrant color and the wall and ceiling images are impressive. The San Salvatore and Santa Giulia church have beautiful frescos...."

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Mari Williams

4 months ago

"Incredible museum. Includes remains of Roman villas, bronze statues and a convent with stu ing frescoes. Completely worth its UNESCO heritage badge.Bought a €19 ticket which included entrance tickets this and the group of sites...."

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FAQs for Visiting Santa Giulia Museum

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours, though history enthusiasts often stay longer.

Yes, many exhibits and archaeological areas are engaging for families.

Generally yes, but access may vary depending on conservation work.

Photography is typically permitted without flash.

Yes, combined or integrated tickets are often available.

Nearby Attractions to Santa Giulia Museum

Capitolium of Brixia: One of Italy's best-preserved Roman temple complexes.
Roman Theatre of Brescia: An atmospheric archaeological site beside the Capitolium.
Broletto Palace: A medieval civic complex with towers, courtyards, and frescoes.
Duomo Vecchio: The city's unique circular Romanesque cathedral.
Piazza della Loggia: A Renaissance square perfect for cafés, architecture, and people-watching.

The Santa Giulia Museum appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Brescia!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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