Things to Do and See in Brescia

The center of Brescia, the capital of the province of the same name, is of particular historical and artistic interest. It is centered around four main squares: Piazza del Foro, an interesting and picturesque market with small shops that have traditionally specialized in selling local products such as salami and cheese; Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza Paolo VI, is one of the few squares in all of Italy to feature two cathedrals: the ancient Old Cathedral, a rare example of a Romanesque basilica with a circular floor plan, and the New Cathedral, built in 1604; Piazza della Loggia, where Venetian influences are evident in the Loggia and the Clock Tower, while to the north, you can admire Porta Bruciata, one of the city’s ancient medieval defensive towers. Finally, Piazza della Vittoria takes us back to the austerity of the Fascist era, in the style of architect Piacentini. Among other monuments of great importance are the Capitoline Temple, a Roman temple commissioned by Vespasian in 73 AD; the Santa Giulia complex, one of the city’s oldest monuments, which houses three churches: the Church of San Salvatore, the Church of Santa Maria in Solario, and the Church of Santa Giulia. Elsewhere in the province, there are numerous archaeological museums rich in artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, such as those in Boario Terme, Valle Sabbia, Gottolengo, and Sirmione—a charming town also known for its thermal baths, located on a small peninsula in Lake Garda. Among the civil architectural sites not to be missed are the fortification of Borgo San Giacomo and the eight other picturesque castles in Farfengo, Padernello, Motella, Acqualagna, Villagana, and Villachiara, not to mention the majestic and famous Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera, on the Brescia side of Lake Garda—the poet’s former residence and a veritable monumental citadel with buildings, streets, and squares—which Gabriele D’Annunzio donated to the Italian people before his death. Desenzano, meanwhile, is especially worth a visit for its charming old marina and its 16th-century cathedral. Finally, for car enthusiasts, there’s one event not to be missed: the Mille Miglia, which brings Brescia to life with some of the most beautiful classic cars.