Tourist guides of the town of Brescia

Situated at 149 metres above sea level, Brescia is a magnificent Lombard city located in the Po River Valley at the base of the Alpine foothills, at the mouth of Val Trompia, and at the foot of Monte Magdalene and Cidneo Hill. It was given its nickname of the “Leonessa d’Italia” (the "Lioness of Italy") in 1849, after withstanding a 10-day siege by Austria during the period of the Italian Unification.

  

Having been founded over 3000 years ago, when it was the capital of the Cisalpine Gauls, the city is now home to various UNESCO world heritage sites, including the "Longobards in Italy: Places of Power" site, the monumental area of the Roman forum, and the San Salvatore - Santa Giulia Longobard monastic complex, which is home to the civic museum (inaugurated in 1999). Known to the Romans as Brixia, the city is home to Northern Italy's most important complex of public building ruins dating back to this era. Some places of interest include the ruins of the Capitolium and the Roman Theatre overlooking the ancient Roman square, with the ruins of its colonnade.

Brescia offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy numerous fascinating historical itineraries, which are rendered especially interesting in the company of a licensed tour guide specializing in the city's history. The historic centre of Brescia is home to various interesting churches, including Lombard relics, eighteenth century masterpieces, and nineteenth-century works of eclecticism. The Ancient Duomo, the city's cathedral, is one of Italy's most important architectural works, and is considered one of the best examples of a round Romanesque church. Built in the 11th century, Brescia's Ancient Duomo houses splendid paintings by Moretto and Romanino. 

A fine example of the city's civil architectural works is Palazzo della Loggia and its adjoining renaissance square, which takes its name from the Palazzo itself: Piazza della Loggia. South of the piazza, visitors will find two Mounts of Piety, “the old” one, which dates back to the 16th century, and the “new” one, which was built during the late 16th century. Their façades represent the first Italian lapidary museum, and stand adjacent to a large astronomical clock, which overlooks the square from the east. The city's streets are lined with numerous historical buildings, including Palazzo Martinengo, Palazzo Maggi Gambara (in Piazza del Foro), Palazzo Martinengo Colleoni di Malpaga (in Piazzetta Sant'Alessandro), and the Teatro Grande, which is famous for hosting the "Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli International Piano Festival".

  

The Castle of Brescia, which was built by the Visconti family during the 13th century, today represents the largest public park in the entire province, offering visitors the chance to enjoy leisurely strolls while admiring breathtaking views of the city. Having now become one of Italy's most important industrialized centres (second only to Milan among the cities of Lombardy), Brescia nevertheless retains its position as one of Italy's most valued heritage sites: a place where history and modern life are melded together, like the famous steel produced by its foundries.

All this and much more can be illustrated by Brescia's licensed tour guides during the time you have available to enjoy the beautiful attractions offered by this magnificent Lombard city. In order to discover Brescia and its surrounding territory, with itineraries that include the nearby Lake Garda and even Lake Iseo, visitors can contact a tour guide directly via this website, or else by visiting any one of the local tourism offices.

Visit Brescia with a guide: the most interesting places to visit

Brescia is a charming city located in the Lombardy region of Italy. It is often overlooked by tourists, who tend to flock to more popular destinations like Rome, Venice, or Florence. However, Brescia is a hidden gem that is well worth a visit. In this article, we will share with you some of the most interesting tourist attractions in Brescia.

Brescia Castle

Brescia Castle, also known as the "Falcon of Italy," is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. This impressive structure dates back to the medieval era and is located at the top of a hill, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore the castle's various rooms and halls, which are filled with historical artifacts and works of art.

Piazza della Loggia

Piazza della Loggia is the heart of Brescia's civic life. This beautiful square is home to the Palazzo della Loggia, which is the city's town hall. The building's architecture is impressive and features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Visitors can admire the grand façade and take a stroll around the square, enjoying the various shops and cafes that line its perimeter.

Santa Giulia Museum

The Santa Giulia Museum is a must-visit attraction in Brescia. It is located in the former monastery of San Salvatore and is one of the most important museums in Italy. The museum's collection includes over 11,000 works of art and artifacts that span from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore the various galleries and learn about Brescia's rich history and culture.

Duomo Vecchio

Duomo Vecchio, or the Old Cathedral, is one of Brescia's most significant religious buildings. It was built in the 11th century and is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral's interior is equally impressive, featuring stunning frescoes and intricate decorations.

Mille Miglia Museum

Car enthusiasts will love the Mille Miglia Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Italian car race of the same name. The museum features a collection of vintage cars, including many that participated in the Mille Miglia race. Visitors can learn about the history of the race and its impact on Italian culture.

Lake Garda

While not technically located in Brescia, Lake Garda is a short drive away and is a popular day trip destination for tourists. The lake is the largest in Italy and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also explore the picturesque towns and villages that line the lake's shoreline.

Franciacorta Wine Region

The Franciacorta wine region is located just south of Brescia and is known for producing some of the best sparkling wines in Italy. Visitors can take a tour of one of the many wineries in the area and learn about the winemaking process. Of course, no tour is complete without a tasting of the region's signature bubbly.

In conclusion, Brescia may not be the most famous tourist destination in Italy, but it certainly has a lot to offer. From its medieval castle to its impressive museums and beautiful landscapes, Brescia is a city that is well worth a visit. We hope that this article has inspired you to add Brescia to your travel itinerary and explore all that this charming city has to offer.