8 Best Things to Do in Brescia
What is Brescia Most Famous For?
The best things to do in Brescia include visiting a centuries-old fortress, seeing a world-famous bronze statue in all its glory, and enjoying Italian opera in a luxurious theater. This city is a treasure trove of dazzling architecture and fascinating history, not to mention breathtaking viewpoints. It’s an intriguing blend of old Roman ruins and modern-day markets that leaves visitors wanting to come back to Lombardy for more.
Brescia is quite a compact city that’s best explored on foot. Use the UNESCO Corridor to stroll between captivating archeological sites, and head away from the main squares to discover tiny passageways brimming with character.
What are the best things to do in Brescia?
1. Castello di Brescia
A spectacular fortress and panoramic vistas
Categoría: Económico, Foto
With its imposing tower and magnificent drawbridge, Castello di Brescia stands high on Cidneo Hill, overlooking the city. History lovers will delight in discovering the oil warehouses dating back to the Roman era and exploring the passageways and medieval constructions. There’s even a locomotive from 1909 to enthrall kids of all ages.
Admission to the castle is free, so many visitors simply choose to take in the sweeping views across the city and as far as the mountains. But the onsite museums are well worth paying the entrance fee for the awe-inspiring armory on display, and the Risorgimento exhibits. If you’re visiting in October, be sure to attend the castle’s annual Medieval Festival. The historic reenactment is incredible to watch.
Ubicación: Via del Castello, 9, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Horarios: Daily from 6 am to 11 pm
Teléfono: +39 03 0817 4200
Castello di Brescia
2. Parco archeologico di Brixia romana
Family fun in an excavation site of Roman ruins
Categoría: Familias, Historia
The history contained in the Parco archeologico di Brixia romana is astounding. This archeological museum includes well-preserved frescos, an impressive Roman theater, and an amazing collection of epigraphs for anyone looking to practice their Latin. But the standout piece is undoubtedly The Winged Victory. This bronze masterpiece, standing over 1.9 meters high, was excavated in 1826 and is quite simply magnificent.
Walking around this UNESCO World Heritage Site isn’t just for adults, though. Download the Geronimo Stilton app-game on a smartphone or tablet, and young adventurers can enjoy a fun tour of their own. They’ll look for treasures and learn from a cheeky animated mouse as they go. You can buy earphones at the ticket office, if needed.
Ubicación: Via dei Musei, 55, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +39 03 0817 4200
Parco archeologico di Brixia romana
3. Piazza Paolo VI
Stunning architecture in the city center
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Foto, Económico
Indulging in a gelato in Piazza Paolo VI, while watching the world go by, is one of the best things to do in Brescia. This historic square, dating back to the Middle Ages, is one of the city’s busiest, yet nobody seems to rush. It’s a great spot for soaking up the city vibe and awe-inspiring architecture.
The square is dominated by contrasting cathedrals, sitting side by side. Indeed, it’s still known locally by its former name, Piazza del Duomo. Duomo Vecchio is the older cathedral, with its medieval frescos, while its neighbor has a striking domed façade with beautiful statues. At sunset, head to the corner of the square for an Instagrammable photo of the illuminated cathedrals together.
Ubicación: P.za Paolo VI, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Piazza Paolo VI
4. Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli
A pedestrianized avenue full of charm
Categoría: Ir de compras, Vida nocturna en
One of the main shopping streets in Brescia, Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, is beautifully lined with plants and flowers. It’s a pleasant, wide avenue to stroll along, taking in the boutiques that line both sides, and you’ll find a good mix of clothing, jewelry, and bookstores to browse.
But the main draw is Teatro Grande. With its exquisite, gilt decor, trompe-l’oeil frescos, and breathtaking ceiling, this theater is not to be missed. Book tickets for Carmen, a jazz concert, or even The Nutcracker during the festive season. If you can’t make a performance, be sure to visit the theater’s cafe during your shopping trip. The ornate decor makes it an enchanting place for coffee and cake.
Ubicación: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli
5. Piazza della Loggia
A photogenic spot full of historic buildings
Categoría: Económico, Foto
Piazza della Loggia is a picturesque square brimming with impressive Renaissance-era buildings and quaint eateries. It’s known for its 16th-century astronomical clock set high above the archways, colorfully displaying the zodiac and the phases of the moon. You can take wonderful photos of the square, and the narrow passageways leading off the square are equally mesmerizing and great for exploring.
Locals flock to the square on Saturday mornings for the weekly market. Sit on a terrace and soak in the bustling chatter as you watch them shopping for fresh, seasonal produce. Or practice your Italian with some bartering yourself. Arrive early for the best deals, and wear comfortable shoes as the market is huge, spilling over into surrounding streets.
Ubicación: Piazza della Loggia, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Piazza della Loggia
6. Museo di Santa Giulia
Amazing Roman-era relics and treasures
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Museo di Santa Giulia is an extraordinary museum complex in a former Benedictine monastery. Head to the Ortaglia Domus for a fascinating view of the ruins of 2 Roman homes with their well-preserved mosaic floors. Then, visit the Church of Santa Maria in Solario. The awe-inspiring Cross of Desiderius steals the show, with its dazzling 212 gemstones, and the frescos and starry-sky ceiling are also magnificent.
The Museo di Santa Giulia is conveniently linked to the nearby Parco archeologico di Brixia romana by the UNESCO Corridor. It’s more budget-friendly to purchase a ticket for the museums together, starting at one complex, then strolling along this corridor to the other.
Ubicación: Via dei Musei, 81 b, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Horarios: June–September: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays). October–May: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +39 03 0817 4200
Museo di Santa Giulia
7. Chiesa di San Cristo
Artwork to take your breath away
Categoría: Económico, Foto
Walk up the steps to the unassuming, white facade of Chiesa di San Cristo, open the door, and prepare to be astounded. The captivating frescos covering the walls and side chapels have earned this church the nickname of “The Sistine Chapel of Brescia,” and it’s easy to see why. The details on the images are so vivid, you can even see clear facial expressions on the characters.
Check out The Last Supper in the cloisters, then wander around this serene church, listening to organ music. Note that although Chiesa di San Cristo is free to enter, it’s customary to pay a token gesture if you ask to have the lights turned on to see the frescos more clearly.
Ubicación: Via Giovanni Piamarta, 9, 25121 Brescia BS, Italy
Horarios: Daily from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm
Teléfono: +39 03 0377 2780
Chiesa di San Cristo
8. Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie
A peaceful and intimate shrine
Categoría: Historia, Económico
Adjoining the Baroque-style basilica, the Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie attracts visitors keen to see where a miracle is said to have taken place. In May 1956, several people reported looking at a large painting and seeing the Virgin Mary open and close both her hands and her eyes. This beautiful artwork is in prime place in the Shrine of Graces as a testament to this event.
Admire other beautiful paintings of the Virgin Mary in the shrine, along with spectacular columns, and gilt and marble decor. The shrine has close links with Pope Paul VI, who grew up nearby and held his first mass in this building, so it’s also a calm and respectful place to honor him.
Ubicación: Via delle Grazie, 13, 25122 Brescia BS, Italy
Horarios: Daily from 6.45 am to 11.30 am and from 3 pm to 6.30 pm
Teléfono: +39 03 0803 6934
Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie
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