Things to do in Brescia
Welcome to Brescia
Brescia is capital of its eponymous province, but there is nothing provincial about this attractive city with ancient Roman roots. Its old town (a popular day trip from Milan) is home to cultural gems like the Brixia Archaeological Park, Santa Giulia Monastery, and twin cathedrals overlooking the main square, as well as tony boutiques and lively cafés set under the historic porticoes. Travelers also keep busy with excursions to headliners in the surrounding province, including Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, the Franciacorta wine country, and the paleolithic stone carvings in Valcamonica.
Top 1 attractions in Brescia
Mille Miglia Museum (Museo Mille Miglia)
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All about Brescia
When to visit
Most travelers skip past Brescia when traveling between Milan and Venice, so this city a tourist-free paradise even in the summer high-season. The busiest month of the year is June, when the city hosts the Mille Miglia vintage car race, attracting car enthusiasts from Italy and abroad. (There’s even a museum dedicated to this historic rally.) The Festa della Musica music festival is held that same month and features dozens of jazz, rock, blues, and classical concerts.
Getting around
A fast and efficient network of local bus and light rail lines make getting around Brescia a breeze. The city has expanded its bike sharing program (Bicimia) and increased its bike lanes, so you can easily and safely explore the center as well as nearby towns on two wheels; there is also a bike rental agency outside the main train station. Much of the historic center is closed to unauthorized vehicles. If you drive to the area, leave your car in one of the public parking lots and explore on foot.
Traveler tips
Brescia’s crown jewel is an ancient treasure virtually unknown outside the city. The dazzling Winged Victory is a 1st-century AD bronze that was discovered hidden in the city’s Capitolium temple in 1826. It was restored in 2021 and is now housed in a specially designed gallery in the Santa Giulia City Museum. Roman history buffs can visit it along with the city’s ancient ruins, which make up the largest Roman archaeological area in northern Italy.
A local’s pocket guide to Brescia
Rebecca’s food and travel writing often take her to Milan, and Brescia is her go-to retreat when she needs a break from the city bustle.
make a beeline for the Brixia archaeological area to marvel at the recently restored Winged Victory, a dazzling ancient Roman bronze.
kicks off with a leisurely cappuccino in Piazza della Loggia. Then, dedicate yourself to browsing the local shops that reflect nearby Milan’s sense of style but with less sticker shock.
the massive Santa Giulia museum complex housed in an ex-monastery and home to an endless array of treasures from ancient Roman ruins to 16th-century frescoes.
park yourself at a sidewalk table at one of the many old town coffee bars and while away a few hours watching the locals nurse their espresso in true “la dolce vita” style.
visit the hilltop castle surrounded by a lush park to admire Brescia’s old town from the highest point in the area.
Brescia is closer to Milan than it may look on a map. It's less than a 40-minute direct train ride away from the Milano Centrale train station.
People Also Ask
Yes, if you want to experience a history-rich Italian city that’s off the mass tourism radar, Brescia is worth visiting. And after your fill of Roman ruins and art history, the mountains, Lake Garda, and Franciacorta wine region are all nearby, along with the famous cities of Verona and Milan.
...MoreThe city traces its origins to Roman times and is home to an impressive UNESCO-listed Roman archaeological area—brought to life today with augmented reality tours. Other attractions include the Santa Giulia Museum, Teatro Grande, Brescia Castle, and Mille Miglia Museum just outside the city.
...MoreBrescia is known for its history and wealth of artistic gems to interest curious travelers. Founded in Roman times, the city was later ruled by the Lombards and then the Venetians. They all left their mark, and Roman temples, grandiose *palazzi, *and religious monuments are found around the city today.
...MoreBeyond indicating an ancient city in Lombardy—which is what Brescia is—the name lacks a definite meaning, although many believe it evolved from the Latin Brixia (high place). While many travelers won’t have heard of Brixia, a few might be familiar with Brescia’s nickname—the Lioness of Italy.
...MoreYes, Bergamo and Brescia are nearby, linked by the A4 highway. To travel between, it takes roughly an hour by car, or a little longer by train. There are frequent direct trains, or change at Treviglio or Milan. The trains go as far as Bergamo’s città bassa (the lower town).
...MoreA university city, Brescia has no shortage of bars and nightclubs. The Carmine district holds edgier appeal, while the locales around Piazza della Loggia offer downtown fun for tourists and locals. For a more elegant night of classical music or opera, the gilded Teatro Grande is the place to go.
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Number of Attractions | 1 |
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Number of Tours | 42 |
Number of Reviews | 305 |
Currency | EUR |
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