Brescia

🏛️ Why Visit Brescia, Italy?

This absolute cracker of a city is one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Tucked away between Milan and Verona, Brescia (or "Brixia" as the Romans called it) is a proper treasure chest of history, culture, and Italian charm – without the mad tourist crowds that'll have you queuing for ages elsewhere.

You've got Roman ruins that'll blow your mind, medieval castles perched on hills, Renaissance squares that are Instagram gold, and UNESCO World Heritage sites to take selfies in. Plus, you're a stone's throw from Lake Garda and the gorgeous Franciacorta wine region.

Top reasons to visit Brescia:

🏖️ UNESCO World Heritage sites that'll leave you gobsmacked - The Santa Giulia Museum and Capitolium archaeological area are some of the most spectacular Roman and Lombard sites in all of Europe, and they're right here waiting for you!

🎉 Four historic squares that tell 2,000 years of stories - From Roman Piazza del Foro to modern Piazza Vittoria, each square represents a different era and they're all within a quick stroll of each other

🏰 Brescia Castle with views that are proper lush - This medieval fortress sits atop Colle Cidneo offering jaw-dropping panoramic views over the whole city, plus it houses brilliant museums and has lovely green spaces for a wander

🌊 Perfect base for exploring Northern Italy's gems - You're just 30 minutes from Lake Garda, close to the sparkling Franciacorta vineyards, and perfectly positioned for day trips to Milan, Verona, and Bergamo

☀️ Authentic Italian atmosphere without the tourist madness - Experience the real Italy with locals doing their evening passeggiata, brilliant trattorias serving proper regional dishes, and that relaxed Italian vibe you've been dreaming about

🎭 Top Things to Do in Brescia

There's honestly loads to keep you busy in this brilliant city! Whether you're a history buff, culture vulture, or just fancy soaking up some proper Italian atmosphere, Brescia's got something special waiting for you.

Historic Treasures

🎠 Santa Giulia Museum – This place is absolutely mind-blowing! Housed in a former monastery dating back to 753 AD, it's packed with everything from Roman mosaics to Lombard treasures. The highlight? The incredible Desiderius Cross from the 9th century that's basically a masterpiece in gold and jewels.

🏛️ Capitolium Archaeological Area – Talk about stepping back in time! These Roman ruins from 73 AD include a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, plus there's a stunning bronze Winged Victory statue that's become the symbol of Brescia. The UNESCO Corridor now connects this to Santa Giulia for an epic historical walk.

🏰 Brescia Castle (Castello di Brescia) – This medieval fortress is an absolute belter! Perched on a hill with cracking views over the city, it houses the Luigi Marzoli Arms Museum and the Risorgimento Museum. Plus, the grounds are lovely for a picnic and there's even an old steam locomotive to admire.

Architectural Wonders

🏖️ The Four Historic Squares – Each square represents a different era and they're all flippin' brilliant! Start at Roman Piazza del Foro, wander through medieval Piazza del Duomo (with both old and new cathedrals side by side!), admire Renaissance Piazza della Loggia with its stunning astronomical clock, and finish at modern Piazza Vittoria.

🎭 Teatro Grande – This gorgeous neoclassical theatre from 1810 is considered one of Italy's most important venues. Even if you don't catch a show, the architecture alone is worth a peek.

Local Experiences

🐬 Franciacorta Wine Region Day Trip – Just 15 minutes away, this area produces some of Italy's finest sparkling wines. Perfect for a vineyard tour and tasting – yes, please!

🎠 Mille Miglia Museum – Car enthusiasts will love this museum dedicated to the legendary vintage car race that starts and finishes right here in Brescia. It's proper fascinating even if you're not into motors.

🏨 Where to Stay on your Brescia Holidays

Right, let's sort you out with some cracking places to stay! We've picked hotels that'll suit every type of traveller, from families with little ones to couples wanting a romantic getaway.

Perfect for Families

🏨 Novotel Brescia 2 - This modern 4-star hotel is absolutely brilliant for families! With spacious rooms, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and a lovely garden area, it's got everything you need. You're just 500 metres from the metro station for easy city centre access, plus there's free parking and a kids' playground. The restaurant serves healthy, family-friendly meals, and the staff are proper lovely with children.

🏨 AC Hotel Brescia by Marriott - This sleek Marriott hotel is a cracking choice for families who want a bit of style! With spacious rooms, babysitting services (perfect for a romantic dinner while the kids are sorted!), and a fitness centre, it's got loads to offer. The lounge serves family-friendly meals, there's free parking, and you're perfectly positioned between the city centre and the gorgeous Franciacorta countryside for day trips.

Great for Couples

🏨 Hotel Vittoria - Talk about romantic! This stunning Art Nouveau palazzo is right next to the Duomo Nuovo Cathedral in the heart of the city. The rooms blend classic elegance with modern touches, and some have gorgeous balconies overlooking the cathedral square – perfect for your Instagram shots! The lobby with its marble columns and Murano glass chandeliers is absolutely dreamy, and you're literally steps from all the main sights.

🏨 Hotel Ambasciatori - What a gem this place is! Just 700 metres from the historic centre and all those UNESCO sites, this elegant hotel has soundproofed rooms (you don’t need to worry about being disturbed - or disturbing anyone), free indoor and outdoor parking, and a brilliant breakfast buffet that'll keep everyone happy. The rooms have Persian rugs and lovely seating areas, plus there's a garden where kids can have a run about.

Brilliant for Groups

🏨 Blu Hotel Brixia - Located just off the motorway near Castenedolo, this business-style hotel is perfect for groups! There's loads of free parking, a fitness centre, and it's perfectly positioned for exploring both Brescia (15 minutes) and Lake Garda (15 minutes). The EAT Restaurant serves proper good food and there's a welcoming lobby bar for group gatherings.

🏨 Ferretti Majestic House - This recently renovated 4-star hotel in Castenedolo is a cracking choice for groups! It's got everything you need: spacious rooms with modern design, a brilliant restaurant that gets rave reviews, comprehensive breakfast buffet, fitness facilities, and loads of free parking. It’s close to Brescia Montichiari Airport and just a short drive from Brescia city centre.

Whether you're after family fun, romantic vibes, or group adventures, these hotels will sort you right out. All offer that perfect combination of Italian hospitality, modern comfort, and brilliant locations that'll make your Brescia break absolutely unforgettable!