Brescia overview

Brescia is, on first impression, a scruffy and charmless city that lacks the elegance of many of its northern counterparts. Arriving by bus or train will land you in the heart of modern seediness, where skyscrapers and unattractive urban sprawl attempt to overpower the substantial history of the fascinating old town. Legacies of Brescia’s ancient conquerors, which included Gauls, Romans, Carolingians and Venetians, are still found in the ruins of the iconic medieval castle and two notable cathedrals, which seem to draw every school outing in the country on weekdays, most notably around the Middle Ages Weapons Museum. The interposing of Roman remains and 20th century architecture means uncovering treasures is time-consuming but rewarding. The four piazzas in the city centre are the best base for exploring hidden bygones, while further afield lie vine-strewn hills and picturesque lakes.