Brescia is a wonderful hidden gem in Italy, not yet discovered by many tourists. Boasting a variety of stunning architecture, breathtaking views and delicious food, there are many reasons why this Italian city should be on your travel bucket list. It is located only one hour from Milan,which makes the perfect destination for a day trip. It is also easily accessible by train from places such as Lake Garda and Lake Iseo. For me, this one of those cities that surprised me in the best possible way, with its style, elegance, charm and the welcoming nature of the locals.
One of the surprises was how many things there are to do in Brescia. From a local type of ravioli to a grand library, this city does not fail to surprise. If you are planning to visit Brescia, check out the below list with the 10 best things to do in the city that will make your trip particularly memorable.
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1. Try the local pizza
The pizza you can try in Brescia is very different from any pizza you have ever tried before. The dough is a lot fluffier than the traditional pizza and the taste is a little bit sweeter too. This is due to the “secret ingredient” that is apparently put inside it. Nobody knows what it is, but some people have guessed it to be champagne!
Nonetheless, it is probably one of the best pizzas I have ever tried. I highly recommend you to try it too. The place where we had it was called Birbes Official 1951. A visit here is a must as it is one of the best bakeries in the whole city and is located in very close proximity to the historical centre.
2. Visit the castle
One of the main tourist attractions in Brescia is the Brescia Castle. If you want to see the best panoramic views of the city, make sure you do not miss this spot!
Located an easy walking distance away from the city, the Castle is a fascinating attraction, filled with history and secret passages. If you are curious about the history, you can opt for a guided tour. Otherwise, entry here is free and you can wander around the castle freely. It is quite easy to get lost here so make sure you leave plenty of time when visiting this spot.
3. Eat the traditional ravioli
The Lombardy region of Italy is famous for its special ravioli, called Casoncelli. This is a pasta filled with a slightly sweet meet filling, as well as parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, and sometimes cheese. It is usually served with melted butter and some pancetta.
Casoncelli also has an interesting history and has been enjoyed by generations of people. It is traditionally made of “poor” ingredients that were readily available to the locals. However, today, the dish also has some more “rich” ingredients added to it. The flavour of the meat and the filling contrasts greatly with the tender pasta and creates a really unique and delicious taste.
4. Visit the museums
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Brescia is that it is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Santa Giulia Museum is often referred to as “The City Museum” and is a former monastery, founded by Lombard King Desiderio in the 8th century AD.
Since 1998 it as been a museum rich with history, taking you through the history of Brescia from prehistoric sites to the modern day.
Inside it, you will find a very beautiful church called the Basilica of San Salvator with a cross standing in the middle of it. Try not to hold your breath – this spot might really blow you away!
Another beautiful sight not to be missed is the Choir of the Nuns. Its iconographic scene paints the picture of salvation, creating one of the most beautiful paintings you will see.
I would highly recommend going with a guide so that can take you through the history and take you through each room in detail. This museum really takes the city from another town in Italy to one of the most unique ones.
5. Discover Roman ruins
Did you know that Brescia has the largest archaeological area in all of Northern Italy?
Brescia is home to a few archeological sites that make up for the rich history of the city. The most notable and impressive is the Roman Forum, pictured above. It was build in AD 73 and used to be the centre of social, political and economic life in Brescia.
The Roman Theatre is another significant site, which is located very close to the Roman Forum. It is amazing to see how well it has been preserved. You can still view the seating area and where the stage would have been! It was build during the 1st century AD and was capable of seating up to 15,000 people.
I would suggest getting a tour guide to take you through these ruins and explain the history. It is one of the most impressive aspects of the city and teaches you a lot about the role of Brescia in history.
6. Check out the stunning library
The Biblioteca Queriniana is a true hidden gem in Brescia. It is not easy to stumble upon unless you already know about it, but it is really the most beautiful library I have ever seen.
The grandeur of the library is felt immediately as you step inside. The stunning ceiling feels like you are inside an ancient church, and it is hard to believe that this is a library!
The main reading room consists of a very high ceiling, chandeliers, and elegant furnishing. The library is home to over 500,000 books and is considered to be the centre of learning and scholarship.
The library absolutely needs to be on your visiting list when you travel to Brescia.
7. Go shopping
Brescia has several shopping districts that cater to different tastes and budgets. The most popular shopping district in the city is the Corso Zanardelli. This is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with designer boutiques, luxury shops, and upscale restaurants. Here, you can find some of the most famous Italian and international luxury brands, including Gucci, Prada, Armani, and Louis Vuitton.
Another popular shopping district in Brescia is the Corso Magenta, which is a more affordable option for shopping. Here, you can find a mix of local and international brands, as well as artisanal shops and markets selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and souvenirs.
If you prefer a mall, Freccia Rossa shopping center is a great option. It offers everything from popular international brands to cinema and entertainment.
Another thing not to miss when shopping in Brescia are the Brescian local specialties, which make for great souvenirs or gifts for friends and family. One of the most famous products from Brescia is the Franciacorta wine, which is a sparkling wine made using the traditional Champagne method. You can find many wine shops in Brescia that offer tastings and or you can also visit local vineyards.
8. Visit a palazzo
A palazzo (or palace) are historical buildings in Brescia which used to act as residential spaces or museums and art galleries. Some of these are still being used today for exhibition spaces and museums, so by visiting them you will definitely find some interesting hidden gems.
During my visit to Brescia, our tour guide took us to a palazzo which was being used as a space for young people to display their creative works, such as handmade jewellery, crocheting, or art pieces. We also discovered a photography museum inside one of these palazzos and saw how they are currently being used as a space to host events.
9. Visit the Teatro Grande
The Teatro Grande is one of the most beautiful buildings in Brescia. It is the biggest performance venue in the city, hosting ballet, operas, musicals, and much more. The theatre was build in 1810 by the architect Luigi Canonica. The interior is decorated in an ornate Baroque style, with gold leaf and intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings.
Make sure not to miss the cafe here which you can visit without having tickets to a show. The beauty of this building will shock you!
10. Have an aperitivo
If you are in Italy, having an aperitivo is something that you cannot skip. If you are unfamiliar with this tradition, the aperitivo is a pre-meal drink. It is usually consumed before dinner and more often than not it comes in the form of an Aperol Spritz.
However, the reason you need to have an aperitivo in Brescia specifically is so try the Pirlo, the Brescian version of the aperitivo. It is a drink that is made by mixing Campari, white wine and sparkling water. Rumour has it the drink was invented right after World War 2. The people could not afford wine, so they started to dilute wine with water and add bitters to it to make the drink more alcoholic. This is how the Pirlo was born!
Make sure to try this drink while you are visiting Brescia. We tried ours in Piazza della Loggia, a beautiful square with Venetian architecture. It is the perfect place to sip your drink while enjoying the stunning views!
Overall, Brescia has a lot to offer and there are many specialties which you need to try if you are visiting. You can read more European travel guides right here!
