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.
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.
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.
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.
