Brescia, Italy: Medieval Castles, Chocolates, and an Underground City

Brescia, Italy:
Medieval Castles, Chocolates, and an Underground City

Known as the "Lioness of Italy," Brescia has ancient Roman ruins, stunning medieval castles, and charming cobblestone streets to explore. This city was once powerful because it was a major gun exporter but also created beautiful cloth and chocolates. That’s an interesting balance of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ power. You can tour Brescia from the comfort of your couch using the 3D tour links provided for each place to see.
- Cris

Day 1: Roman Forum

Roman Forum and Capitolium (Capitolium di Brixia)

Let’s take a time machine back to ancient Roman times and walk around the Roman Forum in Brescia. As one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in northern Italy, you can explore the previously bustling center of life during ancient Roman times by walking through the remains of temples, streets, and even ancient baths. The Capitolium Temple still holds some of its original decorations, like stone carvings and inscriptions, which feel like stepping into a time machine.

The UNESCO Heritage Site has been so well preserved that you can see what life was like during ancient times. If you think that the US is obsessed with guns, ancient Brescia has them beat. The following description of ancient Brescia paints an interesting picture of a town that is well supplied with food and clothing based on their trade in guns. It’s fun to think that your travel journey could inform people 2,000 years from now on how your travel destinations were perceived.

Explore the Capitolium in 3D.

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Day 2: Brescia Castle

Castello di Brescia (Brescia Castle)

This massive hilltop fortress offers amazing views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It has thick medieval walls, hidden tunnels, and a fascinating weapons museum inside. The Mastio, the fortified keep on the top of the hill, with its mighty Torre dei Prigionieri (Tower of the Prisoners), the drawbridge and the Mirabella Tower, the last trace of the church of Santo Stefano in Arce overlooking the town, bear witness to the communal period and the Visconti domination. The imposing bastions, with their monumental gate, are testaments to the power of the Republic of Venice – La Serenissima – that ruled the city for about four centuries.

Exploring the castle feels like you’re part of a fairy tale, and you can learn about the battles fought here. The castle grounds also have peaceful gardens to relax in after your climb. It feels safe enough away from the Tower of the Prisoners to reflect on how times change. Today, the best real estate at the top of hills with great views are owned by the wealthy. In ancient times, that real estate was used to house and torture prisoners.

Take a free virtual 3D tour of the Castle

What To Eat

Day 3: Lake Iseo

Today, we will go outside and explore Brescia’s quiet side. Take a ferry to Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe. Monte Isola feels like a secret adventure spot, where cars are not allowed, and you can explore by walking or biking. The island is dotted with quaint villages, olive groves, and breathtaking views of Lake Iseo.

No cars? You are correct in wondering how people get their groceries home and carry those olives out for export. The answer is slowly and with patience. Amazon doesn’t deliver here, making it quiet and less fueled by consumption. Hiking to the Sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola at the island's peak rewards you with panoramic views that make the climb worth it. This is your digital detox and so take lots of photos but ignore the emails, social media, texts, and other irritants of modern life. Just breathe and enjoy being alive.

Take a free virtual tour of Iseo

Where To Shop (reviews and photos)

Day 4: Underground

Brescia Underground

Beneath Brescia lies a hidden world of ancient aqueducts, cisterns, and medieval tunnels. If there are no planes and 18-wheeler trucks, how do you move spices, silks, guns, and food between cities? On the water!

Take a guided tour through these secret spaces, where you’ll see how water systems worked in the Roman and medieval periods. It’s like stepping into a mystery novel where you discover the engineering genius of the past. These water systems provided household water but also were a connection among cities as goods and people traveled by water.

Where To Sleep (reviews and photos)

With a belly full of pastries, I wish you good night.

See you next Wednesday when we share photos of interesting holiday celebrations around the world.

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