Brescia, jewel city of a Lombardy that is still too little known.
Among extraordinary archaeological sites – from the Capitolium to the monumental complex of Santa Giulia – and monuments from more recent eras, such as the Teatro Grande or the Tosio Martinengo gallery.
Lots of history and a large program of events.
Text and photos by Anna Maria Catano
It has just ended Opera Festivalthe annual occasion in cuthe Brescia it transforms into an open-air stage. The Festival offers around fifty events and concerts, all with free participation, which this year, in its thirteenth edition, celebrated the centenary of Giacomo Puccini and the 120th anniversary of the premiere of Madame Butterfly which was staged at the Grande.
But Brescia it is also the city of One thousand miles, whose first, legendary edition dates back to 1927. They are well 400 vintage cars compete in the traditional race “The most beautiful in the world”. The fascinating cars built between 1927 and 1957 travel 2200 kilometers across the length and breadth of the country in five stages. Beautiful country. The departure is from Piazza Vittoria. The arrival is scheduled for Saturday 15 June, the awards ceremony will be held in Piazza Loggia. And a White Night will involve the entire city. Not only that: Brescia is preparing on June 22nd to celebrate, after the Opera Festival, a second one with a rich program of concerts and spontaneous happenings.
UNESCO heritage
The ancient one Brixiathe Roman Brescia, was located along the Via Gallica. Today the large area of Capitolium, UNESCO heritage like the complex of Santa Giulia, has been entirely recovered. And Winged Victory is its universal symbol. The UNESCO corridorhowever, the direct connection between the two sites unites the archaeological park to the monastery complex of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia, pillar of the Lombard heritage. The “Jeweled Cross” of King Desiderio, set with gems, cameos and shiny stones is a shining example of this, as are the brightly colored Domus dell’Ortaglia found in the monastery gardens.
Brescia and its squares
The thousand-year history of Brescia is soon narrated through its large squares just a few steps from each other. Cathedral Square, dedicated to Pope Paul VI, a saint from Brescia, offers three symbolic buildings of the medieval city. The Duomo Vecchio, a rare Romanesque basilica with a circular plan, the Duomo Nuovo and the Broletto with the Torre del Pecol, the oldest public building. Loggia Square it boasts the imprinting of the Serenissima and the contribution of Palladio and Sansovino. And the Clock Tower, emblem of astronomy in 1546. Finally, the majestic Victoria Squareinaugurated in 1932, marks the triumph of the rationalist style, among the most beautiful works of the architect Piacentini.
The Ridotto of the Teatro Grande
Another jewel is the Ridotto of the Grand Theatreand, so called in homage to Napoleon Bonaparte, – who did not go to the inauguration, arousing the indignation of the people of Brescia – where you can sit even just to drink a coffee to admire the beautiful frescoes that cover the ceiling. And the Tosio Martinengo collection, a triumph of Lombard-Venetian painting. The newly renovated rooms, with walls covered in colored velvet, create a particularly original atmosphere.
Brescia and its gastronomy
But Brescia is also gastronomy, nightlife and contemporaneity. Any suggestions?
Lively restaurant: for serial gourmets.
Savio Osteria: where you can taste the traditional dishes of Brescia cuisine.
Hotel Battisti 31: welcoming urban chic home.
Docks area: design or vintage you can buy everything. Inside there is a food area (excellent brunch!) and a boutique hotel.
Just outside the city: in Cellatica to visit Zani Foundationhouse museum and its spectacular garden: more than 1200 precious works of art.
And lots of bubbles in Franciacorta al Rocol of Ome.
www.visitbrescia.it
@visitbrescia
