Brescia is a hidden gem in Lombardy, Northern Italy. Let me share a few stunning Brescia landmarks and top Instagram spots which will make you want to visit Brescia. What’s more, you may wish to stay in an excellent value palace hotel during your visit!
Centro Paolo VI
When visiting Brescia, Centro Paolo VI is the place to stay, but why? Firstly, Centro Paolo VI is a palace in the center of Brescia. Secondly, exploring Centro Paolo VI is an experience in itself as this hotel is full of Instagram spots. Thirdly, it’s excellent value to stay in Centro Paolo VI. Lastly, who doesn’t want to stay in a palace anyway!?
Brescia Castle
Did you know that Brescia is home to its very own fairy-tale castle? What’s more, it’s a short walk from the city center and is free to explore. Sit in one of the castle parks and enjoy a wonderful sunset over Brescia. Alternatively, admire Brescia Castle from a distance.
Panoramic View of Brescia from Brescia Castle
There’s no doubt that the Brescia Castle drawbridge is a top Instagram spot. Take your shot with the Castle walls and cathedral as a backdrop.
Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo
For me, Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo is one of the best art museums in Italy. Of course, it’s home to famous artwork created throughout the centuries and local to this region of Italy. What’s more, art lovers will appreciate the detailed art work on display. But what makes this art gallery stand above others in Italy are the coloured walls. Take this painting of Saint Jerome by Romanino, the attention to detail is second to none but the blue background really makes the painting stand out.
This peaceful art gallery features artwork spread throughout many brightly and simply decorated rooms. As a result, it’s an extremely Instagrammable location in Brescia. You’ll learn a lot about the local artists and history of this part of Italy as you explore Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo art gallery.
Broletto Palace
Broletto Palace stands in the center of historic Brescia. It’s a stunning building which will grab your attention from many different parts of the city. However, my favourite viewpoint is the aerial view from Brescia Castle.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Brescia New Cathedral)
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most famous Brescia landmarks. This stunning cathedral is Brescia’s equivalent to the Milan Duomo. Take a coffee or enjoy a meal at one of the outdoor restaurants of the surrounding Paolo VI Plaza. The plaza and also Brescia Castle offer wonderful views of Brescia Cathedral.
Inside Brescia New Cathedral
Be sure to go inside Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The reward for opening the large cathedral doors and walking inside is architecture which will take your breath away. As a matter of fact, as soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll be transported to a different world. This is a place of worship and therefore we must respect others here at prayer. At the same time, you won’t be short of places to take your Instagram snaps in here.
Tomb of the Dogs – Brescia Landmarks
I visited the Tomb of the Dogs at sunset (in winter). This is an excellent time to visit as the sun shines right behind it. A skilled photography would create a lovely sun star behind it. Stay until dusk and you may see bats around here.
Clock Tower
The city of Prague is famous for a clock. Big Ben is an iconic London landmark. St Mark’s Clock is world famous and a nearby Venice landmark. In my opinion, the Brescia Clock Tower is just as beautiful as these and therefore a hidden gem in the clock tower world.
Piazza Della Loggia
As you stroll around the Piazza Della Loggia you’d be forgiven for believing you’re in Venice. Take the time to appreciate the intricate architectural detail in this plaza. What’s more, there’s a truly Instagrammable building in this plaza called the Loggia Palace.
Brescia Old Cathedral
To be honest, Brescia Cathedral is not so much to look at from the outside. However, open up the doors, go inside and this place features some incredible attention to detail as well as biblical designs.
Crypt of the Old Cathedral
There are three famous landmarks around the world I can compare the crypt to. Firstly, here in Europe there are two, Conciergerie in Paris and Cloisters at Glasgow University. The other place I compare this to is the Valik Mosque in Shiraz Iran. Finally, it’s free to go inside Brescia Old Cathedral and it’s often empty. As a result, you can have this top Instagram spot all to yourself.
Capitolium
The Capitolium of Brixia features a Roman Temple as well as other ruins of Brescia from the Roman era. Brixia was the Roman name from Brescia. That’s right, you don’t need to go all the way to Rome or Pompeii to see Roman ruins. Lastly, the Roman Temple is an iconic Brescia landmark but I recommend you explore the whole of this area and museum, there’s even a small amphitheatre.
Santa Giulia Museum
Discover the history of Brescia as you explore the Santa Giulia Museum. Santa Giulia Museum is one of the most famous Brescia landmarks with its most famous piece being the Winged Victory. In addition, stroll around the uniquely decorated rooms at your leisure as you learn about Brescia and of course take as many pictures as you wish.
Teatro Grande
Teatro Grande is as impressive a theatre as you’ll see anywhere in Italy and the world. You can admire the theatre as you watch an opera, play or ballet performance. Alternatively, stop by the café for coffee with a view.
The Garden At Centro Paolo VI
At Centro Paolo VI you can take as many pictures as you wish in the elegant gardens. As a matter of fact, if you’re staying here, these gardens are where you can also feast on a breakfast buffet each morning. Did you know there’s also a church located within the Centro Paolo VI gardens?
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is one of the Brescia landmarks which will catch your eye because it’s the tallest building in Brescia. I’m sure you’ll identify the Crystal Palace as you watch the sunset from Brescia Castle or Tomb of the Dogs.
Finally. The Colourful Streets of Brescia
Simply walking the streets of Brescia will lead you to many hidden Instagram spots. These quiet and colourful streets are a joy to walk through.
How to Get to Brescia, Lombardy?
It’s incredible easy to get to Brescia from anywhere in Italy. Brescia is a major stop on the high speed rail network of Italy therefore you can get here incredibly quickly and conveniently. Alternatively, there are several regular trains each day connecting Brescia to Milan, Verona, Lake Garda. This is Italy, travel is incredible easy and efficient, simply put Brescia as your destination. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is Bergamo.
Planning to visit Brescia? Read more things to do in Brescia. Read my in depth Centro Paolo VI hotel review.
Leave A Comment