Brescia, Italy

Brescia, Italy
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brescia_city_skyline_from_the_city_castle.jpg
Author: Fredericks


Brescia is a city in Lombardy, in northern Italy. With a population of around 190,000 people, it is the second biggest city in Lombardy after Milan. It is also the capital of the Province of Brescia, which has 1.2 million people, and is one of the largest provinces in Italy.

The city centre of Brescia is rectangular, a design inherited from Roman times. The city walls that dates to the middle ages encompasses a larger area than the original Roman city.

The origin of Brescia goes back to ancient times, with several mythological accounts attributed for its founding. Brescia was the capital of the Gallic Cenomani in the 4th century BC. It was taken over by the Romans in 225 BC. Its people were given Roman citizenship in 41 BC.

Brescia was ruled by the Lombards from the 6th to the 8th century. It was made the capital of their semi-independent duchies. The Lombard kingdom came to an end when Charlemagne captured Brescia in AD 774.

Brescia was incorported into the Kingdom of Italy in 1859, and was awarded a Gold Medal for its fight against Fascism during the Second World War.

Modern Brescia is a major centre for the production of violins. This tradition goes back to the 16th century, when Brescia became the site for a school for makers and players of string instruments.

Travel to Brescia

By Plane
The most practical way to reach Brescia is through Milan's Orio al Serio Airport, some 50 km from Brescia. Several low-cost carriers fly there including Ryanair. Venora's Villa Franca airport is also 50 km.

By Train
Depending on the size of your budget, you can take either the budget Reionale commuter train or splurge on the Eurostar express train to reach Brescia from Milan, a journey of around one hour.

Travel within Brescia

You can explore downtown Brescia on foot or bus. For the surrounding region, it is advisable to drive.

Photos of Brescia

Brescia Cathedral
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cathedral_01_Brescia.JPG
Author: Derbeth

Places of Interest in Brescia

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