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Province of Brescia
The province of Brescia, the epicenter of northern Italy, is one of the most populous and extensive in the peninsula, and the longest from north to south. This territorial size corresponds to a great variety of landscapes: from the flat area south of the capital, the so-called Bassa Bresciana, to the picturesque hilly areas of Franciacorta, west of the city; there are also the lake landscapes of Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, which border the province to the east and west, and then move on to the mountains, in the northern area, where Valtrompia and the famous Val Camonica are also located.
Activities in the province of Brescia
Attractions in the province of Brescia
Highlights
Short and easy walk suitable for everyone, especially for those traveling by train, to reach the Bersi Serlini and Barone Pizzini wineries.
Spectacular route that allows you to admire from above Lake Iseo, the Camonica Valley, the summit of Monte Guglielmo, and experience unique ...
100 hairpin bends of adventure!!!
Easy climbing route suitable for children and beginners along the shore of Lake Idro.
Easy route along the military mule track that leads from Case di Viso to Rifugio Bozzi.
The Oriented Natural Reserve of the Rocca and the Sasso: a precious treasure chest of endemic species, an open-air museum that tells the landscape, ...
Brescia, an elegant cultural salon
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
Piazza Duomo, for example, is home to the buildings of civil and religious power from medieval times, such as the Broletto and the Duomo Vecchio, a splendid Romanesque building with a circular plan. Between the two is also the Duomo Nuovo, built between 1604 and 1825.
In Piazza della Loggia, on the other hand, the Venetian imprint stands out: the main building, the sumptuous Palazzo della Loggia, was built between 1492 and 1570 with contributions from Palladio. Opposite is the splendid Clock Tower, with an ancient and mysterious astronomical clock. Not far away, however, is the scenic Piazza Vittoria, which bears all the traces of the 20th century. Among the austere Fascist-style buildings stand the majestic Palazzo delle Poste and one of Italy's first skyscrapers, made of stone.
Beyond Palazzo della Loggia, on the other hand, stretches Carmine, a charming ethnic and nightlife district, characterized by taverns, clubs, and splendid palaces crowded together among the narrow alleys.
A Brescia gem is the city's main museum: namely, the Santa Giulia Complex, which, in addition to housing the frescoes of the Nuns' Choir and the Basilica of San Salvatore, is set in a prominent archaeological area that includes the remains of ancient Roman domus and is classified as a UNESCO site.
Finally, in the northern part of the historic center, Brescia Castle stands out on a hill relief. The crown jewel of the city, it was built between the 14th and 16th centuries. From its ramparts, the view of the entire historic center is priceless, which is why the castle is a destination for many walks. A curiosity: inside is Italy's first public astronomical observatory, as well as a number of collections, such as the Marzoli Weapons Museum and the Museo del Risorgimento Leonessa d'Italia.
The province of Brescia: a natural ... beauty!
The province of Brescia is the largest in Lombardy and is a varied territory: it boasts three main lakes and some smaller ones, hilly and flat areas, and also mountains of some altitude. In addition to natural attractions, however, there is no shortage of sites of great artistic and cultural value.
Italy's largest lake: Lake Garda
The Brescian shore of Italy's largest lake is dotted with many delightful villages, such as Gardone Riviera, which is home to the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the famous house-museum of Gabriele d'Annunzio: a majestic architectural complex overlooking the lake that, through furnishings, objects, means of transportation and art installations, recounts the poet's life and passions.
Further north, there is the area of the limonaie, structures historically used for the cultivation of lemons, with a characteristic terrace shape. The best known are those of Pra dela Fam in Tignale, Malora in Gargnano, and the Limonaia del Castel in Limone sul Garda.
Also in this area are Tremosine, listed among the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages), from which there is a crazy view of the lake; Sirmione, the with its splendid Scaliger Castle, thermal baths, Grotte di Catullo, and the famous Giamaica and Lido delle Bionde beaches; and Salò, with its gulf.
Finally, a few kilometers from Desenzano, stands the Rocca di Manerba, a military fortification that stands out on a promontory overlooking the lake.
The picturesque Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo, shared with the province of Bergamo, is well worth a visit for its beautiful landscape, splendid views, picturesque villages and interesting food and wine offerings.
Its jewel is the island of Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, with the village of Peschiera Maraglio. Here, you can also climb to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola.
Franciacorta, on the trail of prosecco
For wine lovers, however, a must-see is Franciacorta, the home of the famous sparkling wine: this is an area where vineyards, medieval villages and castles are nestled on verdant hillsides. It is an enchanted landscape, where it is possible to combine cultural visits and winery tastings.
Photo: Consorzio Franciacorta, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
Little Lado d'Idro and the Valle Sabbia
The third and considerably smaller lake in the province is Lake Idro, located within the Valle Sabbia. Being less well known than Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, it allows for exploring and relaxing away from the crowds. Perfect for sailing and windsurfing, cycling, hiking and climbing, as well as skiing.
The surrounding villages, such as Idro, Bagolino (famous for its traditional Carnival and Bagoss cheese) and Anfo, are also worth a visit.
Photo: Les Meloures, CC BY-SA, Wikimedia Commons
Lots of outdoor activities in the province of Brescia
Every part of the province is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The choice is as varied as the area, but let's go in order!
Besides offering, of course, many opportunities for water sports - sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, SUP, etc. -, the lakes are a great starting point for hiking, mountain biking and via ferrata tours in the surrounding mountains.
Valle Camonica, which also includes the Adamello Regional Park, and Valle Sabbia are predominantly mountainous areas, and the many trails lead through beautiful alpine landscapes and picturesque villages.
The hills of Franciacorta are the ideal place for easy walks and bike rides through ancient vineyards, picturesque villages and beautiful castles, and to enjoy the region's delicious wines.
For those who want to enjoy the water view while walking or cycling, however, the lake tour is always a great idea!
On the other hand, those who want to take a multi-day trip can travel the Antica Strada Valeriana, which runs from Brescia to Passo del Tonale for a total of 190 km, crossing fields, vineyards and mountains. For a day trip, it is possible to travel only the section related to Lake Iseo.
The Ancient Valeriana Road (CAI trail 291), a foothill route of unspecified origin, constituted for millennia the mandatory passage towards the ...
Winter sports lovers will love the Pontedilegno-Tonale ski area, with 41 slopes, 30 lifts and a total of 100 km. The Pista Paradiso (whose name is a whole program!), with an elevation gain of more than 700 meters and a maximum slope gradient of 45 percent, is considered one of the 10 best downhill runs in Italy. The ski area also offers a fantastic snowpark for snowboarders, as well as many other opportunities for snow activities, including cross-country skiing, freeriding, ski touring, snowshoeing and snowkiting.
Smaller is the Aprica-Corteno Golgi area, but there is no shortage of fun! In addition to 40 km of ski slopes, the area also offers the Baradello Superpanoramic, Europe's longest floodlit run. Ski touring, snowshoeing and ice skating can also be done here.
Other smaller ski resorts not to be missed are Maniva Ski, Borno Ski Area - Monte Altissimo and Val Palot, a stone's throw from Lake Iseo.
Cross-country skiers, on the other hand, can go to Piana del Gaver, where there is a blue and a red slope, and a cross-country ski school perfect for beginners.
A plunge into ancient history
For history buffs, Val Camonica, also called the Valley of Signs, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious Alpine valleys. Here, among mountains that invite hiking and mountain biking, are the sites of the "Rock Engravings of the Camonica Valley," a UNESCO World Heritage site, divided into several theme parks and museums. The most important is probably the National Park of Rock Engravings, which preserves thousands of petroglyphs, the rock engravings that are among the oldest evidence of human art.
The Lake Garda area, on the other hand, is home to five pile-dwelling sites, which are also part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, that of "Prehistoric Pile-Dwelling Sites of the Alpine Arc" (no less than 111 divided among Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria and Slovenia).
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Destinations in the province of Brescia
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