Embrace History, Culture, and Beauty in Brescia: Italy’s Hidden Gem

Brescia: 2023 Capital of Culture

This 2023 Brescia has been sharing the title of Italy’s Capital of Culture with its neighbour, Bergamo. This historic and picturesque city, nestled in the Lombardy region, offers a plethora of cultural, historical, and natural attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a unique Italian experience, Brescia has something for everyone. Book your short stay at www.bresciasholidayhouse.it and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Brescia’s culture and history.

A Glimpse into Brescia’s Past

Brescia’s history is a fascinating blend of Roman, Lombard, and Venetian influences. As you stroll through the city, you will discover numerous archaeological sites, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, and architectural gems that bear witness to Brescia’s storied past.

Roman Ruins and Lombard Monuments

Brescia is home to several important Roman ruins, including the impressive Roman Forum and the archaeological area of Capitolium, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also boasts several Lombard monuments, such as the medieval monastery and church of Saint Salvatore and Saint Giulia, which together form an important part of Brescia’s cultural heritage.

Venetian Walls and Medieval Squares

In addition to its Roman and Lombard heritage, Brescia’s cityscape is adorned with well-preserved Venetian walls and charming medieval squares. These architectural marvels transport visitors back in time and provide a captivating backdrop for exploring Brescia’s rich history.

Celebrating Brescia’s Culture

As the 2023 Capital of Culture, Brescia has prepared an exciting program of events and initiatives, designed to showcase the city’s cultural wealth and inspire a sense of community. From art exhibitions and music festivals to opera performances and public square installations, there is always something happening in Brescia.

Art Exhibitions

Throughout 2023, Brescia’s galleries and museums will host a diverse array of art exhibitions. The Accademia Carrara gallery, for example, will present “Cecco del Caravaggio: The Model Student,” the first-ever show dedicated to an early follower of Caravaggio, while the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art will feature the “Trilogy of Matter,” an exploration of dematerialization and emptiness in art.

Music Festivals and Opera Performances

Brescia’s 2023 cultural calendar includes a variety of music festivals and opera performances. The 60th edition of the Piano Festival of Brescia and Bergamo, for instance, will commence in April, while the Donizetti Night in June will celebrate Bergamo-born composer Gaetano Donizetti with concerts, shows, and projections. The Teatro Grande, an ornate theater in Brescia, will also host a new production of “Madama Butterfly” in July.

Public Square Installations and Light Festivals

Public squares and open spaces in Brescia have been transformed into vibrant cultural hubs through installations and light festivals. One such event is the Festival of Lights, a sustainable and renewable energy-powered light show that took place in February, promoting conversations around energy consumption.

Discovering Brescia’s Natural Beauty

Brescia’s natural landscape is just as alluring as its cultural offerings. With a stunning backdrop of mountains, lakes, and vineyards, the city is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lakes and Mountains

The picturesque Lake Iseo, located just a short drive from Brescia, offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy water sports, scenic walks, or simply relax by the water’s edge. For those seeking more adventurous pursuits, the nearby mountains provide excellent hiking, cycling, and skiing opportunities throughout the year.

Vineyards and Wine Tasting

Brescia is situated in the heart of the Franciacorta wine region, renowned for its sparkling wine production. Visitors can explore the area’s vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and sample some of the finest wines Italy has to offer.

Exploring Brescia’s Culinary Scene

A trip to Brescia would not be complete without sampling its delectable local cuisine. From traditional dishes to modern interpretations, Brescia’s culinary scene is sure to delight your taste buds.

We recommend:
Ristorante Al Frate
Osteria da Ceco
Pizzeria Al Duomo
Antica Osteria La Grotta

Local Delicacies

Brescia’s gastronomic offerings include regional specialties such as polenta and casoncelli, a type of fresh pasta. For an authentic taste of Brescia, visit local eateries such as Baretto di San Vigilio and Osteria Aneti in Bergamo or Trattoria Porteri and Osteria al Bianchi in Brescia.

Wine and Aperitivo

In addition to its world-class wines, Brescia is also known for its signature cocktail, the pirlo. Made with still white wine and Campari liqueur, this refreshing drink is best enjoyed at local establishments like Laboratorio Lanzani or Belle Epoque.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation in Brescia

Brescia offers a range of lodging options to suit all tastes and budgets. Staying within the city center or nearby neighborhoods like Porta Cremona or Borgo Trento is highly recommended, as it allows easy access to Brescia’s cultural and historical attractions. To make your stay even more memorable, consider booking your accommodation at www.bresciasholidayhouse.it.

Exploring Brescia’s Surroundings

Brescia’s strategic location in the Lombardy region makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby cities and attractions. The neighboring city of Bergamo, for example, is easily accessible by train and offers its own array of cultural and historical treasures. The Cammino Bergamo-Brescia, a new 80-mile path for walkers and cyclists, also connects the two cities and offers a scenic route through rural villages and breathtaking landscapes.

Making the Most of Your Brescia Experience

In conclusion, Brescia is a captivating city that combines history, culture, and natural beauty in a truly unique way. As Italy’s 2023 Capital of Culture, Brescia invites visitors to immerse themselves in its rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene. Book your short stay at www.bresciasholidayhouse.it and prepare for a memorable and enriching Italian experience.

2023 Light is life – Special Lights show event powered by A2A -at Brescia Castle

Light is Life is the major event organised by A2A as part of the events scheduled to celebrate Bergamo Brescia – Italian Capital of Culture 2023. Sponsored by the Municipalities of the two cities, the Festival wants to express a lively international perspective, while at the same time aiming to involve the area`s productive energies, cultural institutions and educational venues. The two cities will become veritable open-air art galleries, thanks to the presence of the works of light that 17 artists from all over the world have chosen to animate the symbolic places of the Italian Capital of Culture. This is why Light is Life was born out of a double awareness: environmental, thanks to the use of energy from renewable sources, and social, through the support of Banco dell`energia.

The Festival provides concrete support for the activities of Banco dell`Energia, which for years has been committed to combating energy poverty in Italy. A2A will donate to the Banco dell`Energia a sum equivalent to the volume of energy used to light the event, in addition to the proceeds from sponsorships, sales of merchandising and publishing products. The funds raised will support projects aimed at Bergamo and Brescia families in difficulty. The Festival will be powered by renewable sources, and the installations are designed according to energy efficiency criteria.

Light is Life – A2A Light Festival will be inaugurated in Brescia on Friday 10 February 2023 in Piazza della Loggia and in Bergamo on Friday 17 February 2023 in Piazza Vecchia, with two exciting evenings. Light is Life in Brescia In Brescia, the event, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Brescia and the Brescia Musei Foundation and inspired by the successful experience of Cidneon (the light art festival organised by the Comitato Amici del Cidneon in the three-year period 2017-2019), primarily involves Piazza della Loggia, one of the city`s main squares, where an evocative 3D mapping will animate Palazzo della Loggia for the entire duration of the event.

The Capitolium will host the first work of light: a sculpture inspired by the famous Winged Victory, revisited in a contemporary key, specially designed to create a dialogue of contrasts with the classical architecture of the site. The work, entitled “Transfigured Victory”, is a new creation by Angelo Bonello. The works that animate the Cidneo include the installation “Hello Goodbye” by Marco Lodola, one of the most famous and influential contemporary Italian artists and one of the founders and leading exponents of the New Futurism Movement.

The Castle will also host “Histories of light”, a choral project of light works by the students of the city`s Art Academies – SantaGiulia and LABA, in collaboration with the cultural association Cieli Vibranti – on the theme “Risorgimento: a shared history”. Angelo Bonello, artistic director of the entire festival, will bring two other works to Brescia: The waste-to-energy plant: light to the city The light also touches the A2A waste-to-energy plant: for the whole duration of the festival, its tower with its characteristic iridescent blue colouring, designed in the 1990s by Jorrit Tornqvist, will be illuminated and will have a skylaser at the top pointing towards the Castello Cidneo.


The Castle of Brescia will be open on Friday, Saturday and Wednesday (February 15) from 18.00 to 01.00 and from Sunday to Thursday from 18.00 to 24.00 🗓

Except Friday 10, which on the occasion of the inauguration in Piazza della Loggia, the Castle will open extraordinarily at 20.00 🗓

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Official Website
https://festadellelucia2a.it/

 

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