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Brescia
Tourist information - Brescia
Things to see in Brescia include:
The town hall, one of the most important in Lombardy, was built between 1187 and 1230, then expanded in the 14th and 17th centuries. Many original parts still remain. Its name comes from brolo (vegetable garden) or mercatum broli (vegetable market). The construction has incorporated several buildings, including the 15th century S. Agostino Church. Above it stands the Pegol Tower (53.7 m tall), which is the oldest tower of the city (11th century). The months are depicted on two capitals of the four-light window by the Anthelamica school on the southern side of the courtyard.
The New Cathedral
Construction on this Late Renaissance Cathedral began in 1604 and was based on a project by G. B. Lantana. Towering above it is the Cagnola Dome (with 80 meters in height inside, it is Italy's third largest dome after Saint Peter's in Rome and Santa Maria Novella in Florence). It has three naves and a Greek cross layout. The cathedral contains works by Romanino, Moretto, Maffei, Palma il Giovane, Renaissance arches and sculptures by A. Calegari.
The Old Cathedral or Rotonda
This magnificent monument with a circular layout was built over the ruins of the S. Maria Maggiore Early Christian basilica by the Masters of Como towards the end of the 11th century. At the entrance is the ornate tomb made of red Verona marble and dedicated to Berardo Maggi, Bishop of Brescia from 1298 to 1308; beneath the presbytery is the San Filastrio crypt, with five naves and three apses. It houses the Treasure of the Holy Crosses, including the Croce di Campo [The Cross of the Battlefield] (12th century), which was raised on the Carroccio. There are also interesting paintings by Romanino and Alessandro Bonvicino, named "il Moretto" (1526 ca.) and the Antegnati organ.
The Castle
Sitting at the top of the Cidneo Hill, the castle dates back to ancient times. Fortified since the Roman Era, and probably a watchtower during the period of the Goths, it gradually took on its present aspect during the Visconti dynasty in the first half of the 14th century. The keep has a cylindrical tower called the "Mirabella" that is 22 meters tall and from the 13th century. More changes were made by the Venetians, the French and the Austrians. Called "Falco d'Italia" [the Italian Falcon] due to its role in the Ten Days Revolt, it has towers, ramparts, courtyards, drawbridges, and underground passages and rooms. The castle is now the home of the Risorgimento Museum, the Museum of Weapons and the astronomical observatory.
S. Francesco Church
Dating back to the 13th century, the church has a splendid Romanesque - Gothic facade and a three nave interior with frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries, paintings by Moretto and Romanino, a priceless wood tablet with Crucifix from the 14th century. A large processional cross in embossed silver by G.F. delle Croci (1501) is among the masterpieces of Italian jeweler's art. The adjacent Renaissance cloister from the late 15th century is made of red Verona marble.
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