Appianline - Roma

Brescia has 200.000 inhabitants and with its province is actually one of the most important economically areas in Italy.

Since the 15^thcentury Brescia has been famous for its arms production and now it is heavily industrialized particularly in steel and engineering industries. Lombardia’s second city boasts a rich artistic heritage as well as some imposing architecture. Some of the Roman and Lombard ruins are the most well preserved in northern Italy.

Its origin dates back to 1.200 B C probably as first settlement on Cidnean hill made from the Liguri tribe, It became a roman colony called Brixia and under the roman empire it became one of the main Cisalpine center taking and growing importance as a trading and manufacturing center. After a tumultuous period that saw the town under Franks and several families domination during the Signorie period, it became part of the Venetian republic where it remain for four centuries. After Austrins rebellion in 1859 Brescia was annexed into Italian Kingdom.

Brescia to see

The Roman ruins around Piazza del Foro and the Capitoline Temple, the Tosio Martinengo Civic Art Gallery, and the Cathedral are the main attractions. Just behind the Forum there is The Theatre built in the 3^rd century AD and the medieval Monastery of Santa Giulia.

The Duomo Vecchio (old cathedral) is one of the few round Romanesque churches in Italy, with its particular shape was probably based on that of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem; the Duomo Nuovo (new cathedral) dates back to the 18*th century with its impressive façade and the Broletto Palace topped by the Tower of Pegol and has been expanded and rebuilt from time to time.

Monuments dated back to renaissance period are Piazza Loggia, the Clocktower built in 1595, the church of Santi Nazaro and Celso where one of Titian’s early masterpieces is kept ( the Averoldi Polyptych of 1522 from the name of the commissioner). The Castle on the top of Cidnean hill, it is a really fortified village with towers, ramparts, out-houses, courtyards, drawbridges and underground tunnels built between the 13^thand 16^thcenturies; the Ancient Arms Museum and the Risorgimento Museum worth a visit as well.

In the surroundings:

· Monte Maddalena is featured by woods, meadows, orchards, farmhouses, villas taverns and elegant restaurants,

· only ten minutes far from the city center; the hill of San Giusesppe is another green oasis and Botticino village which is famous for its marble and its wine.

Brescia free time

Whatever your taste is, there is no shortage of entertainment and arts in Brescia, thanks to a dynamic business sector, 3 major universities and trans-European tourism, the city is rich in nightlife and offers visitors a wide selection of dance clubs, bars and live music. Brescia also hosts a major league soccer team and an active racing circuit.