Brescia

Brescia is a rich industrial city in Lombardy between Lake Garda, Lake Iseo and the :w:Val Trompia|Valtrompia in the foothills of the Alps, about 100 km east of Milan and the capital of the province of Brescia.

Tramonto su Brescia (Foto Luca Giarelli) - Brescia at dusk seen from the castle hill Brescia piazza vittoria 2015 - Idiosyncratic style of 1930s at the Piazza della Vittoria

Brescia Halal Travel Guide

While the province is rich in scenic and popular tourist destinations, including the shore of the Lake Garda, Brescia itself is less known for tourists. One may that due to its heavily industrialized cityscape it can be found not as interesting compared to other major city's of Lombardy.

Bs due scura 2 - Brescia Metro is not only convenient and modern but also quite spectacular

Yes, Brescia is famous for its industrial past and for its role as a major manufacturing centre: numerous factories produce weapons (including the famous Beretta pistols) and cutlery/kitchen accessories. This industry has brought the city tremendous wealth and prestige since the 1960s, to the point that an entire second city—the imaginatively named Brescia 2--has sprung up on the south side of the city's original boundaries.

Also, vintage vehicle aficionados flock to Brescia to witness the start and final of the Mille Miglia race and soft drinks lovers appreciate the local fine Franciacortafruit cocktails.

Brescia, however, also has another face, having been founded over three millenniums ago in the times of the Roman Empire, of which several remains can be found and it remained an important city throughout the early Middle Ages, with the local monastic complex earning a place on the UNESCO World Heritage#Italy|UNESCO World Heritage list (see Longobards in Italy, Places of Power (568–774 A.D.)).

Tourist information

IAT - Brescia Tourism Board Office | Piazza del Foro, 6 45.5392859, 10.2254927 Palazzo Martinengo - Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 18:00

Travel to Brescia

Fly to Brescia

Aeroporto di Brescia-Montichiari IATA Flight Code: VBS 45.423907, 10.329294 20 km from the downtown in Montichiari - Brescia Airport - Aeroporto di Brescia-Montichiari -QQ0989 A small airport which is served by charter flights.

The other close airports are:

Bergamo#Bergamo Orio al Serio International Airport| Bergamo Airport (aka Milan Orio al Serio, 50 km away and is served by low-fare Flights from all over Europe)
Verona#Aeroporto Valerio Catullo|Verona Airport (50 km away)
Milan#Linate Airpot|Milano Linate (100 km away)
Milano Malpensa Airport (150 km away).

Travel by train to Brescia

You can reach Brescia by any train from the expensive Eurostars to the affordable and slow regionale commuter trains.

Stazione di Brescia - Train station | 45.532207, 10.213927 It is about an hour from Milan (costing €7.30 on the Regionale) and other city's including Bergamo, Verona and Venice are within an hour or two.

Travel by Bus to Brescia

There are 2 bus hubs located near the train station.

Autostazione SAIA Via Solferino 6/D 45.533052, 10.214555

Autostazione SIA Viale Stazione, 14 45.533307, 10.211579

How to travel to Brescia by car

Brescia is reachable using the following motorway:

Autostrada A4 Italia.svg|20px|motorway A4 (Torino -Trieste), exits: Brescia Ovest, Brescia Centro, Brescia Est; Autostrada A21 Italia.svg|20px|motorway A21 (Torino -Brescia), exits: Brescia Centro, Brescia Sud; Autostrada A35 Italia.svg|20px|motorway A35-BreBeMi (Brescia-Bergamo -Milano) Under costruction.

Brescia mappa metropolitana.svg|Map of the metro in Brescia

Get Around

The compact historical center of the city has a bus system that works well for inhabitants and other commuters.

To get to the outer neighborhoods, you can take advantage of Brescia's metro, opened in 2013, making it the smallest city in the world with an underground train system. It features the same driverless automated system as in Copenhagen but with even more spectacular station designs.

Much of the rest of the area, including the Franciacorta soft drinks neighborhood and nearby museums such as that of the #Do|Mille Miglia automobile race, is more easily accessible by car.

What to See

Brescia is home to several great museums. However, since it is not a primary tourist city, very few English translations are provided and even if they are, translations are often so poor that you may prefer to try the Italian explanations.

Santa maria in solario (brescia) int2 - nailthumbChiesa di Santa Maria in Solario at the Santa Giulia monastery

Monasterio di Santa Giulia Web: ation Via dei Musei, 81/b 45.5396617, 10.2289903 - Opening Hours: 16 June - September: Tuesday - Sunday 10:30-19:00; Oct - 15 Jun: Tuesday - Sunday 09:30-17:30 (last admission 30 min before closure) €10; see Tempio Capitolino (Brixia) for combined tickets A UNESCO World Heritage Site. A former monastery of Santa Giulia (it includes the earlier monastery of San Salvatore) now is a massive museum with a collection of art and archeology dating back more than 10,000 years and exploring the region's history from pre-history to Roman occupation to the Lombard settlement, etc. The museums also contain foundational remnants from various periods of Brescian houses with well preserved beautiful mosaic floors. The permanent collection of religious art is one of the best in northern Italy. Be sure not to miss the Vittoria alata di Brescia (Winged Victory of Brescia) — a true gem of the museum. It's a Greek statue of 3rd century BC, modified in the 1st century with adding the wings — a must see by your own eyes. Also not to be missed a collection of Ritratti romani bronzei di Brescia — a collection of six gilded bronze busts found in 1826 at the Capitolium of ancient Brixia.

Chiesa di Santa Maria in Solario , entry through the museum of the Monasterio di Santa Giulia Not to be missed for its magnificent frescos. Also there you'd find the Croce di Desiderio (Desiderius’ Cross) a 9th-century wooden processional cross covered with golden foil and adorned with 212 gemstones (50 of them are of antique origin) — the biggest and finest artifact of Lombard goldsmith of the period.

4879 - Brescia - S. Giulia - Vittoria di Brescia - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto, 25 Giu 2011 - Winged Victory of Brescia

361BresciaTempioCapitolino - Tempio Capitolino

Tempio Capitolino - Brixia. Parco archeologico di Brescia romana | Web: ation Via dei Musei, 57 45.53969, 10.22588 - Opening Hours: 16 June - September: Tuesday - Sunday 10:30-19:00; Oct - 15 Jun: Tuesday - Sunday 09:30-17:30 (last admission 30 min. before closure) € 8; + Museo di Santa Giulia €15; + Museo di Santa Giulia + Museo delle Armi Luigi Marzoli €20 Said to be one of the best-preserved Roman public complexes in Italy (still it's not like in Pompeii), complete with a forum, amphitheatre and capitolium (Roman temple). Old Roman ruins and the last remains of what once was the city's forum during the Roman Empire, built by the emperor Vespasian.

Piazza del Foro - 45.5391507, 10.2256966 - Located at the place of the Roman Forum.

Castello di Brescia - Museo delle Armi Luigi Marzoli e Museo del Risorgimento | Web: ation Via Castello, 9 45.5429, 10.2249 ☎ +39 030 2977833-834 Opening Hours: Museum: 16 June - September: F-Su 11:00-19:00; Oct - 15 Jun: Thursday - Friday 09:00-16:00, Saturday - Sunday 10:00-17:00 (last admission 30 min before closure) €4; + Museo di Santa Giulia + Brixia. Parco archeologico di Brescia romana €20 Dating to pre-Roman times and last fortified by the Venetian overlords of the 16th century and the city's stronghold houses museums of armory and of the Risorgimento (Italy's first struggles for independence and unification) and provides eccelent views of the Valtrompia and the alps and the city itself.

Chiesa di San Giuseppe Vicolo San Giuseppe, 5 - GPS: 45.540897, 10.220538 - 16th-century church, inside and there is one of the oldest organs in the world.

Broletto Piazza Paolo VI 45.5392483, 10.2217269 - 12th-century Town Hall

Duomo Vecchio - La Rotonda | 45.5382, 10.2217 - The unique pre-renaissance church has a massive stone dome and 12th century crucifixes.

Gothic Church of Brescia - Gothic Church of Brescia

|name Duomo Nuovo New Gothic Church GPS 45.5386,10.2218. The city cathedral, built 150 years ago, with the third largest dome in Italy. The local hero is Pope Paul VI (1963–1978), a local Brescian.

Palazzo della Loggia 45.53985, 10.21920 - The city hall and center of regional government, this large and oddly shaped building presides over the city's central square, where you'll often see political demonstrations, concerts and markets. You can enter the building and look around in the main halls, enjoying the architecture and decor, but it remains primarily functional. The Loggia (lodge) also marks the northern end of the city's retail shopping neighborhood.

Case del Gambero - Houses of Shrimp | Corso Palestro 45.5370465, 10.21905 a number of buildings constructed in the mid 16th century probably by Lodovico Beretta between 1550 and 1555. The façades are decorated by a vast cycle of frescoes painted by Lattanzio Gambara, partly lost, partly moved to the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo, but still partly on site, albeit mostly severely degraded. The name "Gambero" is after the hotel Gambero, which was located in the vicinity, south of Corso Zanardelli.

Corsia del Gambero - Gambero lane | 45.5365655, 10.2197126 - A nice portico passage built in the 15th century near one of the oldest hotels in Brescia — Locanda del Gambero (now private apartments).

Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista 45.541347, 10.217438 It is one of the oldest churches in Brescia: it was consecrated in the early 5th century.

Torre della Pallata 45.5406386, 10.2159655 - 32-metre-high 13th-century tower.

Palazzo Martinengo Cesaresco Via dei Musei, 30 45.5394212, 10.2252781 ☎ +39 339 838 4933 Opening 9.00-13.00 A mid-17th-century palace that houses the offices of the province and occasional exhibitions -martinengo-cesaresco-novarino/].

Santa Maria dei Miracoli 45.5373, 10.2149 - A Renaissance church with bas-reliefs façade and peristilium. It is considered as one of the finest examples of architecture of this style in Lombardy.

Santi Nazaro e Celso 45.537005, 10.213125 - The church contains the Averoldi Polyptych (1522), a masterwork of Titian.

Piazza della Vittoria 45.5384, 10.2193 It is a characteristic example of architecture 1930s, designed by Marcello Piacentini, one of the architects of the Rome/EUR|EUR neighborhood in Rome.

Casa Ottelli Corso Palestro 45.5378581, 10.216459 at the crossing with corso Martiri della Libertà - Built in 1932, at the facade there are two bas-reliefs by Angelo Righetti and the sculptor who was quite famous at the time after he created the sculptures for the Piazza della Vittoria.

Piazza Tebaldo Brusato 45.537813, 10.2294087 - Named after a Guelph hero of the defense of Brescia. It was established in 1173 as the first municipal square in the town.

Mercato dei Grani | 45.536058, 10.230095 south of Piazza Tebaldo Brusato - A building with a notable sequence of porticos.

Top Travel Tips

Mercato dei Grani Brescia - Mercato dei Grani

The city's medieval historical center, with shopping neighborhoods, open markets (try Via San Faustino and Piazza della Loggia on Saturdays), gelaterias, etc., is a good example of city life untrammeled by tourism.

Teatro Grande - Opera House | 45.536787, 10.220761 - Since 1912 and the theatre is a national monument of Italy.

Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo - Palazzo Martinengo da Barco | Web: ation Piazza Moretto 45.5346717, 10.2260292 - Opening Hours: the building is closed for renovations

Travelers might find interesting that, due to the city's industry, Brescia is however a major immigrant center. The Via San Faustino neighborhood, with its affordable housing for both immigrants and university students, is an example of cultural integration that you won't find anywhere else in Italy.

Museo Mille Miglia 45.5246548, 10.2671836 Until the auto industry made its dirty, cliff-side roads, hairpin turns and spectator presence far too dangerous and the :w:Mille Miglia|Mille Miglia, which starts in Brescia, was one of the world's top automobile races. Since it was discontinued as a real race 40 years ago (following numerous driver and spectator deaths), it has continued as a museum of automobile history. The actual race, now a parade of refurbished and custom designed cars that slowly winds its way through 1000 miles of northern Italy, starts in May of each year.

Study in Brescia

If you are truly fascinated by the nearly endless parade of invaders that oppressed the city for the past 2000 years—the Romans and the Lombards and the Venetians and the French, to name the longer-lasting ones—you'll find many historical sites and museums. The city's collection of religious art is housed by several museums. You can buy a yearlong, unlimited pass to the museums for 20 Euro, 15 for students. Brescia has a very old and well regarded university. The medical school, due to its proximity to the large regional hospital, is particularly well regarded. Brescia is not a common or canny destination for study abroad students.

483BresciaMontePieta - Piazza della Loggia Via X Giornate, Brescia - Christmas lights - Christmas lights in via X Giornate

Shopping in Brescia

Corsia del gambero (brescia)3 - Porticos in Corsia del Gambero

The historic center of the city has an active shopping neighborhood, with numerous clothing and jewelry stores. City residents enjoy strolling through the stretches from the Portici (shopping porticos built literally on top of their similarly styled and utilized Roman antecedents in the heart of the downtown) to Piazza della Loggia.

Brescia - Piazza del Mercato - - Piazza del Mercato

Halal Restaurants & Food in Brescia

Try the true "bresciano" food, including casoncelli (called in Brescian dialect "casonsei"), homemade tortellini with beef, served with "Burro versato" (spilled Butter) and sage with sprinkling of Parmigiano. Try the polenta (in winter only) a mush made with durum wheat, Polenta taragna is mixed with homemade cheeses and butter. Try the amazing spiedo (in winter only) roasted larks and Beef Meat cooked for 6–7 hours in oven with butter and flavours or on grill. It's very typically Bresciano!!!

As with most of Lombard cuisine, Brescian cooking features more beef and butter and more hearty, German-style dishes than the rest of Italy. Excellent pizzerias abound, including Al Teatro (by the theater and portici on the junction of Via Giuseppe Mazzini and Via Giuseppe Zanardelli) and the South-American styled Tempio Inca Pizzeria (Piazzale Arnaldo). Authentic Brescian osterias and trattorias are common on the north side of the town center, but you will find that the best are out of the way and, purposefully, rather hard to find. Try to find the Contrada Santa Chiara, a dark side street parallel to Via San Faustino, where just off Via Dei Musei (close to the Roman Ruins and Santa Giulia), you'll find several highly authentic and affordable osterias including Osteria al Bianchi. Cafe culture is just as prominent here as elsewhere and there are several great coffee and aperitivo spots. Try the Due Stelle on Via San Faustino (also a great restaurant), or any of several cafe/restaurants just north of the Duomos between the Piazza Paulo VI and Via Dei Musei, which feature drinks and unlimited gourmet aperitivo buffets for under 6 Euro.

Amarcord Artisan Piada Restaurant Via Fratelli Ugoni 16a 45.539429, 10.210085 ☎ +39 030 42216 Budget - Fast food. Has vegan options.

Osteria Al Bianchi Via Gasparo da Salò, 32 45.540567, 10.220709 ☎ +39 030 292328
Schiaccia Brescia via Mazzini 5 & Via Cipro 15 45.537095, 10.222282 ☎ +39 030 280 7252 Budget - Fast food joint.

Trattoria G. A. Porteri Via Trento, 52 45.553580, 10.224594 ☎ +39 030 301833

Franciacorta soft drinks are easily found. They're excellent, world famous and expensive. Try some of the non-DOC labels, which avoid EU regulations in order to preserve centuries-old vineyard traditions.

Brescia is also one of the most night-active city in the whole Italy, because of the industrial wealth. Brescian youths (and Lombardians in general) are famous for partying the night way — every single night. Many hotspots for local residents can be found outside the city; in the center try Piazzale Arnaldo on the eastern edge and Borgo Pietro Wuhrer about 5 km east of the center on Via Venezia.

Viselli's Near P.le Arnaldo. Look for the crowds and ask somebody - A small bar with an old proprietor who owns the copyright to his cocktails.It's a must in Brescia to try the Viselli's Champagnone (very good but very strong)

Borgo Wührer|Borgo Wührer: lots of beautiful bars such as Nacio, Hico de puta, BW Cafè, Pappavero and more.

Revivalism (architecture) in Brescia house Cadeo - Villa Cadeo

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Brescia

Brescia - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Brescia, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Brescia. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Brescia and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Brescia. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Brescia. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Brescia: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Brescia.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Brescia: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Brescia, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Brescia.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Brescia, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Brescia, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Brescia and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Brescia, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Brescia, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Brescia without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Brescia is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Brescia.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Brescia is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Brescia, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Brescia Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Brescia

eHalal Group Brescia is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Brescia. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Brescia.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Brescia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Brescia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Brescia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Brescia are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Brescia

Ramadan 2025 in Brescia

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Because it's not a primary tourist destination, Brescia is a bit short on hospitality, especially in the budget range. You'll find a few hotels in shadier parts of the city and some nicer ones close to the train station. For hostels, you're out of luck and bed and breakfasts are recommended but only if you have a car, as they're found in the surrounding towns.

Historicist building in Brescia - Historicist styling in Brescia

Bed & Breakfast Cà Del Gando Via dei Musei, 75, 25121 Brescia☎ +39 340 675 3630. Quaint, local Bed & Breakfast. Very attentive owner and situated in the heart of the Brescia historical center. Close to cultural attractions such as museum, roman ruins and dining Piazza Arnaldo. Ai Ronchi Motor Hotel Viale della Bornata 22 Brescia,☎ +39 030 362061 Fax: +39 030 3366315. 4-star hotel located only few steps from downtown of Brescia, on the primary street that leads to beautiful Lake Garda. Friendly English-speaking staff.

Continental Hotel - ☎ +39 030 2582721 +39 030 2583108 Via Martiri della Libertà 267 Roncadelle Brescia. A renovated, modern and functional ambience here along with top quality services and excellent comfort.

NH Brescia Viale Stazione, 15 ☎ +39 030 44221 - This fairly standard NH is not as fresh as it used to be, but makes up for it with its location next to the train station and the usual NH breakfast buffet.

AC Hotel Brescia by Marriott Via Giulio Quinto Stefana 3 In an industrial estate right out of the city. A fairly standard, new and solid AC hotel, with typical upscalish simplicity aimed at business travellers.

Novotel Brescia Due Via Pietro Nenni 22 - Renovated in 2016 it is a typical Novotel, complete with an outdoor pool, garden and family-oriented amenities, situated in a business park within 15 minutes of the train station.

Best Western Hotel Master - A solid if slightly uninspired choice in the north of Brescia.

Park Hotel Ca Noa Brescia ☎ +39 030 398762 +39 030 398764– Via Triumplina, 66. The Park Hotel Cá Noa is four star hotel with 79 guestrooms, private bath, shower, internet connection, satellite TV and air conditioning. Also available: three meeting rooms and private parking.

Hotel Vittoria - The closest hotel to the Duomo

Hotel Ambasciatori Upscale hotel with lush historizing decoration, reasonably close to the metro.

News & References

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Brescia

Brescia is close to the lakes of Lake Iseo|Iseo and Lake Garda|Garda. You can take trains and buses to the lakes. The ones who travels with a vehicle will find scenic drives there and elsewhere around the town.

Brescia is also so close to other city's more proximate to natural beauty (e.g. Milan, Como, Iseo, Verona, Mantua and many more), that you may want to just use one of them as a base.

The Franciacorta region south of the Lake Iseo boasts opportunities to taste some of the finest (and most expensive) :w:Franciacorta_DOCG|wines in Italy, as well as tour vineyards and cantinas.

Hiking and biking in the alpine foothills around the town are open to more physically fit and adventurous travellers.