![\"City](\"https:\/\/www.zainoo.com\/blog\/en\/files\/2020\/10\/Brescia_135820418_-LEE-SNIDER-PHOTO-IMAGES-300x201.jpg\")
\u00a9Bigstock.com\/LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES<\/p><\/div>\n
Here\u2019s a shocker: we kick things off by looking at the history of this city of arts, and it is quite something. The name Brescia derives from Brixia, the name of this settlement given by the Gallic Cenomani. They surrendered to the Roman Empire in 225 BC who eventually declared the region a civil colony. Various tribes occupied Brescia during the Migration Period before the Lombards eventually ensured quieter times. The city rose to new heights and even yielded two kings before Charlemagne ended the Lombard rule. Over the course of the following centuries the monastery San Salvatore, founded by Queen Ansa, was the city\u2019s centre.<\/p>\n
Brescia\u2019s more recent history, however, wasn\u2019t quite as spectacular. A communal revolt resulted in a rather brutal dispute between the citizens and the bishop in 1138. The city would later become very active in the Lombard League. Among the rulers in the following centuries were the Scaliger, the Visconti of Milan, and the Republic of Venice. Brescia even was one of the wealthiest cities of Lombardy during the early 16th<\/sup> century. The Brescia Explosion of 1769 killed thousands of people and devastated the city when the Bastion of San Nazaro storing 90 tons of gunpowder was struck by lightning. Eventually, the city fell under Austrian rule. Not even a revolt could free Brescia, though it remained active during the Risorgimento earning it the nickname \u201cLeonessa d\u2019Italia\u201d (\u201cItalian Lioness\u201d). Italian troops eventually conquered the city and Brescia was included in the newly founded Kingdom of Italy.<\/p>\n Traces of Ancient Rome and the Lombards<\/strong><\/p>\n The early years of Brescia during Roman and Lombard rule are something that (should) make the second-largest city in Lombardy a must-see destination for people around the world. Two sites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage \u201cPlaces of Power of the Lombards in Italy\u201d<\/a> since 2011:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cathedral Square and Piazza della Loggia<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a9Bigstock.com\/LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES<\/p><\/div>\n But that\u2019s enough for the ancient peak of Brescia. We move on to two of the most important squares of the modern city. Cathedral Square<\/strong> is our first stop. It used to be the site of three monumental Romanesque buildings until the summer cathedral was demolished in the 17th<\/sup> century and replaced by the following new building:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We leave the predominantly medieval charm behind and turn to Brescia\u2019s cradle of the Renaissance. Piazza della Loggia<\/strong> is the epitome of a Renaissance square and remains likely the city\u2019s most beautiful square even nearly 600 years after it was established. Here you find Palazzo della Loggia<\/strong>, currently used as city hall, with its stunning Vanvitelli rooms and two 15th<\/sup> to 16th<\/sup> century Christian lending houses, so-called Monti di Piet\u00e0<\/strong>. The facades are embedded with ancient Roman tombstones. The imposing Torre dell\u2019Orologio<\/strong> rises tall at the centre of the square\u2019s east side. The original 16th<\/sup> century clockwork still works.<\/p>\n Other highlights in Brescia<\/strong><\/p>\n As stunning and as impressive as these two squares might be, we now move on to finally introduce to even more neat spots and sights in Brescia you most definitely shouldn\u2019t miss out on:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brescia is only non-descript to those that have never really dealt with this fascinating city of arts. The hidden gem of Lombardy is home to a particularly exciting World Heritage Site and to architectural highlights ranging from ancient Rome to Romanesque art of the baroque. Still it maintains a harmonious, charming and inviting overall flair. Don\u2019t forget to spend a few days in Brescia during your next trip to Northern Italy!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Even though Brescia is the second-largest city of Lombardy with its almost 200,000 inhabitants, it likely won\u2019t be your prime holiday destination. There certainly are better known places in this region letting the heart one of the country\u2019s largest industrial … Continue reading \n
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