Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 1 / 7

Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 2 / 7

Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 3 / 7

Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 4 / 7

Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 5 / 7

Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 6 / 7

Proudly powered by WordPress

Comments are closed.

Brescia – 10 Top Experiences

Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, not far from Milan, Brescia is a

city favoured by Italian holidaymakers for its ancient streets, inspiring edifices

and culture-rich surroundings.

Here are my top ten recommendations for Brescia. It’s not all about the pasta (though

some of it inevitably is…)

1 Explore the past

Brescia has some impressive Roman sites, including ruins of several villas discovered

beneath the nuns’ garden with the Santa Giulia museum and a rather striking structure

called the Capitolium, a religious temple and theatre built in AD 73 by Roman emperor

Vespasian. It was rediscovered in 1823 thanks to a single visible tower, the rest being

buried far below the city’s present level. Today, you can hire special Smart Glasses

that offer glimpses into history for an impression of past and present layered over one

another.

To me it brought to mind Daphne Du Maurier’s beautiful novel The House On The

Strand, but others may find themselves channelling a certain time travelling Doctor’s

sonic specs…

2 Hunt for mermaids

Brescia has a huge number of churches, (25 in the city centre alone) almost all of

which are Catholic. One of my favourites is Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the exterior of

which is covered with these extraordinary carvings. It’s worth taking a moment to eye

up the mythical beasts – intended as warnings of the dangers that could befall you

should you dare to stray from the faith. These mermaids are particularly foreboding,

with their tiny wings and clawed feet.

3 Seek serenity

While fewer than the churches, there are plenty of convents to visit –even the city

Santa Giulia museum is a former Benedictine monastery. This particular one is part of

the San Francesco d’Assisi religious complex. Peaceful and austere, these sites

provide the opportunity to stroll the walkways and courtyard while contemplating life,

love and mortality.

4 Count the cherubs

There are many – inside churches (occasionally swinging from chandeliers in a rather

decadent fashion perhaps better suited to the Roman days of feasting), guarding the

exterior gates of splendid buildings, and spouting with water from the ornate fountains.

I’m not sure why they’re quite so numerous, but they’re amusing, in a slightly sinister

way, and very photogenic. This fountain sits behind the church and convent of San

Francesco in Piazetta dell Immacolata.

5 Play ‘spot the architectural style’

Brescia boasts examples of architecture from every era imaginable, including pre-

Roman, renaissance and stunningly modern. One of my favourites, which resembles a

ship about to collide with the facing building, can be seen down an alleyway northwest

of Piazza Paolo VI.

6 Watch an astronomical clock strike

In the centre of Brescia’s beautiful old quarter is an elegant square named the Piazza

della Loggia and flanked at one end by the Renaissance Palace of the Loggia – now the

town hall – and at the other by the astronomical clock. Each hour (or, rather, a little

while after – the clock is typically laidback about punctuality), two figures strike the bell

atop with hammers to remind you to take your final sip of espresso and get on with

your day.

7 Meet the locals

Many Brescia residents are incomparably chic, occasionally dauntingly so, but the

dogs are always friendly. This said, be aware that cooing over and petting an Italian’s

beloved canine will be greeted with as much warmth as though you’d ruffled their own

painstakingly coiffed hair.

8 Feast on casoncelli

This typical local dish is like a form of ravioli made with paper-thin pasta, and stuffed

with cheese and breadcrumbs, meat or vegetables. The ones shown here, served at

former convent hospice Osteria del Savio, cradle pumpkin, saffron cream and are

perfumed with orange. Not so much the peasant fare then.

9 Compare the old with the new

Why have one cathedral when you can have two? In Brescia’s Piazza Paolo VI you

can’t fail to spot the elegant white structure topped with one of the tallest domes in the

Italy. Work on the Duomo Nuovo began in 1604 when it was decided the Duomo

Vecchio, or old cathedral, wasn’t fancy enough. And yet, of the two, the old version,

also known as the Rotonda due to its circular shape topped by a conical roof, is by far

the more atmospheric. Build in the 12th century on the ruins of a former church, it has

an entrance at street level with a flight of stairs leading down into the belly of the

building, where services are still held today.

10 Revel in an art duet

Within Brescia’s Santa Giulia museum, you can currently experience a dialogue

between two creative greats – Marc Chagall and Dario Fo. The exhibition showcases

paintings and sketches from Chagall’s childhood and early adulthood with response

pieces created by his devotee Fo. Resembling scenes from colour-drunk dreams, the

pairing seems like an artistic match made in heaven. The duel exhibition is on until 15

February 2016.

Where to stay

NH Hotel- Brescia www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-brescia

Where to eat

Trattoria La Buca www.trattorialabuca.com/english/start.htm

Osteria del Savio www.osteria-delsavio.com

Signorvino www.signorvino.com/en

Find local guide Cristina Boschetti at www.arnaldodabrescia.com.

Discover more about Brescia at www.bresciatourism.it/en/

Interested in visiting Budapest?

Interested in visiting Barcelona?

This entry was posted in Travel and tagged 10 things to do in Brescia, holiday inspiration, Italy by

Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on December 10, 2015

Sampling the smart specs with local guide Cristina Boschetti. Pic by Edith Koechl.—

← Previous

SkyLightRainFor writers, daydreamers and innovators

Search

Opportunities Reviews Inspiration Judy’s writing Writing genres Writing tools Writing prompts Travel

Generated with www.html-to-pdf.net Page 7 / 7