A territory ... for any taste! The many-sided faces of Brescia extend to its wonderful territory, which only one thing is missing : the seaside !
Let’s think it over : three among the most charming lakes of Italy, a versatile landscape changing over and over, from gentle plain to romantic hills, and from uncontaminated valleys to long-lasting glaciers; a national park, three regional parks and countless protected areas, and also medieval villages and castles, villas and historical dwellings, museums and house-museums, fun and theme parks, a lot of shopping facilities ...
The territory of Brescia is the ideal destination for any kind of tourism, and a perfect starting point for excursions to anywhere you want : Milan, St. Moritz, Venice, Florence, Mantua, Bolzano, Dolomites, Trentino region………

BRESCIA ART CITY
Brescia is the 2nd city in Lombardy for extension and importance, and the 3rd industrial area in Italy, counting its territory too. Thanks to its enviable geographical position – at the centre of Northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps and between two among the most important Italian lakes – lake Garda and lake Iseo – Brescia had always been a crossing of the main roads connecting the Northern Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean to the Middle East. For centuries had these roads been travelled throughout by merchants, pilgrims and travellers coming from all Europe : a time period of 10.000 years, from the Prehistory to the 3rd Millennium = the 21st Century.

As well as having a long-lasting tradition of handicraft, trade and industry, Brescia owns a rich artistic wealth. Brescia, a precious case full of works of art : what an amazing discovery ! In the town centre are still highly visible the traces of the ancient people who lived here : the Romans, the Lombards, the Venetians, the Austrian, … The great strategic importance of Brescia through the centuries is witnessed by extraordinary buildings, such as the Roman imposing excavations; the two great Cathedrals; the medieval Castle; the 15th century Loggia Palace; and also monasteries, churches, public squares and museums – among which noteworthy are S. Giulia City Museum and the Tosio–Martinengo Picture Gallery, where Renaissance masterpieces by local painters are kept. Almost every palace in Brescia had been built using snow-white Botticino marble - a valuable local marble – which makes Brescia one-of-a-kind among the art cities of Norhtern Italy.

LAKE GARDA
The Lake Garda had always been famous for its clean waters, its temperate climate and mediterranean vegetation, which make it a “little sea” set between the Alps and the Po valley. Celebrated by poets and writers at any time - Catullus, Joyce, Goethe, D’Annunzio, ... - and always claimed by the major European powers, the Lake Garda combines the call of uncontaminated nature and unforgettable views, and the call of art and history, from the wonderful Roman villas to the early XXth Century dwellings. We suggest you shouldn’t miss these areas of Lake Garda : Parco Alto Garda Bresciano; Valtenesi; and Colline Moreniche.

The Parco Alto Garda Bresciano - the natural park situated in the west-northern area of the lake - gives the visitors the opportunity to catch sight of protected species like wolves, chamois and golden eagles, centuries-old and monumental trees; and also the chance to know the ancient local traditions. Moreover, all towns within the park own countless churches, dwellings and palaces keeping important works of art.
The Valtenesi - the valley extending between Salò and Desenzano - is a land rich of castles, medieval villages and noble dwellings. But, most of all, it is a land of vineyards and olive-groves, producing some of the most renowned Italian wines - Garda Classico, Groppello e Chiaretto - and the excellent Garda DOP “extravergine” olive oil.

The Colline Moreniche, finally, are the hills extending south of the lake Garda. They are famous both for their artistic and historical wealth, and for the production of two esteemed white wines : Lugana and S. Martino della Battaglia. They are also known as “historical hills”, since here, in the XIX Century, took place one of the most important Italian battles, from which the International Red Cross and the Italian nation were born.

FRANCIACORTA AND LAKE ISEO
The Franciacorta region means romantic hills covered by vineyards, jealously hiding magnificent historical dwellings, ancient monasteries and medieval castles. Dedicated to vine-growing from time immemorial, this area produces wines of excellent quality, among which noteworthy is “Franciacorta DOCG” - the “king” of Italian sparkling wines. North-west of Franciacorta lays the lake Iseo, dominated by the top of Monte Isola - the largest lake island of Europe - which stands out from the water so green and unpolluted, since it is closed to motorcar traffic.

VALSABBIA AND LAKE IDRO
The Valsabbia, the valley of river Chiese, stands for woods, rocks and clean streams, and offers the visitors the sight of an unpolluted nature. In the northern part of the valley is located the lake Idro, which is one of the most evocative lakes of the alpine chain, and the highest lake in Lombardy - at 370 meters above sea-level. During the winter season it is also possible to ski at the Gaver sports resorts and to attend the traditional Carnival of Bagolino, one of the most ancient and famous carnivals in Italy.

VALTROMPIA
The Valtrompia - the valley of river Mella - is well-known at international level thanks to its iron and steel industry and weapon industry. Yet, going up the valley, the industrial plants become less frequent and give way to nature, woods and silence, and to winter ski and sports resorts. The northern part of the valley offers also the chance to run through the history of its long-lasting mining tradition, by visiting some important sites of industrial archaeology, together with works of art scattered here and there throughout the valley.

VALCAMONICA
The Valcamonica - the valley of river Oglio - offers the visitors two natural parks among the most important of the Alps : Stelvio and Adamello, where a lot of paths and nature trails lead to mountain villages, farms, and alpine huts. As well as three famous winter ski and sports resorts, there is also the chance of skiing in summer too, on the Presena glacier. Moreover, this valley owns an artistic and historical wealth almost unique : from the rock engraving art (UNESCO human heritage) which covers a time period of 10.000 years, to the imposing Roman excavations, and to the numerous monasteries and churches, museums and medieval villages scattered here and there.

THE PLAIN
The Plain south of Brescia is a land rich of rivers, streams and channels, on which face castles, churches, dwellings and museums holding important masterpieces and works of art. The plain can also be discovered at a walking pace or by bicycle, following the numerous cycle paths and country roads beside the watercourses, and halting at the various conservation areas.