The second largest province in Italy, Brescia offers countless things to see and do: the city, the lakes, the valleys, the mountains, culture, nature, food and wine, sport.
BRESCIA:
Brescia is a beautiful Italian art city.
It has very ancient origins, the Cenoman Gauls being the first to set a colony and name the area after the Celtic word brig or briga – mountain, fortress. They became faithful allies of the Roman Empire and acquired Roman citizenship in the II century B.C. From 568 to 778 A.D. Brescia was one of the most powerful Lombard dukedoms, and in the Middle-Age it became a rich Medieval Common, until the Serenissima Republic of Venice conquered it in 1426. The Venetian rule lasted until 1797 and brought peace and wealth to the city, where the arts and crafts flourished. Brescia is also known as the Lioness of Italy, for its brave 10-day rebellion against the Austrians in 1849. After the Italian unification, it became a prosperous and lively city.
The historical and artistic heritage left by each period of time can be admired all over the city centre: the majestic Roman temple, the imposing Castle dominating the old centre, the medieval streets and towers, the Renaissance-style buildings and palaces, the two cathedrals and other important churches. The Santa Giulia City Museum, set in a beautiful Lombard monastery, runs through the whole history of the city and displays an astounding collection of objects and architectonical elements.
Brescia is cultivated and refined, with a high standard of living. The streets are always full with people who enjoy shopping, visiting cultural sites, attending the many events organised throughout the year, and tasting the delicious food & wine in typical trattorias.
FRANCIACORTA:
The gentle hills between the western suburbs of Brescia and the southern coast of Lake Iseo are called Franciacorta. The name is believed to come from the Latin expression curtes franca, a land not subject to tax payment.
The traditional activity of vine cultivation dates back to the Roman times; the production techniques have changed but the passion for high-quality wines has remained the same. This is why today Franciacorta is The Italian spumante, the only one to obtain the DOCG certification and worldwide recognition. The best wineries are run by friendly producers and are located in charming historical buildings. It is possible to taste local wines, getting to know their characteristic nuances, and to purchase them at special prices.
Local recipes vary from meat dishes in the inland, famous in the past for its livestock markets, to lake fish dishes along the Lake Iseo coasts. In Rovato, for example, you can enjoy the typical manzo all’olio (beef cooked in oil), while tinca al forno (stewed tench) is characteristic of Clusane d’Iseo.
A visit to Franciacorta is a real journey through history. There are several ancient abbeys, castles, 17th and 18th-century palaces that are open to visitors and are part of cultural itineraries of various local associations. Shopping is also a must in the area: wine, salami and local handicrafts such as the famous wrough iron objects – in the 17th century the brusafer (burn-iron) enriched the houses with gates, balconies, pot-bellied window bars, signs and coats of arms.
LAKE IDRO
The Valley known as Valsabbia runs west of the left coast of Lake Garda, stretching up to Trentino. It reaches the peaks of the upper Caffaro valley in the north and includes most of the Brescian eastern pre-Alps.
The high mountains are covered in woods and offer a unique variety of wildlife and vegetation. Among the 2,000-metre high peaks stands Lake Idro, the paradise of nature lovers. At 370 mt. above sea level, Idro is the highest lake in Lombardy and combines the charme of a mountain area with lakeside activities. It is possible to practice any kinds of sport (from tennis to horse-riding) and it’s the ideal place for sailing and windsurfing.
The typical upper valley villages boast a rich collection of paintings and wooden sculptures, the carving art being the peculiarity of this area (the tradition has been handed on from father to son for centuries). The Bagolino Carnival, that takes place on the two days before Lent, is a real event: dancers and musicians wearing traditional costumes dance and make jokes in the streets.
The simple, natural typical dishes vary according to season, ranging from mushrooms and game in winter to chicken and mixed grill in the summertime. It is also possible to enjoy lake perch and different varieties of trouts. Local dairy products are also delicious, in particular goat cheese and the famous tasty Bagoss cheese.
LAKE ISEO
Lake Iseo (or Sebino, as the Romans called it) is the 7th largest lake in Italy, and it’s one of the most charming and romantic.
Although the area offers several tourist facilities that can satisfy any requirements of modern tourism, it has retained its traditional charme, and the simple, friendly atmosphere of family-run hotels and trattorias. Thanks to its position, the lake enjoys mild weather all over the year, and sports and nature lovers can choose among different activities to practice: paragliding, sailing, windsurfing, trekking, climbing.
Torbiere del Sebino (the peat bogs), in the southern part of the lake, is a unique nature reserve in Europe: the 2 sqm area boasts several kinds of birds and in springtime the ponds are covered with thousands of waterlilies. The Piramidi di Zone reserve is also an outstanding itinerary, with its rock pyramids created by water erosion. Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Europe, contributes to the magic of the lake.
For those who are fond of art, the lake surroundings are ideal to discover real jewels: Romanesque churches and abbeys, castles, frescoes and extremely well preserved ancient town centres.
Local cuisine is based on lake fish prepared in different ways: grilled, baked, pickled or stewed. The most famous dish is stewed tench with polenta.
LAKE GARDA
Lake Garda is the most important European lake, and it has always been a renowned tourist area.
The land is characterised by two colours that give a feeling of joy and peace: blue as the waters illuminated by the sun, and green as the gentle hills surrounding the lake. Thanks to the lake’s mediterranean climate, plants and flowers flourish everywhere: vines, bougainvillae, lemon groves, olive trees.
Apart from its clear waters, the lake has plenty to offer: art (the Vittoriale museum, the Art Nouveau villas), entertainment (water parks, concerts, shows, live clubs), nature (the lemon gardens, natural parks), sports (sailing, windsurf, water ski, canyoning, rafting, paragliding, trekking, mountaineering, climbing), shopping in the elegant boutiques of the lake promenades.
Three beautiful golf courses are available on the western coast, and are renowned all over Europe. Spas and top-quality wellness centres are also very well known.
Lake Garda is worth a visit also for its typical products such as wine (high-quality red and white wines such as Groppello, Lugana and Garda Classico), extra-virgin olive oil, and delicious traditional dishes based on lake fish and spits.
Worldwide famous painters, writers and artists like Goethe, D’Annunzio, Ibsen and Lawrence lived here and from the harmony of the lake drew inspiration for some of their important works.
VALCAMONICA
The two most important natural parks in the Alps, the Adamello and Stelvio parks, mark the northern border of Valcamonica.
The valley is one of the biggest in Italy, stretching from Lake Iseo to the Province of Trento. It includes big forests, valleys, rocky mountains, and a close network of paths and refuges that attract sports lovers. The modern ski resorts of Ponte di Legno-Tonale, Corteno-Aprica, Borno and Montecampione are well-known by Italians and foreigners alike. It is even possible to ski in the summer, thanks to the huge Presena glacier that ensures ski 365 days a year.
Valcamonica also boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage. Of particular interest are the rock engravings that tell the ancient story of the Camuni, the population that settled in the valley around 9,000 b.C. Several national and regional parks protect this fantastic collection, that was recognised as a World Heritage by UNESCO: first site in Italy, site n.94
Beautiful little churches and chapels also enrich the small mountain villages; they contain real masterpieces of famous painters and wood-carvers (a traditional activity in the valley). Today you can still find several skilled craftsmen who create unique works of art.
Winter sports (ski, sled-dog, traditional snowshoe races, ice skating), but also trekking, climbing, culture, tasty local cuisine, Italian fashion shops and spas, make Valcamonica a beautiful destination all over the year.
VALTROMPIA
Valtrompia has two souls: the Low Valley, one of the richest industrial areas in Lombardy, and the Medium and High Valley, where nature and silence prevail. The virtual boundary is the town of Gardone Valtrompia, famous worldwide for its arms production that dates back to the 16th century.
Here the land is the real museum. Since ancient times the abundance of minerals and water have favoured the development of iron production and manufacturing. The recent revaluation of this traditional activity has led to the creation of the Iron Route, an itinerary that brings you into the old mines on board a train, accompanied by expert guides. The visit is thrilling, both for adults and children.
The Miniera Avventura route is very amusing, too: you can enjoy the experience of crossing a river suspended to a steel cable, overcome obstacles walking on tree logs, pass on a suspended bridge. Safety of course is fully guaranteed.
Valtrompia has a rich food tradition: delicious cheese, tasty meat dishes, game, trouts from the valley’s streams are served in friendly family-run restaurants.
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