Brescia Castle

Brescia, Italy

Brescia Castle on the rocky hill is the ancient part of Brixia, Roman city established in the 1st century BCE. The castle is called the 'Falcon of Italy' because of its position on the summit of the hill, where it overlooks the city from above. It is one of the largest fortified complexes in Italy with 75,000 square metres enclosed within its surrounding walls. The old Venetian-Visconti stronghold dominates the city and its well preserved buildings illustrate the evolution in military techniques that over time have rendered the defensive system impregnable and made it a perfect instrument to control the city for the various 'dominators' who succeeded one another in Brescia.

Walking along the path that leads from the entrance up to the top of the hill, the visitor travels through history: from 16th century military buildings (the time when Venetian domination began) to 19th century ones (the period of Austrian occupation) and then back in time again to the innermost surrounding walls built by the Visconti in medieval times.

The Castle and hill together have always been an integral part of the city. Yet, nowadays, going 'up to the Castle' means not only visiting the massive fortifications of the stronghold but also strolling in the spacious gardens within the walls or along the shady roads leading to the top of Cidneo hill.

The natural characteristics of the site were used for defensive purposes right from the time of the first settlements but have over time changed their function. The slopes of the hill, which were barren originally and covered in stones  to make it easier to sight the enemy, are quite different nowadays; since the end of the 19th century they have been completely changed: tree-lined avenues have been created and monuments and stelae put up; so that the Castle has taken on a public role that is both recreational and educational.

The Visconti Keep houses the Luigi Marzoli Arms Museum, one of the most important of its kind in Europe because of the wealth of 15th and 16th century arms and armour and guns in its collections. The exhibits, of great historical and artistic interest, are set out in various sections according to type and period. there are about six hundred items on display offering significant examples of both Milanese arms production and that of Brescia, which boasts a centuries-old tradition in the sector.

The Museum of the Risorgimento is housed in the Grande Miglio (corn store), and has many interesting objects on display: documents, pictures, period prints, and historic relics. It is laid out in two sections which are devoted to the most important figures and happenings of the period ranging from the revolutionary years at the end of the 18th century to the late 19th century. 

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Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Wayne Bock (7 months ago)
Very worthwhile place to visit on the hill above the old town. Easy parking next to the castle, or hike up. Great views and a very impressive fortified castle. Have fun!
Tigerus (8 months ago)
Went on a Monday, the museums were all closed, I knew already before hand that they close at every Monday, but the castle itself can be seen either way and it's beautiful.
Hatef Rad (9 months ago)
Extremely beautiful castle. Perfectly well maintained. Even without the ticket you can enjoy the green surroundings and the view of the city.
Dr Fady Hachem (9 months ago)
The castle is on the top of a hill in Brescia …i really enjoyed the place …. You have a fantastic view of the beautiful and historical town of Brescia … many museum inside the castle … weapons museum … painting museum …. A place you must visit if you are in the area …
Essa Moh A Darwish (10 months ago)
I wasn’t expecting Brescia to have such a beautiful castle with beautiful 360 degrees panoramic view of the city on different levels of the castle, amazing place to visit & take photos, I wish Brescia would advertise it more, I have visited many other castles in different Italian cities & this one is one of my favorite so far.
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