Brescia has a Roman temple standing in the middle of the city. The Capitolium (73 AD, built by Emperor Vespasian) rises from Via dei Musei with its three cellae still intact — one of the best-preserved Roman temples in northern Italy. Behind it, the Roman theater's curved wall is visible. The forum lies beneath the modern street. Next door, the Monastery of Santa Giulia (a Lombard foundation from 753 AD, now the city museum) contains the Winged Victory of Brescia — a 1st-century AD bronze statue that is the most important Roman bronze in Italy after the Marcus Aurelius in Rome. UNESCO inscribed both as part of "The Longobards in Italy" (2011). Brescia was Italian Capital of Culture 2023. And still, almost no international tourists come.
Discover Brescia →Capitolium (73 AD): A Roman temple with three cellae (rooms dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva) — the walls stand to their original height, and the original mosaic floors are partially preserved. The podium, columns, and architectural detail demonstrate Flavian-era imperial architecture. You can enter the cellae and see the original painted plaster fragments. The Roman Theater: Behind the Capitolium — the curved cavea (seating area) is partially visible, incorporated into medieval buildings. Together with the temple and the forum (beneath Via dei Musei), they form the most complete Roman public complex in Lombardy. The Domus dell'Ortaglia: Two Roman houses with stunning mosaic floors (geometric patterns, mythological scenes) discovered under the monastery gardens. Accessible through Santa Giulia museum.
The Monastery of San Salvatore-Santa Giulia: Founded by the Lombard King Desiderius in 753 AD for his daughter Anselperga. The complex spans 14,000 sq meters and contains 11,000+ objects from prehistory to the 18th century. The Winged Victory (Vittoria Alata): A life-size 1st-century AD bronze — originally a full-figure statue of Aphrodite, later modified into a Victory figure with wings and crown. Restored 2020 (by the same team that cleaned the Sistine Chapel), now displayed in a dedicated room. The detail — the drapery, the muscles, the feathers — is extraordinary. The Cross of Desiderius: An 8th-century Lombard processional cross studded with 212 gems, cameos (including a 3rd-century Roman portrait), and enamels. The Lombard churches within the monastery: San Salvatore (8th-century columns, Carolingian frescoes) and Santa Maria in Solario (12th-century starry vault).
Combined ticket (Santa Giulia + Capitolium + Domus): €15. Under 18: FREE. First Sunday free. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. CLOSED Mondays. How long: 2-3 hours for everything. Getting there: Train from Milan (1h, €8-12), Verona (40min, €6-9), Bergamo (50min). The city: Brescia also has Piazza della Loggia (Renaissance, the 1974 bombing memorial is moving), the Castello on the hill (panoramic views, arms museum), and excellent Brescian cuisine (casoncelli, manzo all'olio — braised beef in olive oil, polenta e osei). Combine with: Lake Garda/Iseo (30min), Bergamo (50min), Sirmione (30min), Franciacorta wine region (Italy's best sparkling wine, 20min south). Hidden gems →