Enjoy Brescia
Here, in the heart of the Roman city, near the decumanus maximus, there is the historic headquarters of Università Cattolica, in via Trieste 17, inside the XV century Palazzo Martinengo Cesaresco dell'Aquilone.
Between classes you can decide to enjoy the internal garden to study or chat with your friends or to stroll around the city center, rich in cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Find everything you might need right outside your classroom.
In 2020 the brand new campus of Cattolica opened in Mompiano (via della Garzetta 48), located in the north of the city, at the foot of the S. Giuseppe hill and immersed in the green “Park of the hills”. Enjoy the modernity of the new campus, where you will find large coworking and socializing spaces, a huge garden, the gym and the football pitch.
Places to see
The museum is set up in a monastery complex of Lombard origin, erected by the last Lombard king Desiderio and his wife Ansa in 753 a.D. and dedicated to St. Savior and Santa Giulia. The Complex became UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Important remains of Roman and Lombard era are preserved in the Museum. Santa Giulia Museum is home to great art exhibitions that attract tourists from all Italy.
The Roman Forum
The ancient Forum was the fulcrum of business, political and religious life during the Roman era. The remains of the Capitolium Temple built by Vespasian between 74 and 73 a.D. and the Basilica faced the square and offer a remarkable scenographic effect. During archaeological excavations in 1826, the statue of the "Winged Victory" was discovered. Now this beautiful bronze statue is preserved in Santa Giulia Museum and has become a symbol of the city.
Piazza del Duomo (Piazza Paolo VI)
This fascinating square is dominated by the Duomo Nuovo (the New Cathedral) and the Duomo Vecchio (the Old Cathedral) and it is the heart of the old city. The majestic Duomo Nuovo is characterized by the imposing dome, cupola. The Duomo Vecchio is the most important building of the Lombard Romanesque style and has a circular plant. The east side of the square is occupied by the Broletto, the oldest communal palace in the city. Nowadays, the building houses the Prefecture, a Police Station, province and council offices.
Castello
The Castle of Brescia, located on the Cidneo hill, is the symbol of the city. The fort was built in medieval times, but the first building dates back to the Celts. The Castle of Brescia can be easily reached on foot from the city center by short walks leading to the Castle Park. From the Castle, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings. The Castle hosts the first public astronomical Observatory of Italy, the weapons museum, and an ancient steam locomotive.
Piazza Loggia
It is the most beautiful square in Brescia dominated by the magnificent Renaissance Palace of the Loggia, nowadays the town hall. The east side of the square is characterized by the beautiful sixteenth century mechanical Clock Tower with an astronomical clock-face. Typical Italian cafés and ice-cream shops surround the square.
Surroundings Areas
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and extends between the regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige. The Brescia side of the lake includes the most popular tourist destinations, such as Sirmione (famous for its hot springs and Rocca Scaligera), Desenzano, Salò, Gardone Riviera (where the great poet Gabriele D'Annunzio built the Vittoriale degli Italiani) that attract thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo is the second largest lake of the province. Less known if compared to Lake Garda, it became a famous and popular tourist attraction in 2016 thanks to Christo's "The Floating Piers," a temporary artistic installation which conceived a walkway across the shores of Lake Iseo.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a hilly area between Brescia and the Southern end of Lake Iseo. Franciacorta is a land of culinary traditions and vineyards, worldwide known for the production of the classic method sparkling wine Franciacorta DOCG.
The Camonica Valley
Immerse yourself in nature: Camonica Valley is characterized for its beautiful mountains (it is part of the National park of the Stelvio), hot springs, and history (National Park of Rock Engravings, the largest known patrimony of pre-historic people).
Events in Brescia
Enzo Ferrari described the Mille Miglia as "the most beautiful race in the world". The Mille Miglia is a famous classic cars race competition held in May, which is now in its 90th edition with departure from Brescia, arriving in Rome and non-stop return to Brescia. Every year the Mille Miglia attracts thousands of visitors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Fiera di San Faustino
San Faustino is the patron saint of Brescia and it is celebrated on 15 February. Every year the famous fair of San Faustino is held for the occasion: the center of Brescia welcomes the stalls that with their perfumes and colors of all kinds invade the city from Via San Faustino to the center.
Brescia nightlife
Carmine and Piazzale Arnaldo are the nightlife districts of Brescia. Carmine is a lively multi-ethnic district featuring art galleries, typical restaurants, and laboratories. Carmine is the district that never sleeps: every night there is always something to do. Piazzale Arnaldo is the place to go if you want to have fun: every beautiful Brescia evening starts with an aperitif strictly based on Pirlo which is the Brescia cocktail for excellence, also awarded by the New York Times in 2017.