Brescia & Bergamo
The Lombard city of Brescia is around 30 kilometers from the south-west of Lake Garda and is worth a visit thanks to its numerous art treasures. The city's cultural monuments provide almost complete testimony to the past 2000 years. In the city center there are beautiful squares to see, such as Piazza della Vittoria, Piazza della Loggia and Piazza Paolo VI. Around these squares there are interesting stores for shopping.
The location of Bergamo is exceptional: the Città Alta is on a hill, the Città Bassa on the plain below. In the former, strolling through the medieval streets, you can discover Renaissance squares and buildings and works of art such as the Colleone chapel. In the Città Bassa, the Accademia Carrara picture gallery and a number of churches with paintings by Lorenzo Lotto are particularly worth seeing.
1. Sights Brescia
On the eastern outskirts of Brescia is perhaps Brescia's most important attraction: the San Salvatore - Santa Giulia complex. This former convent includes a basilica, cloisters and the Santa Giulia Museum, which houses Roman bronze statues and medieval frescoes, among other things.
Link: https://museiombardia.cultura.gov.it/ - Information on the museums in the Brescia region, also in English.
Link: https://www.bresciatourism.it/de/ - Tourist information on the Brescia region, also in English.
Shopping streets in Brescia: Corso Palestro - Corso Zanardelli - Via X Giornate - Via Mazzini - Via San Faustino - Contrada del Carmine
Brescia Castle is located on the Cidneo Hill and is considered by many Brescian as the symbol of the city. It is easily accessible on foot from the city center. Once at the top you can enjoy the view from the walls of the castle. The castle is also the seat of numerous events and in the Weapons Museum you can see one of the largest collections of weapons and old armor in Europe.
Just outside of Brescia is the automobile museum Mille Miglia, which is well worth seeing
Link: http://www.museomillemiglia.it/en/index.php - Automobile Museum
2. Sights Bergamo
The city of Bergamo, which is well worth seeing, can be reached from Lake Garda in about 1 hour by car. The cable car takes you to the old upper town of Città Alta, which is surrounded by Venetian walls. The current walls date from the 16th century and include several bastions. The beautiful old town of Bergamo is vehicle-free, so you can stroll through the streets and explore the sights in peace and quiet.
Link: https://www.visitbergamo.net/ - Tourist information on Bergamo
Link: https://www.museodellestorie.bergamo.it/ - Information on the Museums of Bergamo
The center of the historic upper town is the Piazza Vecchia, where the medieval town hall Palazzo della Ragione with the city tower Torre Civica or Campanone stands. Behind, on the Piazza del Duomo, on the left, is the Duomo di Bergamo and the Cattedrale di Sant'Alessandro Martire. Right next to it is the Battistero di Bergamo.
How about a romantic walk in the moonlight in an atmospheric place? There is one place that has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2017, further confirming Lombardy’s first place in Italy: the Venetian Defenses in Bergamo. These are imposing walls and ramparts built around the upper town of Bergamo in the 16th century, when it was part of the government of the Maritime Republic of Venice. The Walls (Mura Venete) are more than six kilometers long and in some places reach a height of 50 meters. At the weekend, the inside of the walls is transformed into a huge pedestrian zone.
The San Vigilio cable car takes you from Bergamo Alta up to the San Vigilio hill. Of course, from up there you have a great view of the city and the surrounding area. There are also many nice cafés with terraces where you can relax. The fortress (Castello di San Vigilio) itself isn't exactly spectacular, but it does offer great views of the city below. The Castello di San Vigilio is one of the quieter places in Bergamo and at the same time offers a fantastic view of the old town and the Bergamasque Alps; this makes this place the ideal place for a rest or a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the upper town.
Piazza Vecchia - Here is the Palazzo della Ragione and the Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai, as well as the mighty city tower. In the middle of the square is the Fontana del Cantarini from 1780. Coming from Piazza Vecchia, pass under the portico of the Palazzo della Ragione that connects Piazza Vecchia to Piazza del Duomo. Here stands the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro (Duomo di Bergamo). On the place where, according to legend, the martyrdom of Saint Alexander took place in 303 AD. The cathedral was built in 1688 based on a project by Carlo Fontana. In 1853 the dome designed by Ferdinando Crivelli was completed, and shortly afterwards the facade. The cathedral houses important works inside, including paintings by Andrea Previtali, Giovan Battista Moroni and Giambattista Tiepolo. Among the paintings, the "Martirio di San Giovanni Vescovo" by Tiepolo and the Madonna con il Bambino in Gloria e i Santi Caterina d'Alessandria e Gerolamo by Moroni stand out. The dome of the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro was built by Berlendis in the 19th century. Slightly higher than that of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, it presents the statue of St. Alexander made of copper by Broggi on the outside.
Next to Bergamo Cathedral is the Battistero, built by Giovanni da Campione in the 14th century. The baptistery is not only a place of faith, but also of earlier church art. Among other things, you can see the cycle by Giovanni da Campione on the life of Christ, a historical work of art that describes various episodes of the life of Jesus Christ in reliefs.
The Campanone or Torre Civica is a 55m high observation tower with a great view of the Piazza Vecchia below and the whole old town of Bergamo. The tour of the tower is highly recommended. There are 230 steps to the top or you can take a lift. The entrance fee also includes a visit to the museum in the Palazzo del Podestà.
The Accademia Carrara is also worth seeing. It is located in Bergamo Bassa (Lower Bergamo), in Piazza Carrara 82. The origins of the Accademia Carrara can be traced back to Count Giacomo Carrara, a patron and collector who, at the end of the 18th century, gave a generous donation to the city of Bergamo left an inheritance. In 1810 a new building was erected, designed by the architect Simone Elia, in neoclassical forms. Over time, the museum has been able to increase its collection through acquisitions and donations. In 2006 it had 1,800 paintings from the 15th to the 19th centuries, including paintings by artists such as Pisanello, Botticelli, Bellini, Lotto, Mantegna, Raphael, Moroni, Palma Giovane, Baschenis, Fra Galgario, Tiepolo, Canaletto and Piccio.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore stands on the cathedral square in front of the magnificent backdrop of the upper old town of Bergamo with its many narrow streets and picturesque corners. It was built in the second half of the 12th century and has a typically Romanesque exterior, while the interior decorations are in brilliant Baroque style
The Cappella Colleoni in the old town of Bergamo is a burial chapel commissioned by the Condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni in 1471. The elaborately designed chapel is an outstanding example of Lombard architecture of the 15th century. The façade of the Colleoni chapel, in polychrome marble, forms a harmonious and distinctive decoration, framed by pilaster strips with medallions, in the upper part there is a small box with columns and statues. It contains the tombs of the mercenary leader Colleoni (1400-1475) and his daughter Medea, who died in 1470 at the age of twelve.
Sant'Agostino - The deconsecrated church with sandstone facade in the late Gothic style is a former part of a convent. Today, art exhibitions and cultural events are often held here. Nearby is the Porta di Sant'Agostino. The city gate erected at the end of the 16th century with the huge fountain in front of it forms the eastern entrance to the Città Alta.
3. Lago d'Iseo, near Brescia
Not far from Brescia is Lake Iseo, bordering the Franciacorta wine region. The Val Camonica adjoins Lake Iseo in a northerly direction, with the thermal baths at Boario Terme and the village of Bienno, which is well worth seeing.
The largest Italian lake island, Monte Isola, is located in Lake Iseo. There are no cars on the island of Monte Isola, minibuses take tourists and locals from place to place. The island has a circumference of 9 km and the Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola is located on the 400 m high mountain dome. The quickest way to get to the island is by boat, from Sulzano to Peschiera Maraglio (15 minutes).
The loveliest places on the lake are Iseo on the south-eastern shore and Lóvere on the northern shore, while the small holiday resorts of Sarnico, Predore, Clusane, Riva di Solto and Pisogne score points with their original town centers with narrow streets and beautiful lakeside promenades, typical Italian life and nice restaurants.
4. Thermal baths & Sports & Golf
The Terme di Boario address is in the town of Boario Terme, north of Lake Iseo: Boario Terme (Province of Brescia) Piazzale delle Terme, 3. . Thermal complex with large park, with health trail and entertainment program.
Link: https://www.termediboario.it
The Terme di Angola are located near the town of Boario Terme, in the beautiful side valley of the Val di Scalvie. This thermal complex is located in a large park with a swimming pool.
Link: https://www.termediangolo.it
At Tassara in Collio, in the Valtrompia - Miniera S. Aloisio - Europe's first underground climbing or adventure course is offered to the daring in the tunnels of the former mine S Aloisio - Tassara.
Golf near Brescia:
Brescia Golf Country Club in Brescia, Via Stretta. Address: Via Stretta 48, 25128 Brescia.
Franciacortagolf - Golf Club Franciacorta - Via Provinciale 34 - I-25040 Corte Franca
Link: https://www.franciacortagolfclub.it
Serenissima Golf Club at Bettole di Buffolora. Address: Via Serenissima 34, Bettole di Buffalora, 25129 Brescia.
5. Restaurants & Wine region Franciacorta
Restaurants in Brescia:
Trattoria Eva
The restaurant is a bit hidden but beautiful in the middle of the vineyards. Simply but nicely furnished in summer with a very nice terrace (new!) you feel very comfortable in this family business. Good, decent Italian food.
Address Via Gazzolo 75, Botticino
Phone +39 030 269 15 22
Ristorante La Sosta
This impressive restaurant, much appreciated in Brescia, is housed in a 17th-century building. In summer you eat outdoors in the evenings. Good Italian food in elegant surroundings.
Address Via San Martino della Battaglia 20, Brescia
Phone +39 030 29 56 03
Rest day Monday
La Porta Antica- Restaurant
A small, very stylishly furnished restaurant with exceptionally friendly staff. The food is wonderful and the prices are reasonable.
Address Via Bezzecca 17, Kreuzung via Quarto dei Mille 16, Brescia
Phone +39 030 094 93 13
Rest day Monday
Trattoria G.A. Porteri
Cozy trattoria. Very friendly service with plenty of choice of delicious dishes and wines.
Address Via Trento 52/d, Brescia
Phone +39 030 38 09 47 und 030 30 18 33
Rest day Monday
Osteria Quattro Rose
A good restaurant in the town of Rovato, north of Brescia.
Address Via Castello 27, Rovato (BS)
Phone +39 030 72 30 27
Restaurants in Bergamo:
Bergamo has an excellent regional cuisine. The region is known for the large number of cheeses, including the most famous varieties such as Gorgonzola, Stracchino, Taleggio. Specialties are also paella, pasta, ravioli and polenta. You should also try the sparkling wine Franciacorta (a special grape variety).
Osteria Al Gigianca
Slightly unfavorable location outside, but cozy ambience in which typical seasonal dishes of the area are presented with devotion.
Address Via Broseta 113, Bergamo
Phone +39 035 568 49 28
Rest day Sunday
Al Carroponte- Restaurant
The lively restaurant knows how to satisfy all guests in culinary and oenological terms. Top quality and food at the highest level.
Address Via Edmondo De Amicis 4, Bergamo
Phone +39 035 24 06 40
Rest day Sunday
Ristorante La Caprese
This is a little insider tip in Bergamo. Restaurant Caprese is a seafood restaurant - fairly well hidden in a residential area west of Bergamo. There is also a terrace for the summer.
Address Via Giuseppe Garibaldi 7, località Borghetto, Mozzo
Phone +39 035 437 66 61
Rest day Monday
Roof Garden- Restaurant
The view is stunning. The service is very courteous, polite and unobtrusive, and the food is excellent. Good price - performance ratio.
Address Piazza della Repubblica 6, Bergamo
Phone +39 035 36 61 59
Rest day Sunday
Baretto di San Vigilio
Characteristic bar - restaurant in the small square in front of the cable car station. Good summer activity on the terrace with an enchanting view. Delicious food, colossal view, great service.
Address Via Al Castello 1, San Vigilio, Bergamo
Phone +39 035 25 31 91
N.O.I.- Restaurant
A small, authentic restaurant with good food.
Address Via Alberto Pitentino 6, Bergamo
Phone +39 035 23 77 50
Lio Pellegrini- Restaurant
In the midst of hundreds of decorative items you can enjoy a wonderful dinner here. Small but nice menu and friendly service.
Address Via San Tomaso 47, Bergamo
Phone +39 035 24 78 13
Rest day Monday
Wine region Franciacorta:
The Franciacorta wine-growing region extends to the south of Lake Iseo.It is the largest wine-growing region in Lombardy and is particularly known for its sparkling wines such as Satén, Millesimato Brut, under the valued brand name Franciacorta DOCG. Sun-drenched hills covered with vineyards, olive groves, parks of natural interest, picturesque rivers, medieval castles, palaces from the 16th century, noble villas from the 18th and 19th centuries - all this characterizes the Franciacorta, which stretches from Lake Iseo almost to Bresciaextends.To get to know the charm of Franciacorta in all its many facets, we recommend strolling around the Lake Iseo area, letting yourself be captivated by the bucolic charm of the ancient towns and hills, and of course stopping by the wineries to taste the winesto taste.
Link: https://www.bresciatourism.it/en/things-to-do/franciacorta/
Santus Franciacorta - Wine producer
Has good sparkling wines/champagnes.Located in the Franciacorta wine region, near Brescia and Lake Iseo
Address Via Case Sparse Passirano 2, Passirano
Phone +39 348 651 29 20
6. Events
Events in Brescia:
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Equestrian tournament in the city center (La Giostra di Brescia, in Brescia, in September)
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Classic car race "Mille Miglia", from Brescia to Rome and back, in May.
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Brescia Opera Festival - ("Festa dell'Opera", in Brescia, in June)
Events in Bergamo:
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Sagra del Baloch
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Orobie Film Festival
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Palio degli Asini di Songavazzo
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Mercatini di Natale (Christmas Markets)
Palazzo della Loggia
Lago d'Iseo - Passerelles, realized by Christo
Franciacorta - Wine region
Castle of Brescia
Piazza Paolo VI - Old Cathedral (left) and restaurants
New Cathedral Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta and Torre del Pegol
Piazza della Loggia
Archaeological Park Brixia Romana
Park Brixia Romana
Piazza della Vittoria & Torre della Rivoluzione
Bienno - Exhibitions - Craftsmanship
Old Cathedral (round building) and New Cathedral