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Location Icon Brescia

Brescia Walking Tour: Uncover Italy's Lioness (Self-Guided)

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Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo The Lioness of Italy: A Brescia Self-Guided Walking Tour invites everyone to explore the rich history of Brescia, Italy, in a unique and engaging way. This 90-minute self-guided adventure takes you on a journey through 2,000 years of history, from its ancient Gallic roots to its powerful Lombard heritage. It’s a chance to see why Brescia earned the fierce title of “Lioness of Italy” during the 1849 rebellion.

What to expect: Discover Brescia Castle, also known as the “Falcon of Italy,” before venturing into the UNESCO-listed Parco Archeologico di Brixia Romana, the Santa Giulia Museum, and the Duomo Vecchio, which dates back to the 10th century. The tour also guides you through Piazza Paolo VI, where you can admire two stunning cathedrals, the intricate astronomical clock tower, the Renaissance-era Piazza della Loggia, and the bustling Corso Goffredo Mameli.

This self-guided tour includes lifetime access to the tour in English, both before and after the booking date. It also offers offline access to audio, maps, and geodata through an easy-to-use app for both Android and iOS devices. Explore at a comfortable pace, guided by GPS directions that start automatically when arriving at the designated starting point. Please note that this tour excludes smartphones, headphones, entrance fees, food, drinks, and transportation. Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Explore Brescia's History: Uncover 2,000 years of Brescia's past, from Roman ruins to Renaissance art.

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Self-Guided Adventure: Discover Brescia at your own pace with a user-friendly app.

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Iconic Landmarks: Visit Brescia Castle, ancient cathedrals, and historical piazzas.

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Offline Access: Enjoy the tour with offline maps and audio.

Sentiment Analysis

Quotes Logo

Customers generally enjoyed the self-guided walking tour of Brescia, praising its flexibility and informative audio guide. Some experienced technical issues with the app and noted occasional difficulty with directions. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon People really enjoyed walking around and learning about the city at their own speed.

    Positive Highlight Icon The audio guide made the tour interesting and easy to follow.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many people found the historical sites to be beautiful and worth visiting.

    Positive Highlight Icon Customers like the flexibility of doing the tour anytime.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some people had trouble with the app or the audio working correctly.

    Negative Highlight Icon A few people wished there were more clear signs or directions in some areas.

The Journey

1

Brescia Castle

Step back in time at Brescia Castle, a formidable fortress begun in 1330 by Holy Roman Emperor John of Bohemia. Perched atop Cidneo Hill, the castle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. Explore its ramparts, towers, and museums, and imagine the sieges and triumphs that have shaped its storied past. Its strategic importance and architectural grandeur make it a must-see landmark.

2

Memorial to Victims of Terrorism and Political Violence

Reflect on Italy's complex history at the Memorial to Victims of Terrorism and Political Violence. This solemn memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of terrorism and political violence on the nation. It is a place of remembrance, reflection, and a testament to resilience.

3

Archaeological Area of Brescia

Uncover the secrets of ancient Brixia at the Archaeological Area of Brescia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. This remarkably well-preserved Roman site offers a glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire. Wander through the ruins of temples, a forum, and a theater, and marvel at the mosaics and artifacts that have survived for centuries. It is one of the best preserved roman sites in Northern Italy.

4

Capitolium of Brixia

Journey back to the Flavian dynasty (69-96 CE) at the Capitolium of Brixia, a stunning example of Roman architecture. Marvel at the grandeur of this ancient temple, dedicated to the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva). Explore the museum to discover artifacts unearthed from the site, offering insights into Roman religious practices and daily life. This site is an incredible glimpse into Brescia's Roman past.

5

Monastery of San Salvatore

Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic heritage of the Monastery of San Salvatore, a vast complex encompassing the church of Santa Maria del Solario, the basilica of San Salvatore, a monastic choir, a Roman domus, and a statue garden. Explore its architectural styles, ranging from Lombard to Romanesque, and admire the frescoes and sculptures that adorn its walls. This UNESCO-listed site offers a captivating journey through centuries of art, faith, and culture. Don't miss the hauntingly beautiful Coro delle Monache.

6

Church of San Clemente

Pay homage to Saint Clement, the 4th Pope of Rome, at the Church of San Clemente. Explore the church's architecture and artwork, reflecting centuries of religious devotion. Discover the stories and legends associated with Saint Clement and his significance in Christian history.

7

Museum of Ethnic Instruments

Embark on a sonic adventure at the Museum of Ethnic Instruments, home to a fascinating collection of musical instruments from around the globe. Discover unique instruments made from unusual materials, including dead armadillos, and marvel at a very early version of the saxophone crafted by Adolph Sax. This museum offers a captivating glimpse into the diverse musical traditions of different cultures.

8

Teatro Grande

Experience the elegance and grandeur of the Teatro Grande, a legendary theater built in the 1600s and later dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte. Admire the theater's opulent interior, adorned with frescoes, chandeliers, and plush velvet seats. Attend a performance to experience the magic of opera, ballet, or theater in this historic setting. This beautiful opera house offers tours that detail its rich past.

9

Palazzo della Loggia

Admire the architectural splendor of the Palazzo della Loggia, a historic building that has served as a center of civil administration since the 1100s, when Brescia was an independent commune. Marvel at its Renaissance facade, adorned with sculptures and intricate details. Explore the building's interior, and learn about its role in Brescia's political and administrative history. Today, the Palazzo still functions as the town hall.

10

Tower of the Clock

Conclude your tour at the historic Tower of the Clock, a landmark adorned with a clock and fountain. Legend has it that the water flowing from the fountain comes from the pipes of the God Triton, son of Poseidon. Toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish, and admire the tower's intricate details.

Know Before You Go

This self-guided tour gives you lifetime access to explore Brescia using an app on your smartphone (Android or iOS), but remember that the smartphone and headphones are not included. The tour provides offline maps, audio commentary, and GPS directions. This tour doesn't include tickets or entrance fees to museums, food, drinks or transportation so you will need to handle those separately. The tour begins when you arrive at the designated starting point, and the GPS will guide you from there.

Hot Tip

Make sure to download the tour and maps before you go, especially if you don't have a lot of data or a good internet connection. Also, bring headphones to better hear the audio guide while you explore!

From $10 Price

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